Saturday's contest was the final regular season game and was the most competitive to date. A classic, back and forth struggle, played in the rain with several key turnovers. Final score was 34-28.
Again, and I still find this so hard to believe, but there was no chain crew until moments before the game started. At half time we had to get another chain crew. The 25 second clock was not working either. High School Freshman games are more organized that this. I worked seven venues this season and this lack of administration has been symptomatic of well over 30% of the fields.
I was run into several times by linebackers during this game. A huge bruise on my right shoulder can attest to just how hard one of these collisions was. At least I was not knocked down.
I threw a flag for holding. I actually think this was my first holding flag this season. The center was clearly holding, twisting the defenders shoulders.. but I held my flag until the ball carrier sprinted by them. The center finish off the foul by taking down the defender. I'd love to see this one film because what may have happened is the defender actually fell on the center rather than the center pulling him down. At least on film it will look like a take down.
I also threw a flag for an illegal forward pass on a blocked Try. The defense picked up the ball and began a return. When the ball carrier was stopped he lateraled, then the next guy lateraled, and the third guys lateraled - just forward this time. The Field Judge also threw a flag that hit the ground about the same time as mine. It always looks good when there are two flags on a penalty.
The only other weird thing was a roughing the center during a Try. The Visitors would line a guy right over the Center. Never a good sign. At the snap, the defender would shoot the gap, but not contact the Center. The offensive Guard would block down and drive the defender into Center. After the play, the Center was pissed off and said "He cannot line-up in front of me!" I tried to explain that the defender can line-up wherever he wants, he just can't make contact for one second. Of course the Center wasn't listening since all he knew was he was being contacted. The second time this happened he had the coach talk to me. I gave him the same answer. But the third time, the defender did drive through the Center. Of course, I heard "he's been doing that all game." Ah, no he didn't, but whatever.
As a crew we did have a blunder. We got it right, but it looked really bad. On a punt return the receivers fouled during the loose ball. For those unfamilar with penalty enforcements, a foul under these conditions will be enforced at the end of the kick... not the end of the run back. This is called the Post Scrimmage Kick spot or PSK spot. Very few non-officials understand this. Well, the Field Judge did not put a bean bag on the ground to indicate this spot. There was a long 40 yard run back on this play and the holding occurred 20 yards in behind the end of the run back. Since we did not have a bean bag we kinda had to guess where the kick ended. The problem was this just took way to long and we did not look like we knew what we were doing.
Overall, I think my performance was good during this game and the best for the season. After the game one of the seasoned officials said, "Good job Duane. You couldn't tell this is your first season."
Let's hope the association feels the same and I am offered a staff position. Stay tuned.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Another Week, Another Weak Game
This week was game number seven for me and week 10 for the season. Next week is the last regular season game. As cliche as it sounds, the season has really flown by.
Yet another lopsided games ending 58-14. The score is deceiving because the halftime score was 51-0. The victors, who are undefeated in conference, could realistically score at will. The defeated team, who was winless in conference, was lucky to make a first down. They were also winless on the season. In fact, this was the team's 45 straight loss.
The White Hat for this game is the veteran assigned as my college mentor. He is also a White Hat in the HS association I work for. He has a laid back, low-key, let's-just-get-the-game-over-with demeanor.
We had another 'observer' at this game. Before the game began he introduced himself, but not as our observer, and ask me if there was any equipment problems. I thought he was the AD for the school and simply stated I saw a few adornments but nothing critical. Then I looked at the tag he had around his neck and realized he was the observer. I have no idea if I stuck my foot into my mouth or not.
On the first play of the game, I threw a flag for twelve on the field. There were only eleven. I killed the play right at the snap and then when I placed the ball back on the ground I placed it a yard ahead of the LOS. The Lineman stopped the play and I had to reset the ball. I'm sure that really looked good to the observer.
I had a player complain to me several times that the opponent was head-slapping. I must admit I wasn't watching for this. I caught a glimpse of him with his hand the the face mask, but it was only for a brief moment. Nothing flag worthy.
Another player asked me to watch the high-low blocks (i.e., chop block). In fact, the Lineman came in and told me the coach in the press box was concerned about the high-lows. I watched. I saw them. And they were legal. The key issue is delay. If the high-low occur simultaneous by adjacent linemen then this is legal. All of these block I observed were simultaneous.
I did throw a flag on a Try when a defender jumped over leaped over the LOS and landed on top of a an opponent.
I did not throw a flag when a player took his helmet off while on the playing field and threw it to the ground following a touchdown. Technically, this is a Unsportmanslike foul. But at this time the score was 51-0. There were no opponents around him and he was near the number next to his sideline. Yes, a foul, and I could be convinced I should have penalized him, but in a way no one was harmed by this act of frustration.
I did stop the White Hat from calling a Block in the Back during a scrimmage kick return. I saw the contact and it was not a BITB. He agreed with me but because the guilty player went after the victim we decided to go with a Person Foul for unnecessary contact away from the play.
