Rochester Chapter of Certified Football Officials-RCCFO

The Rochester Chapter of Certified Football Officials-RCCFO is proud to have supported the Special Olympics New York 10th annual Buffalo Bowl - a 6-on-6 flag football tournament - played at the Kaleida Health Performance Center, the home of the Buffalo Bills!

2026 marks the beginning of the Thomas E. Dowd Scholarship, established to provide an annual award to a child of one of our current Rochester Chapter of Certified Football Officials-RCCFO members.

This scholarship honors the memory of Tom (T.D) Dowd who dedicated his life to higher education by teaching and leading by example, teaching High School Chemistry and A.P. Chemistry for 34 years. Tom’s devotion to teaching was only personified by being named the University of Rochester High School Teacher of the year in 1994 and in 1996 named the Hilton Central School District’s Teacher of the Year.

An avid sports fan, Tom took up football officiating in 1970 joining the Rochester Chapter of Certified Football Officials (RCCFO) with a career that spanned 50 years of service. Tom was also a 25-year member of the ECAC College football officials’ organization.

Tom’s dedication and professionalism to the game of football provided affiliated recognition; the 1994 RCCFO Football Official of the Year, 2009 inducted into the Section V Football Hall of Fame and 2019 the Greater Rochester Chapter National Football Foundation Outstanding Official award.

It is no coincidence that whether in the classroom or on the football field, Tom exemplified the saying, “to teach is to touch a life forever”.

This year’s recipient remained on the High Honor Roll throughout her tenure at Our Lady of Mercy High School. She received the Monarch Award—granted to one student-athlete who exemplifies compassion, justice, faith, integrity, courage, and respect—for her contributions to the volleyball, softball, and basketball teams, where she served as senior captain. Additionally, she was a Section V Student-Athlete Leadership Representative. Beyond her academic and athletic success, she volunteered at her local church and Gigi’s Playhouse, an organization supporting individuals with Down Syndrome. She balanced these commitments with two jobs all the while maintaining a 3.77 GPA.

The Dowd family and the RCCFO are honored to present the inaugural scholarship to Bridget Wise. Congratulations Bridget.

There’s something hypnotic about a high school football game.
Is it the smell of fall in the air?
The radiant glow of the stadium lights?
The camaraderie of fellow football officials - the ones dressed in black & white stripes.

Officials are an essential component of any football game. There is Teamwork in Football Officiating. Are you the type of person to be a football official?

The time is now, the Rochester Chapter of Certified Football Officials-RCCFO first meeting for the 2026 Fall Football Season is July 27th.

To learn more visit: www.rccfo.com

Congratulations to the Rochester Academy flag football program being awarded the 2026 Class C2 Sportsmanship award. Congratulations!

Thought about becoming a football official?
You’ve come to the right place. Start by learning the rules, understanding the mechanics of the game, gain experience through training and officiating.

Where do you get this?

Join the Rochester Chapter of Certified Football Officials-RCCFO
Meetings for the Fall 2026 Football Season begin on July 27th.

Congratulations to the Batavia flag football program being awarded the 2026 Class C1 Sportsmanship award. Congratulations!

Congratulations to the Webster Schroeder flag football program being awarded the 2026 Class B Sportsmanship award. Congratulations!

Make the Call. Join the Crew.
The Rochester Chapter of Certified Football Officials-RCCFO is always looking for the next generation of football officials. Say Yes to Officiating.

Becoming a high school football referee is an esteemed and fulfilling pursuit.
Do you have an understanding of the game?
Do you possess strong leadership skills?
Are you committed to fairness?
Contact us today, we look forward to meeting you.

Our meetings for the Fall 2026 Football Season begin July 27th
Website: www.rccfo.com
Email: [email protected]

Congratulations to the Edison Tech flag football program being awarded the 2026 Class A Sportsmanship award winner. Congratulations!

Make the Right Call: Become an Official

High school officials help protect the integrity of the game we love by teaching and enforcing the rules of play. New officials have an opportunity to make a difference.

Becoming a high school Football Official is the easiest call you'll ever make.
Contact the RCCFO Today! Meetings begin July 27th at Brighton High School.
Website: www.rccfo.com
Email: [email protected]