Resides: Owings Mills, Maryland
USA Football Membership: Officiating
Position: Head Linesman/Line Judge
Official Since: 2000
Level: Maryland Board of Football Officials (High School)
Being part of the USA Football family further unites all of us who are connected to America's favorite sport. Game official and member Rob Friedman calls Maryland high school action and has recently applied to work on the college level through the Eastern Association Intercollegiate Football Officials, Philadelphia Chapter. Friedman spoke with USA Football Magazine to share his officiating passion and the value of being a USA Football member.
How did you learn about USA Football?
I attended the 2007 Liberty Bell Football Officials Clinic (near Philadelphia) and information about USA Football was included in our packets. USA Football was also mentioned during one of our general sessions.
What inspired you to join USA Football?
To have an additional resourcefor training, education and information about football officiating.
What do you enjoy about officiating football?
Being on the football field and involved in the sport thatI am passionate about.
What do you value most about being a football official?
The relationships and camaraderie that I have with my fellow officials.I also appreciate the time that other officials have taken in helping with my development as I aim to move up to the next level.
What do you do full-time?
I'm an Operations Manager for Smith Barney.
Are there skills you've developed as an official that help you in your job?
I have to utilize my people skills and remain calm when making decisions - some that people may not like - which are difficult, but fair.Making a call on the field and hearing from an unhappy coachwhile remaining calm reinforces positive character traits that I use at the office.
What would you tell someone who is considering becoming a USA Football officiating member?
I would encourage it. Join. This membership is a valuable resourcethat allows me to develop my officiatingknowledge on and off the field.The tools that are available to me as a member either in print or at usafootball.com alone are worth the nominal cost.
Anything else you would care to add?
I encourage anyone who is considering to become a football official to do it.For those of us who love the sport and have never played it, like in my case, it allows you to be involved in a way like nobody else can.I've made many friends in the officiatingcommunity;some of who I know will be friends for life.Because ofthese friendships, I've become a better person and a better football official.
Read articles like these and more in the USA Football Magazine, only available through USA Football Membership.
