Becoming a Referee in Oahu? (Volcano: home, school, college)

[hunterseat]

Is there a training program here for someone to become a sports referee? He's really sharp when it comes to football and basketball (probably baseball). He's a H.S. grad and is here to depressurize from home life mainland. Just weighing options. He's thinking military and/or college. Right now he's pursuing Lifeguard Certification and is considering a career in Firefighting.

Anyone have any info on refereeing?

[whtviper1]

Try NASO - National Association of Sports Officials

[hunterseat]

I kinda did look there. That sends me to the other place I looked. I'll have to contact someone and ask. I'm not finding an answer-for-dummies. I thought there might be someone who's had some experience with this.

[Dreaming of Hawaii]

I just went to the link that White Viper provided, clicked on "Resources", then "Becoming an Official", then "Football Officiating". There were some suggestions there on how to contact other officials in your area and get to know the officiating community.

Or, you could just go to a local school game and talk with the officials.

My first husband was an ex-semi-pro football player and he worked his way up through the ranks of officiating. If Hawaii is anything like Colorado, you really have to prove yourself and pay your dues.

[whtviper1]

Hunter. I actually went to the site, there are decent suggestions to get started.

[merced mullet]

Originally Posted by hunterseat

Right now he's pursuing Lifeguard Certification and is considering a career in Firefighting.

I've been meaning to mention this on C-D Hawaii forum for some time...for those "dreamers" that have some interest in firefighting or EMS on the islands but don't know where to begin I would suggest applying for seasonal (summer) wildland fire positions at Hawaii Volcanos National Park or Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge. After retiring from NPS, Fish and Wildlife Service and Forest Service I can tell you those units have very active fire programs. HAVO routinely sends crews comprised of Somoans, employees from HAVO and Hakalau Forest to the "48s" each summer for large wildfire activity. Also HAVO has an active fire program when the volcano starts flowing.

Be aware however seasonal wildland firefighters from those units don't sit around all day and "polish their fire engines". They''re out cutting gorse or removing koa trees when not on an incident -- tough work but you'll get your foot in the door

[hunterseat]

Not sure how long he will be here. I don't think he really knows what he wants to do but I don't mind him taking some time to get his head on straight in light of the chaos where he's been living back east. That's one reason for doing the lifeguard thing. He can take that with him anywhere OR try to get a job here. There's always pools and water park if he isn't ready for the big time. But it will give him an accomplishment. It's sort of in line with the rescue mentality of firefighting.

I think military Crash Rescue is the way to go, really. Once you do that you can work at any airport or department. If you do non-aviation, you can't do aviation until you get certified in those qualifications.

What an amazing idea working for the park service. There are always postings on USAJobs for the Forestry Dept.

So the thing to do, according to those sites is basically talk to someone who is refereeing now. I might be able to go through the MWR on base... hmmm.... They'd like for him to be a coach with his dad but... dad's not into that kind of time commitment, though son was VERY interested. One day we will all be on the same page.

Thanks for all who replied.

[whtviper1]

Here is training classes for you:

hawaiireferees.com

[hunterseat]

Thanks!