Southeastern Football Officials Association

08/26/2025

The SEFOA was blessed last night. Football officiating legend and SEFOA alum, Ron Cherry, stopped by to send us into the 2025 season with some pure inspiration. Sharing the stories behind his legendary career, along with what it takes to be a great ambassador for the sport in our roles as officials. It was a true honor for veteran, middle of their careers, and brand-new officials. And, in a true giving spirit, Ron was here to continue giving back and providing inspiration to us all. Thank you for your time and inspiration Mr. Cherry. What a great way to begin the 2025 season.

08/24/2025

One way to make games longer than they need to be. Check out this article and discuss with your crews about how to keep these meetings to a minimum.

Crew discussion is often necessary to sort out a foul and the accompanying penalty enforcement. Use these tips to remain in control.

08/15/2025

A great article to take in right before the season is about to start. Check it out.

Not all arguments with coaches end perfectly. The goal of all officials is to resolve volatile conflict quickly and to an extent that allows the contest to continue with as little interruption as possible. Your demeanor, body language, what you say and how you say it are all critical components in s...

07/25/2025

The number of registered high school football officials is up 10% over last year, surpassing even pre-pandemic levels and continuing to grow!

These officials are essential to help protect the integrity of the game athletes love: https://bit.ly/3GFeZxU

NFHS

05/20/2025

SEFOA Spotlight Tuesday (Because... it was a Manic Monday!)

This week we're featuring Phil, whose officiating journey started back in the late '80s thanks to a simple notice in a base newspaper. Decades later, he's still at it — and still loving every minute.

Here’s Phil’s story:

🏈 What made you decide to become a football official?

🫏 While serving in the U.S. Navy in the late '80s, I was assigned to shore duty and came across a notice in the local base newspaper, The Sounding. It mentioned that the local officiating association was looking for new officials for high school football. I remember thinking, “That sounds like an incredible opportunity — how cool would that be?” I decided to give it a shot, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

At the last training session, the trainer told us what we would be paid for each game. I thought, “I get to do this and get paid too?!” For me, that sentiment remains true today.

🏈 Do you officiate any other sports?

🫏 Yes. In addition to high school football, I spent 11 years officiating college football and 8 years officiating high school lacrosse — which, in my opinion, is the fastest sport on two feet.

🏈 What do you enjoy most about officiating?

🫏 The camaraderie, without a doubt. There’s something special about sharing a passion with like-minded individuals — people who are all committed to improving, striving for excellence every time we take the field. The pursuit of that elusive "perfect game" keeps us sharp and motivated, and the friendships built along the way are truly lasting.

🏈 What would you tell someone who's thinking about joining?

🫏 Officiating is an experience you’ll carry with you for life. It builds strong bonds — with your crew, your association, and even officials from other regions. It’s also a great conversation starter. When people find out you officiate, they’re often curious and want to hear more. It opens the door to some great interactions.

🏈 How many years have you been officiating high school football?

🫏 This upcoming season will mark my 38th year on the field.

Phil also served as SEFOA Commissioner, and was inducted into the SEFOA Hall of Fame in 2022.

05/12/2025

🏈 Member Spotlight Monday: Meet Brittany

Brittany’s journey into officiating began with a nudge from a coworker and a powerful connection to her grandfather, the late Rudolph Freeman — a respected referee whose retired jersey she now proudly wears on the field.

For her, it’s about legacy, love of the game, and the camaraderie that comes with being part of SEFOA.

Read her full story below 👇

🏈 What made you decide to become a football official?

🫏 I decided to become a football official through the encouragement of a co-worker, Lydell Finley, who was a member of SEFOA. He believed my love for football and knowledge of the game would translate well to officiating.

Also, I admired my grandfather, Rudolph Freeman, who was a well-known referee in the area. I always aspired to be a referee like him, but didn't know how or where to get started. When I finally thought about pursuing officiating, my grandfather had become sick and was not able to help me with it. However, when I became a member of SEFOA, his retired jersey was unretired so that I was able to wear it. Being able to wear his jersey has been an honor, and I hope I am making him proud.

🏈 Do you officiate any other sports?

🫏 I do not officiate any other sports. I did officiate softball for one season as I played softball growing up. However, playing softball and officiating softball are completely different. The experience was not what I expected, so I decided not to continue with it.

🏈 What do you enjoy most about officiating?