Overall, this was a hard game to work. It was hot and we spent more time focusing on dead ball officiating than live ball officiating. I always find these games mentally challenging. And then we had a 2.5 hour drive home. I was drained and went straight to bed when I got home.
Next week is last game. Then I guess I'll find out if I good enough to become a staff member officially become a NCAA Football Official.
Yet another lopsided games ending 58-14. The score is deceiving because the halftime score was 51-0. The victors, who are undefeated in conference, could realistically score at will. The defeated team, who was winless in conference, was lucky to make a first down. They were also winless on the season. In fact, this was the team's 45 straight loss.
The White Hat for this game is the veteran assigned as my college mentor. He is also a White Hat in the HS association I work for. He has a laid back, low-key, let's-just-get-the-game-over-with demeanor.
We had another 'observer' at this game. Before the game began he introduced himself, but not as our observer, and ask me if there was any equipment problems. I thought he was the AD for the school and simply stated I saw a few adornments but nothing critical. Then I looked at the tag he had around his neck and realized he was the observer. I have no idea if I stuck my foot into my mouth or not.
On the first play of the game, I threw a flag for twelve on the field. There were only eleven. I killed the play right at the snap and then when I placed the ball back on the ground I placed it a yard ahead of the LOS. The Lineman stopped the play and I had to reset the ball. I'm sure that really looked good to the observer.
I had a player complain to me several times that the opponent was head-slapping. I must admit I wasn't watching for this. I caught a glimpse of him with his hand the the face mask, but it was only for a brief moment. Nothing flag worthy.
Another player asked me to watch the high-low blocks (i.e., chop block). In fact, the Lineman came in and told me the coach in the press box was concerned about the high-lows. I watched. I saw them. And they were legal. The key issue is delay. If the high-low occur simultaneous by adjacent linemen then this is legal. All of these block I observed were simultaneous.
I did throw a flag on a Try when a defender jumped over leaped over the LOS and landed on top of a an opponent.
I did not throw a flag when a player took his helmet off while on the playing field and threw it to the ground following a touchdown. Technically, this is a Unsportmanslike foul. But at this time the score was 51-0. There were no opponents around him and he was near the number next to his sideline. Yes, a foul, and I could be convinced I should have penalized him, but in a way no one was harmed by this act of frustration.
I did stop the White Hat from calling a Block in the Back during a scrimmage kick return. I saw the contact and it was not a BITB. He agreed with me but because the guilty player went after the victim we decided to go with a Person Foul for unnecessary contact away from the play.
Overall, this was a hard game to work. It was hot and we spent more time focusing on dead ball officiating than live ball officiating. I always find these games mentally challenging. And then we had a 2.5 hour drive home. I was drained and went straight to bed when I got home.
Next week is last game. Then I guess I'll find out if I good enough to become a staff member officially become a NCAA Football Official.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Football on the Wrong Side of the Tracks
I once took a class in college... Sociology or Psychology... some kind of 'ology' where the issue of nature vs. nurture is a major point of discussion. I've had countless classes at work dealing with the issue of 'diversity' and other related topics. I even have a step-daughter who is of mixed ethnicity. I honestly make no judgments about a person relative to which side of the tracks they come from. But after working seven community college football games I can say I this - the quality of the games, the integrity of the players, and the class of the coaches are relative to where the teams come from.
This weeks game was almost as appalling as the All-Star game I worked earlier in the year and was by far the hardest game mentally. And having a score of 63-40 didn't help matters much either.
Before the game started a gentleman introduced himself as our 'observer'. This means we were being rated. I have no idea how we get rated or what exactly we get rated on, but this would certainly be an interesting game to see how we did.
The first quarter was pretty clean and fast. Then things went to hell.
Both sidelines were given sideline warnings during the second period. Countless times I had to get between players and break-up conflicts. All of us except the Linesman had some kind of Unsportsmanlike or Personal Foul call.
Things really got out of hand midway in the 4th quarter. During a Try, I threw a false start on the left tackle. The players had begun to engage one another once again so I stepped in to clean-up. Apparently, someone was on the ground and a player and kicked someone with both his feet. I never saw this as I was looking at another player who had thrust both his hands into the chest of an opponent. I threw my second flag. Both these players were ejected from the game. Naturally, neither coach like this.
What I'm sure happened is the 'victim' taunted the guy and he retaliated by shoving him. If I had heard the taunting, this also would be an ejectionable foul. But, as the old saying goes, we only see the 2nd guy.
The next play, recall this is still on the Try, there was a roughing the kicker. Then, the Try was made. Before we got the subsequent kick-off started, we had another Unsportsmanlike foul. This was pretty ugly.
With about 2:00 remaining one of the players asked me, "blue, can we just get this game over with?' My reply was, 'no shit, lets get out of here.'
Between both teams we threw seven unsportsmanlike fouls and had two ejections.
