WHEELING - How many times do you watch a football game and think ''this referee is a moron. I could do a better job?''
Well, here is your chance.
Joe Koler, who has been directing football officiating classes for eight years for the Ohio Valley Board of Football Officials, is at it again beginning at 5 p.m. July 31 at Generations.
With older officials getting out and some just not having the time anymore, there is a need for football officials.
''We have been holding our own, but sports like basketball that you can do year-round, seems to get a lot more,'' Koler said. ''But football is football. It's a short season and once it is over, it's over. That is a good thing for some, but others would rather officiate other sports.''
Koler doesn't charge extra for directing the class, but the cost is $107 as mandated by Ohio ($65) and West Virginia ($42) for taking part.
''You can work as many or as little games as you want so you make that money back real quick,'' Koler said.
People passing the class will be registered in both states and will be stationed around the valley.
But don't think that once you pass the class, you will be automatically ready for the Friday night lights.
First- and second-year officials are required to take training classes once a week throughout the season and will mostly do middle school or junior varsity games.
''If you can keep up with it, it's a lot of fun,'' Koler said. ''It can be a lot of work, but it's all up to you.''
The class will involve 30 hours of training and last until mid-August. It will feature classroom work as well as out on the football field.
Last season, 16 people signed up for the class, eight showed up, and only four stayed. Koler said that is a number he would like to get up.
''We are a little behind by about 10 or 12 guys that we would like to have,'' Koler said. ''A lot of times people come and they just don't feel they have the time for it.
''I would say to anybody on the fence to just come in and sit in on it and see what you think.''
For more information or to register, contact Koler at (304) 242-7198.
