The Amarillo chapter of the Texas Association of Sports Officials gathered on a Saturday to run its annual football clinic, a rite of passage that readies officials and coaches for the upcoming high school season.
The session dove into the latest rule changes, mechanics and communication protocols, giving participants a chance to sharpen the skills that keep games flowing smoothly.
Veteran officials used the platform to mentor newcomers, sharing decades of on‑field experience while newer crews absorbed the nuances of modern officiating.
Mentorship at the Heart of the Clinic
Chapter president Esrael Silva emphasized that officiating is more than blowing a whistle; it is about embedding oneself in the Friday Night Lights tradition and giving back to the Texas Panhandle’s student athletes.
Silva described the role as deeply rewarding, noting that the work sustains the spirit of Texas high school football.
Area coaches also attended, using the clinic as an opportunity to ask questions and deepen their rule knowledge, underscoring the collaborative atmosphere.
With the season looming, the Amarillo chapter is now accepting applications from anyone interested in joining the ranks of referees, inviting new talent to become part of the officiating community.