How to Become a Football Referee in New Mexico: Complete Guide

If you've ever thought about getting more involved in football—without strapping on pads—officiating might be your perfect opportunity. Becoming a football referee in New Mexico is a great way to stay connected to the sport, earn extra income, and be part of the game-day experience from a new angle.

This guide will walk you through the process of becoming a certified football referee in New Mexico. If you're located in the Albuquerque area, Dream Big Officials is a local organization that helps new referees get trained, certified, and assigned to games.

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Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements

Before you can start officiating, here’s what you’ll need:

• Minimum Age: You must be at least 18 years old to officiate high school football in New Mexico
• A general understanding of football is helpful, but not required
• Availability on evenings and weekends, when most games take place
• Willingness to learn and take feedback

No prior refereeing experience is necessary, just the ability to stay focused and active on the field.

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Step 2: Register with the New Mexico Activities Association (NMAA)

In New Mexico, football referees must register through the New Mexico Activities Association (NMAA), which oversees high school sports officiating across the state.

Here’s how to register:

1. Visit www.nmact.org
2. Go to the “Officials” section
3. Choose football as your sport and complete the online registration
4. Pay the annual registration fee
5. Complete a background check (required for all officials)

This registration gives you access to training materials, schedules, and updates from the state.

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Step 3: Complete Training and Certification Requirements

After registering, you’ll need to complete a few steps to become fully certified:

• Attend a rules clinic or online meeting hosted by the NMAA
• Pass the football rules exam, which covers NFHS (National Federation of State High School Associations) rules
• Complete online training videos and case studies
• Participate in local mechanics clinics to learn field positioning and communication techniques

Dream Big Officials offers support during this process, especially for new referees. If you’re unsure where to start, they can help guide you step-by-step.

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Step 4: Get Your Referee Gear

Before your first game, you’ll need to have the right equipment. A basic football official’s uniform includes:

• Black-and-white striped referee shirt
• Black pants (or shorts for youth games)
• Black hat (white for referees)
• Whistle and lanyard
• Penalty flag and bean bag
• Stopwatch or timer
• Down indicator and game card

You can purchase starter kits online or through officials’ supply stores. Dream Big Officials can help you find the right gear to get started.

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Step 5: Start Getting Assigned to Games

Once you’re certified and have your gear, it’s time to get on the field. If you’re based in Albuquerque or nearby, Dream Big Officials is your go-to for assignments and support. They help new officials:

• Get assigned to youth, JV, and varsity games
• Learn from experienced mentors on the field
• Gain confidence through real-game experience

Most new referees start with sub-varsity games or youth football and work their way up to varsity or playoff assignments.

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How Much Can You Earn as a Football Referee?

Referee pay in New Mexico varies based on level:

• Youth Football: $30–$60 per game
• Middle School: $50–$70 per game
• High School JV/Varsity: $70–$110 per game, depending on the district and role

Refereeing just a few games per week can add up quickly, and tournaments or playoff games often come with higher rates.

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Why Become a Football Referee?

• Earn extra income on evenings and weekends
• Stay involved in football in a new and exciting way
• Give back to the community by supporting local youth sports
• Build leadership and communication skills on and off the field
• Enjoy flexible scheduling that works around your life

Whether you’re a former player, a football fan, or just looking for a meaningful side gig, officiating is a rewarding way to contribute to the game.

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Get Started with Dream Big Officials

If you're in the Albuquerque area and want to get started as a football referee, Dream Big Officials can help you every step of the way. From training and certification to game-day support and mentorship, they’ll help you build confidence and get into the game.

Ready to get started?

Reach out to Dream Big Officials today and take your first step toward becoming a certified football referee in New Mexico.