When we were ready to leave the locker room following our showers we heard a some noise outside. Fans from the losing team had entered the home team's locker room and started a fight. Then we heard a knock at our door. It was a Security escort.
Not a comfortable feeling at 11:00PM, 2.5 hours from home in a city which is on the wrong side of the tracks.
Its good to be home in suburbia.
This weeks game was almost as appalling as the All-Star game I worked earlier in the year and was by far the hardest game mentally. And having a score of 63-40 didn't help matters much either.
Before the game started a gentleman introduced himself as our 'observer'. This means we were being rated. I have no idea how we get rated or what exactly we get rated on, but this would certainly be an interesting game to see how we did.
The first quarter was pretty clean and fast. Then things went to hell.
Both sidelines were given sideline warnings during the second period. Countless times I had to get between players and break-up conflicts. All of us except the Linesman had some kind of Unsportsmanlike or Personal Foul call.
Things really got out of hand midway in the 4th quarter. During a Try, I threw a false start on the left tackle. The players had begun to engage one another once again so I stepped in to clean-up. Apparently, someone was on the ground and a player and kicked someone with both his feet. I never saw this as I was looking at another player who had thrust both his hands into the chest of an opponent. I threw my second flag. Both these players were ejected from the game. Naturally, neither coach like this.
What I'm sure happened is the 'victim' taunted the guy and he retaliated by shoving him. If I had heard the taunting, this also would be an ejectionable foul. But, as the old saying goes, we only see the 2nd guy.
The next play, recall this is still on the Try, there was a roughing the kicker. Then, the Try was made. Before we got the subsequent kick-off started, we had another Unsportsmanlike foul. This was pretty ugly.
With about 2:00 remaining one of the players asked me, "blue, can we just get this game over with?' My reply was, 'no shit, lets get out of here.'
Between both teams we threw seven unsportsmanlike fouls and had two ejections.
When we were ready to leave the locker room following our showers we heard a some noise outside. Fans from the losing team had entered the home team's locker room and started a fight. Then we heard a knock at our door. It was a Security escort.
Not a comfortable feeling at 11:00PM, 2.5 hours from home in a city which is on the wrong side of the tracks.
Its good to be home in suburbia.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Week 8 Malaise
No game for me this week, which I am frankly okay with. Three games a weekend for the past 8 weeks. Sometimes I just need to take a break. I'm not physical drained, as much as I am mentally. I notice the most when I White Hat HS games. I'm getting the rules between HS and College mix-up which is becoming very annoying.
It doesn't help when many of these crews I White Hat with are just thrown together and their skill level is less than par. Trying to do my job and then mentor these yahoo's while coaches are screaming they are not making calls - which is true. All I want is a simple, clean, fast game. This rarely happens. And then my confidence gets weakened.
Every season about week seven or eight I begin to lack confidence. I'm not exactly sure why, but I'm pretty confident (pun intended) its due to the number of mistakes I've made. I know I make them -- mostly calls I didn't make but should have. None of these mistakes made a difference in the outcome of the game and most are based upon my own self-critical high standard. Hardly anyone would know. But they are there and I don't forget them until about mid-January.
But maybe its not a lack of confidence and much as it is a weakened spirit.
I think this malaise is partially due to the games being boring. Not as boring as my day-job mind you. And certainly not as boring as watching Oprah. But most of these games are one-sided and pretty much over by halftime. The quality of play is okay I guess, but what I don't see much of is the beauty of the well oiled machine. It's just raw football action with no finesse. As much I love football, this type of play is just not exciting.
The next three weeks, which happen to be the last three weeks of the season, are going to be a pain in the ass. Next week the game is 100+ miles away and does not start until 7:00PM. I won't get home until after midnight for sure. The following week, the game is over 150 miles away. At least this game is at 1:00PM. Which means I'll have to leave the house by around 8:00AM and won't get home until 7:00PM or so. My last game, another 1:00PM start, will be over an hour away.
I'm not complaining. This is still better than my day job.
It doesn't help when many of these crews I White Hat with are just thrown together and their skill level is less than par. Trying to do my job and then mentor these yahoo's while coaches are screaming they are not making calls - which is true. All I want is a simple, clean, fast game. This rarely happens. And then my confidence gets weakened.
Every season about week seven or eight I begin to lack confidence. I'm not exactly sure why, but I'm pretty confident (pun intended) its due to the number of mistakes I've made. I know I make them -- mostly calls I didn't make but should have. None of these mistakes made a difference in the outcome of the game and most are based upon my own self-critical high standard. Hardly anyone would know. But they are there and I don't forget them until about mid-January.
But maybe its not a lack of confidence and much as it is a weakened spirit.
I think this malaise is partially due to the games being boring. Not as boring as my day-job mind you. And certainly not as boring as watching Oprah. But most of these games are one-sided and pretty much over by halftime. The quality of play is okay I guess, but what I don't see much of is the beauty of the well oiled machine. It's just raw football action with no finesse. As much I love football, this type of play is just not exciting.