🫏 I enjoy the camaraderie the most. I enjoy the pre-game preparation and discussions, the in-game situations that evolve where we work together to solve and resolve situations, and the post-game gatherings and recovery. Even in the off-season, the camaraderie continues with continuous communication and get-togethers to further develop relationships outside of football.

🏈 What would you tell someone who's thinking about joining?

🫏 Just do it. Don't wait for the perfect opportunity or until you feel “ready” to pursue it. If it's something you're interested in, give it a try. Go to the training sessions. Ask questions. Learn more about the avocation.

🏈 How many years have you been officiating high school football?

🫏 I began officiating high school football in 2015.

05/06/2025

We kicked off training for our new officials tonight! We were honored to have a guest appearance via Zoom, former NFL official and FOX Sports replay analyst, Mike Pereira. Mike spoke about Battlefields to Ballfields, an amazing program that provides scholarships to veterans who return from defending our country, with an opportunity to get integrated back into their community through officiating.

Let’s goooo guys & gals!! 🏈 🦓

05/05/2025

🏈 Member Spotlight Monday: Booker 🦓

After retiring from the Navy, Booker was looking for a way to stay active and get healthier. What he found through officiating was more than just exercise — it was purpose, community, and the chance to be a positive role model for student-athletes.

He’s been officiating high school football for nearly a decade (and baseball too!) and says it’s the people — both on the field and in the association — that make this work so meaningful.

Here's a little more about why he officiates:

🏈 What made you decide to become a football official?

🦓 Health and wellness. Upon retiring from the Navy, I immediately gained about 50 pounds and became diabetic with high blood pressure. Doctor recommended I start exercising more and become more active. Upon discussing this with a person from my church, he recommended I become a baseball official. In my first game, I met Gomez, who stated he was the trainer for football and gave me the information to come out that May. Between the two sports, I have been able to lose weight and have healthy numbers.

🏈 Do you officiate any other sports?
🦓 Baseball

🏈 What do you enjoy most about officiating?

🦓 The interaction with the students, hoping to be a positive factor for them. My wife is a high school teacher and is constantly discussing the lack of role models for students. During the time on the field, my goal is to provide a positive experience for the student. Another important factor is the relationships established with the other officials.

🏈 What would you tell someone who's thinking about joining?

🦓 The organization is great and will take care of you. Training is provided to help you become a better official by people who take the time to watch film to assess your mechanics and rule knowledge. The commissioner is fair and treats every person as an equal individual when it comes to game assignments. Within the association, you will meet individuals that can help you achieve higher levels of officiating if that is your personal goal.

🏈 How many years have you been officiating high school football?

🦓 I think nine years, maybe 10.

05/04/2025

🚨🎉🚨💪 CONGRATULATIONS to SEFOA Back Judge Ken Strong on his promotion to the Coastal, Ivy and Patriot Leagues! Ken has been with SEFOA for thirteen years and has worked many playoff games including multiple state championship games. Way to go, Strong!!! 💪

05/04/2025

📣🎉 CONGRATULATIONS to SEFOA Head Line Judge Sam Freeman on his hire by the Eastern Collegiate Football Officials Association (ECFOA)! Sam has been with SEFOA for only two years yet is already on his way to officiating college football. Way to go, Sam!!!

05/02/2025

📣🎉📣 CONGRATULATIONS to SEFOA Line Judge Chris Malcomb on his hire by the Eastern Collegiate Football Officials Association (ECFOA)! Chris has been with SEFOA for three years and worked dozens of varsity contests including multiple playoff games. Way to go, Chris!!!

04/28/2025

Member Spotlight Monday: Herb

Sometimes it’s simple: a love for the game, a passion for helping young athletes, and a front-row seat to Friday night lights.

This week, we’re proud to feature Herb, who has dedicated nearly two decades to officiating and mentoring youth through sports.

Here's a little more about why he officiates:

🏈 What made you decide to become a football official?

🫏 I became a football official to stay close to the game and hopefully be able to help the youth.

🏈 Do you officiate any other sports?

🫏 I officiate high school and college basketball.

🏈 What do you enjoy most about officiating?

🫏 I enjoy getting a front-row seat to some great athletes and also being able to guide them with words of wisdom.

🏈 What would you tell someone who's thinking about joining?

🫏 You can’t do it for the money—you have to do it for the opportunity to help steer the youth with positivity.

🏈 How many years have you been officiating high school football?

🫏 This will be my 20th season.