2026 MIBT/NASO Football Officiating Clinic

Description

Great officials don’t just know the rules…they know how to apply them under pressure.

This on-demand training features five in-depth topics that breakdowns some of the most misunderstood and frequently discussed situations in high school football officiating. Through real-game video, expert analysis, and practical officiating philosophy, you’ll learn not only what the correct ruling is, but how experienced officials process these situations in real time.

Whether you’re a new official looking to build confidence or a veteran preparing for playoff assignments, these lessons will help sharpen your judgment, improve crew communication, and reduce preventable mistakes.

Course Topics
Defensive Holding vs. Defensive Pass Interference:  Learn the two-step foul recognition process explained by NFL Back Judge Dino Paganelli and used by top officials to determine when defensive holding remains a holding foul and when it must become defensive pass interference. This segment focuses on ball status, foul recognition, timing, and proper penalty administration.

Penalty Enforcement & Clock Status: Penalty enforcement doesn’t end after announcing the foul.  AIA Commissioner of Officials Ty Cerimeli reviews situations involving multiple live-ball fouls, offsetting penalties, clock status, and the importance of crew communication to ensure the game resumes correctly every time.

Proper Use of the Bean Bag:  Officials often develop habits with bean bags that can create confusion or signal the wrong information to crewmates. Learn when a bean bag is required, when it should stay in your pocket, and how proper mechanics improve crew communication during kicking plays.

Illegal Contact & Blindside Blocks:  Using multiple camera angles, this session examines one of the most commonly missed player safety fouls. MSHSL and Big Ten Referee Jason Nickleby takes you through where officials should be looking, how mechanics affect coverage, and why recognizing developing threats before the block occurs is critical.

Performing Under Pressure:  One of the most valuable discussions of the clinic focuses on the mental side of officiating. Hear advice from former Big Ten Referee John O’Neill on handling pressure, staying focused on the next play, controlling only what you can control, and developing through consistent performance rather than chasing the next level.

Clinic Features:
Real high school game video analysis
Multiple camera angles and slow-motion review
Detailed rules and mechanics discussions
Practical officiating philosophy
Crew communication techniques
Player safety emphasis
On-demand access, watch anytime, anywhere

Whether you’re preparing for Week 1 or a state championship assignment, these five lessons provide practical tools you can immediately apply on the field to become a more confident, consistent, and effective football official.

Recorded LIVE from the NASO Summit in Grand Rapids, MI!