The next three weeks, which happen to be the last three weeks of the season, are going to be a pain in the ass. Next week the game is 100+ miles away and does not start until 7:00PM. I won't get home until after midnight for sure. The following week, the game is over 150 miles away. At least this game is at 1:00PM. Which means I'll have to leave the house by around 8:00AM and won't get home until 7:00PM or so. My last game, another 1:00PM start, will be over an hour away.
I'm not complaining. This is still better than my day job.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
A Watched Clock Never Runs
Saturday's game took me back to the school where the season started. One thing I failed to mention previously - there is no scoreboard at this college. There are also no bleachers, no press box, no cheerleaders, and no PA system. There is brand new portable game clock everyone seems to be very proud of. Until it stopped working in the 3rd quarter.
This was yet another lopsided game ending 43-28. I mention this because the officials organization I am candidate for wants us to keep games under 3 hours. But with 70+ points scored, and the clock stopped for at least 2 minutes per score, these expectations are bit misplaced. Add the 35 fouls with and average of 30 second clock stoppage per foul and the 'dead' time really adds up. We also had a few injury delays and each team used all their timeouts.
Then the clock stopped running late in the 3rd quarter. We had to stop play three times adding or taking away time before the clock just died. Finally, we ran the time on the field for the remainder of the 3rd. I'm not sure why our White Hat waited so long to this. At the start of the 4th we waited for another 2-3 minutes while the ground crew promised it would be start. It finally did. Again, I don't know why we just didn't start the quarter with the time on the field and adjust the clock when it started early. This whole fiasco burned another 5 minutes.
My performance was on par with my previous games. Once I ran up the wrong sideline following the Try once and on two occasions turned to the wrong sideline to accept a new ball.
I am finding I am not alone with this problem - forgetting which color is offense. I've asked dozens of officials about there experience and they have all said the same thing. It is easy to forget which team is on offense and which direction they are going. For example, on scrimmage kicks, I am constantly have to say to myself "white is going to be stupid". Meaning, if White are the receiving team, they will be the ones doing the blocks in the back or the holding or the 'stupid' stuff. The kickers will often be guilty of personal fouls, but these are easy to catch because they usually are at the end of the play.
I did have any flags this game. The inside was clean and players on both sides were tired and lazy. There was a lot of passing in this game, so the offensive linemen just backed-up and the defenders were too tired to charge hard.
The home team coach complied there were some chop block. What happened was a lineman had fallen to the ground and the center/nose guard tripped over him. Looked really ugly and I don't know how it will look on film, but the act was not deliberate. Just something that happened during the course of the game.
I do think I missed a spearing. This was very late in the 4th quarter at around the 5 yard line. Some kid come in helmet first into the pile so hard hit feet were up in the air. This is an ejectionable act and a big deal. In the 10 milliseconds you have to make a decision, I decided I did not see the entire act. If someone questioned me 'did you see if he was pushed from behind' I could not say yes. There were also the wing and the deep official on that side (we were at the has mark) who had better angles than me, since I was looking inside out. Bottom line is I think we missed a call and I'm sure we will be on the training film next summer.
Overall, I feel I am doing a decent job at this level. I have no real feedback other than White Hat's saying 'good hustle'. I still have a long way to go before I would consider myself a GOOD college umpire. I still have to ask about some of the penalty enforcements (however I do it under the guise of 'confirming'). I should not have to do that.
This was yet another lopsided game ending 43-28. I mention this because the officials organization I am candidate for wants us to keep games under 3 hours. But with 70+ points scored, and the clock stopped for at least 2 minutes per score, these expectations are bit misplaced. Add the 35 fouls with and average of 30 second clock stoppage per foul and the 'dead' time really adds up. We also had a few injury delays and each team used all their timeouts.
Then the clock stopped running late in the 3rd quarter. We had to stop play three times adding or taking away time before the clock just died. Finally, we ran the time on the field for the remainder of the 3rd. I'm not sure why our White Hat waited so long to this. At the start of the 4th we waited for another 2-3 minutes while the ground crew promised it would be start. It finally did. Again, I don't know why we just didn't start the quarter with the time on the field and adjust the clock when it started early. This whole fiasco burned another 5 minutes.
My performance was on par with my previous games. Once I ran up the wrong sideline following the Try once and on two occasions turned to the wrong sideline to accept a new ball.
I am finding I am not alone with this problem - forgetting which color is offense. I've asked dozens of officials about there experience and they have all said the same thing. It is easy to forget which team is on offense and which direction they are going. For example, on scrimmage kicks, I am constantly have to say to myself "white is going to be stupid". Meaning, if White are the receiving team, they will be the ones doing the blocks in the back or the holding or the 'stupid' stuff. The kickers will often be guilty of personal fouls, but these are easy to catch because they usually are at the end of the play.
I did have any flags this game. The inside was clean and players on both sides were tired and lazy. There was a lot of passing in this game, so the offensive linemen just backed-up and the defenders were too tired to charge hard.
