It's Not All Black and White: From Junior High to the Sugar Bowl, an Inside Look at Football Through the Eyes of an Official

I really like this book because it is the "tell it like is" story of what it takes to prepare and excel in the world of officiating college football. If you ever thought it was easy, the author will quickly demonstrate that it is a difficult and often thankless task. Mr. Liner tells the story how he got his start and worked his way up through the ranks and the considerable sacrifices he had to make to become proficient enough to move to the college level. Even though the author obviously was an outstanding college football official in his own right, he pays tribute to his mentors who helped him learn the craft. He is also candid enough in the book to talk about the toll that his rigourous football officiating schedule had on his personal life and it adds a nice touch to the book. Finally, at the end of each chapter, Mr. Liner sets up a scenario from a football game in which you get to be the official and make the call as to whether it's a penalty or not. I have been following football for 40 years and thought I would ace this part, but I only got half of them right! It was a fun exercise, anyway. A unique book that I would recommend.

After reading this book, watching a football game has never been the same. I had no idea of how much is happening on the field by the guys wearing the striped shirts. Remember how different watching a game became when you got to see it on high def? You will most probably have a similar reaction (more mental than visual) the first game you watch after you have taken an afternoon or a couple of plane rides to read this book. One more note, you will definitely be less prone to badmouth an official because you will have come very close to walking a mile in their shoes. If you are a fan of football...it's a must read or you will forerever remain an ignorant boob! (regarding the professionalism it takes to be a big time football official)

Good info about the world of officials. This is going to be a Christmas gift for my son. I have heard a speach regarding the life of an official and it was a great prelude to this book.