Football officials have an underrated role in the football community.

Seldom praised and often scorned, officials have their best days when they go completely unnoticed. The reality is that the overall youth football experience correlates to the quality and ability of the official: The better the official, the better the game is for everyone involved.

Recognizing the need to help support youth officials and equip them with the tools to develop professionally, USA Football is excited to announce the release of its Mechanics of Officiating Youth Tackle Football course.

This video course, done in conjunction with former Big Ten referee Bill Lemonnier and current Big Ten umpire Steve Woods, explores a plenitude of topics that can help officials improve their game, including an in-depth look at positioning, pace and penalties common to the youth game.

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Additionally, this course helps officials work on their communication with players and coaches and emphasizes that officials understand that their contribution to the game is far greater than simply being a rules enforcer.

To learn more about the Mechanics of Officiating Youth Football course, and to sign up to take it, click here.