The home team coach complied there were some chop block. What happened was a lineman had fallen to the ground and the center/nose guard tripped over him. Looked really ugly and I don't know how it will look on film, but the act was not deliberate. Just something that happened during the course of the game.
I do think I missed a spearing. This was very late in the 4th quarter at around the 5 yard line. Some kid come in helmet first into the pile so hard hit feet were up in the air. This is an ejectionable act and a big deal. In the 10 milliseconds you have to make a decision, I decided I did not see the entire act. If someone questioned me 'did you see if he was pushed from behind' I could not say yes. There were also the wing and the deep official on that side (we were at the has mark) who had better angles than me, since I was looking inside out. Bottom line is I think we missed a call and I'm sure we will be on the training film next summer.
Overall, I feel I am doing a decent job at this level. I have no real feedback other than White Hat's saying 'good hustle'. I still have a long way to go before I would consider myself a GOOD college umpire. I still have to ask about some of the penalty enforcements (however I do it under the guise of 'confirming'). I should not have to do that.
Weekly Update Coming
I haven't been home all weekend, so no time for an entry yet. This weeks game was... come back in a day or two and see.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
This is College Football??
Before this game the crew anticipated a pretty close contest. This was the first week of Conference play, and both squads were 1-4 coming off their first victory. We expected both teams to be hungry for a win. But (you knew there was a but coming) apparently only one team wanted to play. The final score was 55-21 after three hours of misery.
On several levels this was the worse college game I worked so far. First of all, the home team A.D. was nowhere to be found, we had neither a clock operator nor a chain crew until after the coin toss was completed. The chain crew consisted of three females from the Basketball team, one of which had her young child with her. Our White Hat quickly shut that down. Basically, the game started late while all this administrative BS took place.
At halftime the chain crew announced they were not coming back for the second half. Are you kidding! So, we had to find four more people to assist and the second half started late. Oh, what else -- the 25 second clock never started on the kick-offs, the ball boys were in la-la land, we did not have our security escort, and the locker room was not open at halftime or at the end of the game. And remember, this is NCAA, not High School.
As bad as all that was the game itself wasn't any better. The visiting coach was one of these guys who thinks calling a fair game means the fouls should be equally distributed. He was given a Sideline Warning three minutes into the game, so you kinda knew what kind of an ass he was going to be. So, since most of the fouls were against his team, we apparently were not being 'fair'. I didn't get the final count, but there were at least 35 fouls in total and I would guess 25 were against his team. Most of these were Personal Fouls or Unsportsmanlike. These fouls went both ways, as this was really an ugly game, but his team was hit harder because they deserved it. They were just playing dirty. I could have thrown more fouls on his team, but the White Hat asked us to only call 'big' things.
When the visitors finally scored a TD, during the Try, a home team player jumped into the neutral zone and then jumped back before the snap. After the Try, when I have to run up the sideline for the kickoff, the coach was screaming at me that the defender contacted his player when he entered the neutral zone. I politely said, "Coach I did not see contact" and kept running up the field. Now, how he could possibly see what really happened from the sideline 25 yards away is beyond me. What really happened is when the defender entered the neutral zone and his player false started. In that order. But since there was no flag by the wings who really cares. The player who is at the most disadvantage is the defender on his heels not his offensive player. The coach of course questioned how I could not see the contact when it was right in front of me. I learned long ago there is no point discussing these things. I clearly saw what didn't happen. I asked the wings later if they saw contact and they both said, hell no.
Later in the game he actually said, "this is not the PAC-10, why are you guys calling that?". Well, lets see, your man was holding in the end zone and your team scored a TD. Even in High School we would make this call. Now granted, there was 1:30 left in a game that was 55-21, so ya, he has a point. But, a foul is a foul ,and because he had been a prick all night, no cheap scores for you friend.
And just maybe we make these call because we all WANT to get into the PAC-10. It wasn't my flag, but I would have made the same call in that situation.
There is a lot more I could say about this coach, but I save that for WAMO.
Now, to be honest, this was not my best game either. My biggest blunder was not walking off two penalties properly. The first was a half-distance from the 24 yard line. How hard is this. Go to the 12 dumbass. I stopped at the 17. The side judge caught this one so I didn't look like a complete fool. Then we had a spot foul two yards beyond the LOS. I went from the LOS. I had to pick-up the ball and move it. A big time no-no for the Umpire. I'm sure I'll get marked down for that. And I should.
A few times in the first-half I was dwelling on these blunders too much and forgot which side to relay the ball from on a change of posession. No one in the stands will notice this and it won't be on film, but it shows my head is not in the game. Overall, my first-half was terrible and if I was and observer, I would say I did not appear to have control of the game and at times, I appeared confused. I got my act together in the second half and did not make any more stupid mistakes.
I threw three flags -- Roughing the Snapper, Block in the Back, and a False Start.
