Moore To The Story: Officiating Football with Dylan Dunn
Dylan Dunn, a Professional Engineer at Moore Engineering, spends his workdays designing and managing construction projects. But when the football season rolls around, he steps onto the field in a different role, officiating high school, college, and indoor football games.
How It All Started
Dylan and his brother started officiating football in 2016 after spending years refereeing youth soccer. Dylan saw it as a fun way to stay involved with football and athletics while making a little extra money. His love for football runs deep, with years of playing the game, including at the college level. Now, he gets to enjoy the game from the best seat in the house: as an official. He knows no ref is perfect, but he’s always working to improve and keep the game fair.
Building Skills and Embracing Challenges
Dylan quickly realized that officiating required a new set of skills. It wasn’t just about knowing the game, it was about mastering the rules and making quick, accurate decisions in high-pressure moments. Dylan is always working to get better, whether it’s studying game rules, watching film, and attending officiating clinics to improve both his on-field performance and decision-making abilities.
While officiating can be demanding, the process of continuous learning and improvement is what makes it so rewarding. Dylan recognizes that emotions run high during games, and officials can sometimes be the target of frustration from players, coaches, and fans. However, he sees this as part of the job – developing thick skin, focusing on the next play, and striving to make fair decisions are key to enjoying and succeeding in the role.
What Makes Officiating Unique
One thing many people don’t realize is that for every 22 players on a football field, there are typically only five to seven officials. Despite their best efforts, it’s nearly impossible to catch every single moment from every angle. Officiating is about focusing on the bigger calls, trusting your training and judgment to ensure fairness while maintaining the flow of the game.
The commitment to officiating extends beyond just game time. Dylan spends on average 15 hours per week during the season which includes game time, travel by car or plane, and post-game film review.
A Memorable Milestone
Dylan has had many memorable moments in his nine years of officiating. One of those moments was when a delayed flight out of Chicago nearly made him miss a game. Once he and the other official landed, they had to jump in the game during the second quarter still dressed in their full game attire from the plane.
Some of his most rewarding experiences have been earning playoff assignments in Oregon and Texas, working with a skilled and dedicated crew in high-stakes games.
A Passion That Crosses Over into Engineering
Officiating football ties back to Dylan’s job as an Engineer in many ways. Dylan states “In some cases, the engineer is the referee that needs to make a ruling if something the contractor is justified for more time or money. You need to look at the facts, see both sides, and make a firm decision and move on.“
Future Goals
Looking ahead, Dylan dreams of officiating at the Division 1 level. It’s a tough field, with limited spots available, but he’s all in on doing whatever it takes to be ready when the chance comes.
How to Support Game Officials
If you or someone you know is thinking about getting into officiating, Dylan encourages you to give it a try. Find a mentor, get feedback, and get as many reps as possible. The more you practice, the better you’ll get.
And for everyone watching from the stands, one easy way to support officials is by showing kindness. There is a nationwide shortage of officials across all sports, compounded with an aging roster, and younger officials are facing increased criticism that can cause some to quit after the first year, all leading to the possibility of less games. Dylan reminds that many refs are new and learning, and without them, the games couldn’t happen at all.
Dylan’s story shows how dedication to a passion can lead to growth, both on and off the field.
