The Stars and Stripes Academy was created in 2012 by Karl Richins (former Big 12 referee and published author) and Ryan Dickson (NFL Side Judge #25) as a way to prepare officials for the experience of working “big time” football. The Academy is located in Salt Lake City, Utah, usually the second weekend in May.
Learn MoreThe Stars and Stripes Academy is intense training for officials focused specifically on “big time” college football. Small college and FCS level officials will prepare themselves to take the next step to D-1 football. High school officials will get a taste of the college experience and improve at their current level while preparing to advance in officiating.
Learn MoreThere are a multitude of outstanding and worthwhile camps and clinics around the country, but Karl and Ryan wanted to create something different. So what’s different about SASA?
Learn More“This Academy was extremely well run and organized. Coming from the east coast, I still felt it was worth every penny!”
“I can’t wait for the season ahead. And coming back next year if accepted.”
“As a non-field official in past years at SASA, I have left the Academy with many new friends, more knowledge of how to succeed in officiating and a strong desire to come back to the Academy next year - either on or non-field.”
“You have a fantastic staff!”
“The Academy was very well organized from start to finish. The game site administrators did a great job.”
“I’m already looking forward to coming back next year. Love the Academy.”
“Thank you so much. I enjoyed every minute of my SASA experience.”
“This season I was fortunate enough to receive two FBS level games at the Referee position. My experience at SASA thoroughly prepared me for the opportunity and gave me a genuine comfort as I took the field. So thank you for setting (and keeping) the bar high at the Academy. Thank you for the honest feedback. Thank you for the quality staff that you put together each year. You really can’t get this type of training anywhere else.”
I wanted to send a note of thanks for SASA and share the real world results. I attended the off-field program and believe it was a big part of my success this year. SASA really opened my eyes to the expectations and responsibilities to be a high level official. It requires lots of study, remaining cool under pressure, and looking the part at all times. These were all things my mentors were saying, and SASA brought it home.