Luckily I don't have either of these teams again this season,
On several levels this was the worse college game I worked so far. First of all, the home team A.D. was nowhere to be found, we had neither a clock operator nor a chain crew until after the coin toss was completed. The chain crew consisted of three females from the Basketball team, one of which had her young child with her. Our White Hat quickly shut that down. Basically, the game started late while all this administrative BS took place.
At halftime the chain crew announced they were not coming back for the second half. Are you kidding! So, we had to find four more people to assist and the second half started late. Oh, what else -- the 25 second clock never started on the kick-offs, the ball boys were in la-la land, we did not have our security escort, and the locker room was not open at halftime or at the end of the game. And remember, this is NCAA, not High School.
As bad as all that was the game itself wasn't any better. The visiting coach was one of these guys who thinks calling a fair game means the fouls should be equally distributed. He was given a Sideline Warning three minutes into the game, so you kinda knew what kind of an ass he was going to be. So, since most of the fouls were against his team, we apparently were not being 'fair'. I didn't get the final count, but there were at least 35 fouls in total and I would guess 25 were against his team. Most of these were Personal Fouls or Unsportsmanlike. These fouls went both ways, as this was really an ugly game, but his team was hit harder because they deserved it. They were just playing dirty. I could have thrown more fouls on his team, but the White Hat asked us to only call 'big' things.
When the visitors finally scored a TD, during the Try, a home team player jumped into the neutral zone and then jumped back before the snap. After the Try, when I have to run up the sideline for the kickoff, the coach was screaming at me that the defender contacted his player when he entered the neutral zone. I politely said, "Coach I did not see contact" and kept running up the field. Now, how he could possibly see what really happened from the sideline 25 yards away is beyond me. What really happened is when the defender entered the neutral zone and his player false started. In that order. But since there was no flag by the wings who really cares. The player who is at the most disadvantage is the defender on his heels not his offensive player. The coach of course questioned how I could not see the contact when it was right in front of me. I learned long ago there is no point discussing these things. I clearly saw what didn't happen. I asked the wings later if they saw contact and they both said, hell no.
Later in the game he actually said, "this is not the PAC-10, why are you guys calling that?". Well, lets see, your man was holding in the end zone and your team scored a TD. Even in High School we would make this call. Now granted, there was 1:30 left in a game that was 55-21, so ya, he has a point. But, a foul is a foul ,and because he had been a prick all night, no cheap scores for you friend.
And just maybe we make these call because we all WANT to get into the PAC-10. It wasn't my flag, but I would have made the same call in that situation.
There is a lot more I could say about this coach, but I save that for WAMO.
Now, to be honest, this was not my best game either. My biggest blunder was not walking off two penalties properly. The first was a half-distance from the 24 yard line. How hard is this. Go to the 12 dumbass. I stopped at the 17. The side judge caught this one so I didn't look like a complete fool. Then we had a spot foul two yards beyond the LOS. I went from the LOS. I had to pick-up the ball and move it. A big time no-no for the Umpire. I'm sure I'll get marked down for that. And I should.
A few times in the first-half I was dwelling on these blunders too much and forgot which side to relay the ball from on a change of posession. No one in the stands will notice this and it won't be on film, but it shows my head is not in the game. Overall, my first-half was terrible and if I was and observer, I would say I did not appear to have control of the game and at times, I appeared confused. I got my act together in the second half and did not make any more stupid mistakes.
I threw three flags -- Roughing the Snapper, Block in the Back, and a False Start.
Luckily I don't have either of these teams again this season,
Sunday, September 30, 2007
A Rough Game - Part 1
Last night's game was another blow-out 45-0, but we finished in under three hours. We threw twenty penalties. Which I still find difficult to believe is less than the average of 24 per game. Even 20 seems like a lot to me. One of the crews this season had 39 fouls. If you have 120 plays a game, how can 1/3 of the plays have fouls? Somethings not right.
Speaking of fouls, I threw three flags - dead ball personal foul against a defenseless player, roughing the snapper during a scrimmage kick, and a chop block.
The personal foul was easy. It was right in front of me and after the whistle.
The roughing the snapper was easy too - he ran right-up the middle of the long snappers head and knocked him on is ass. But, I screwed this up. I did not get the number of the player who roughed the snapper.
This was a bonehead mistake on my part since I'm looking right at the guy. The simple fact was I got caught-up in the play and didn't look at the number. What I should have done is made a mental note of the number before the ball was snapped. I saw him line up directly over the snapper and the idea of him roughing entered my mind. Then, when I saw him make helmet-to-helmet contact, I completely forgot about his number and began considering whether this should be an ejectionable foul. By the time I collected my thoughts, I forgot all about the number.
What made this play even more interesting is there were three unrelated flags, all on 'B', during this down. Since mine was 15 yards and auto first down, 'A' obviously accepted this one.
The chop block - I may have missed one earlier in the game. The one I missed, I think was with the center blocking high and then a non-adjacent linemen (the tackle) came low. This was on a sweep to my right and I keyed on the pulling guard focusing on the point of attack. The tackle went to my left away from the ball. It caught my attention, but not until after the block occurred. I really don't know if it was a chop or not.
But I caught them second time.
Enough for now. I blog more about this game later in the week.
Speaking of fouls, I threw three flags - dead ball personal foul against a defenseless player, roughing the snapper during a scrimmage kick, and a chop block.
The personal foul was easy. It was right in front of me and after the whistle.
The roughing the snapper was easy too - he ran right-up the middle of the long snappers head and knocked him on is ass. But, I screwed this up. I did not get the number of the player who roughed the snapper.
This was a bonehead mistake on my part since I'm looking right at the guy. The simple fact was I got caught-up in the play and didn't look at the number. What I should have done is made a mental note of the number before the ball was snapped. I saw him line up directly over the snapper and the idea of him roughing entered my mind. Then, when I saw him make helmet-to-helmet contact, I completely forgot about his number and began considering whether this should be an ejectionable foul. By the time I collected my thoughts, I forgot all about the number.
What made this play even more interesting is there were three unrelated flags, all on 'B', during this down. Since mine was 15 yards and auto first down, 'A' obviously accepted this one.
The chop block - I may have missed one earlier in the game. The one I missed, I think was with the center blocking high and then a non-adjacent linemen (the tackle) came low. This was on a sweep to my right and I keyed on the pulling guard focusing on the point of attack. The tackle went to my left away from the ball. It caught my attention, but not until after the block occurred. I really don't know if it was a chop or not.
But I caught them second time.
Enough for now. I blog more about this game later in the week.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
One Down, Six to Go
Well, successfully completed my second college game. This score-fest ended 54-32.
Both wing officials and the Side Judge were from my local area and I've worked many high school games with these three officials. Whether real or imagined, I felt the eyes of scrutiny would be more severe during this game than my first game last week. At this stage, I think it's almost easier working with guys you don't know.
I had never met the White Hat. This always make the pre-game a bit strange. The Referee and Umpire have a unique relationship. There is a lot of give-and-take as far as how the game will be run. As I gain more confidence at this level, I can see where I will soon be saying something along the lines of 'this is how I plan on doing X' and the WH can override me if he wishes. Right now, I'm taking the approach of 'how would you prefer me to do X'. In some cases the WH asks me what I would like and then we go with my preference. Clearly, you need to able to adjust to the crew you are working with.
Although the WH is the boss, I have control over most of the game adminstration - how fast the ball gets set, relay the ball from the sideline, marching off penalties, doublchecking the ref does not do anything foolish, confirming with the Linesman on penalities, digging for fumbles, often helping on short passes over the middle, etc.
I only made two mistakes I am aware of. The big one was on a long punt where we had two live ball fouls and did a re-kick down back around the 10. I put the ball on the wrong hash mark. My down indicator indicated the left hash, but I put the ball on the right hash. On some plays where a lot of things happening, the balls gets rushed in, the WH rushes the 'ready', some players asks me a question, etc I may forget to reset my marker. I second guessed myself when I reset the ball. I was wrong and should trust my ball marker next time or ask for help.
The second one was minor. On a change of possession a ball was marked on sideline. When placing the ball on the field, because players were blocking my view, I used cross-field mechanics to put the ball down. But, when the ball marked on the field I should have used the ball and not cross-field. Make sense to me and easy to fix going forward.
The White Hat told me more that once I showed 'good hustle' and I made his job easy during the game. I never told him I was a Candidate and this was only my second college game. I take this a compliment.
Both wing officials and the Side Judge were from my local area and I've worked many high school games with these three officials. Whether real or imagined, I felt the eyes of scrutiny would be more severe during this game than my first game last week. At this stage, I think it's almost easier working with guys you don't know.
I had never met the White Hat. This always make the pre-game a bit strange. The Referee and Umpire have a unique relationship. There is a lot of give-and-take as far as how the game will be run. As I gain more confidence at this level, I can see where I will soon be saying something along the lines of 'this is how I plan on doing X' and the WH can override me if he wishes. Right now, I'm taking the approach of 'how would you prefer me to do X'. In some cases the WH asks me what I would like and then we go with my preference. Clearly, you need to able to adjust to the crew you are working with.
Although the WH is the boss, I have control over most of the game adminstration - how fast the ball gets set, relay the ball from the sideline, marching off penalties, doublchecking the ref does not do anything foolish, confirming with the Linesman on penalities, digging for fumbles, often helping on short passes over the middle, etc.
I only made two mistakes I am aware of. The big one was on a long punt where we had two live ball fouls and did a re-kick down back around the 10. I put the ball on the wrong hash mark. My down indicator indicated the left hash, but I put the ball on the right hash. On some plays where a lot of things happening, the balls gets rushed in, the WH rushes the 'ready', some players asks me a question, etc I may forget to reset my marker. I second guessed myself when I reset the ball. I was wrong and should trust my ball marker next time or ask for help.
The second one was minor. On a change of possession a ball was marked on sideline. When placing the ball on the field, because players were blocking my view, I used cross-field mechanics to put the ball down. But, when the ball marked on the field I should have used the ball and not cross-field. Make sense to me and easy to fix going forward.
The White Hat told me more that once I showed 'good hustle' and I made his job easy during the game. I never told him I was a Candidate and this was only my second college game. I take this a compliment.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Losing my Virginity
Well I lost my college football virginity yesterday. It was a lot like losing the other kind of virginity. A lot of anticipation ending in an anti-climatic malaise... but this doesn't stop you from wanting more and more of it.
I was hoping to have some real juicy news about my first real game as a college official. I'm somewhat disappointed to report the game was actually pretty easy and I only made a few minor mistakes. There were five penalties and only two were live ball - illegal formation and a DPI. Although this contest was not a real test of my abilities, there is still a story to the game.
First, College games are long... the first quarter lasted 43 minutes! Both teams thought they could pass - they couldn't... and shouldn't.
Next, I was not the only rookie official. Our Linesperson (who was female) was also a rookie. She actually did a very good job. This was only the second game for the Field Judge. With only two vets on the crew, my expectations were low. Turns out, we did a great job.
One area that really slowed the game down was the ball mechanics. On almost every change of possession or long pass out of bounds, I had to call for a new ball when it should have been shuttled in immediately. This was partly due to the lack of experience of the wings, but mostly the ball boy on each side of the field was not paying attention. It often took 5-10 seconds to get the ball in. Multiply this times 25 change of possessions and it adds up.
I did throw one flag - ineligible receiver down field. Number 77 ran past me as I went to the LOS, then I saw the QB dump the pass to someone in the flats. I had not reached the LOS when the receiver, who was parallel with me, caught the ball. Number 77 was definitely past the expanded neutral zone, but the receiver was probably within it - more or less. We decided to waive it off, however the White Hat said it was a good flag, and should the same thing happen again, throw the flag. It is always better to throw a flag and wave it off than to let something go you should have called.
The game was tied at the end of regulation, so we went into overtime. The team that ultimately lost had a chance to win the game with a 34 yard field goal with 10 seconds remaining. Of course, they missed. My first college game and it goes into OT. At this point we were over 3 hours into this thing. It was hot, tired, and just wanted to get off the field.
As a crew, we screwed up the OT by carrying over the unused timeouts. Both teams had unused, so this was a tragic mistake. Carrying over is a HS rule, not a college rule. All six of us can be blamed for this blunder. The visiting coach even called us on it. His team ended up winning, so no real harm done. Our White Hat sent an email later that night saying we made a mistake.
That's it for my first real game. I wish there was more dirt on me screwing this all up.
Next weeks game is unfortunately with one these same teams. It always sucks working the same team two weeks in a row.
I was hoping to have some real juicy news about my first real game as a college official. I'm somewhat disappointed to report the game was actually pretty easy and I only made a few minor mistakes. There were five penalties and only two were live ball - illegal formation and a DPI. Although this contest was not a real test of my abilities, there is still a story to the game.
First, College games are long... the first quarter lasted 43 minutes! Both teams thought they could pass - they couldn't... and shouldn't.
Next, I was not the only rookie official. Our Linesperson (who was female) was also a rookie. She actually did a very good job. This was only the second game for the Field Judge. With only two vets on the crew, my expectations were low. Turns out, we did a great job.
One area that really slowed the game down was the ball mechanics. On almost every change of possession or long pass out of bounds, I had to call for a new ball when it should have been shuttled in immediately. This was partly due to the lack of experience of the wings, but mostly the ball boy on each side of the field was not paying attention. It often took 5-10 seconds to get the ball in. Multiply this times 25 change of possessions and it adds up.
I did throw one flag - ineligible receiver down field. Number 77 ran past me as I went to the LOS, then I saw the QB dump the pass to someone in the flats. I had not reached the LOS when the receiver, who was parallel with me, caught the ball. Number 77 was definitely past the expanded neutral zone, but the receiver was probably within it - more or less. We decided to waive it off, however the White Hat said it was a good flag, and should the same thing happen again, throw the flag. It is always better to throw a flag and wave it off than to let something go you should have called.
The game was tied at the end of regulation, so we went into overtime. The team that ultimately lost had a chance to win the game with a 34 yard field goal with 10 seconds remaining. Of course, they missed. My first college game and it goes into OT. At this point we were over 3 hours into this thing. It was hot, tired, and just wanted to get off the field.
As a crew, we screwed up the OT by carrying over the unused timeouts. Both teams had unused, so this was a tragic mistake. Carrying over is a HS rule, not a college rule. All six of us can be blamed for this blunder. The visiting coach even called us on it. His team ended up winning, so no real harm done. Our White Hat sent an email later that night saying we made a mistake.
That's it for my first real game. I wish there was more dirt on me screwing this all up.
Next weeks game is unfortunately with one these same teams. It always sucks working the same team two weeks in a row.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Home Work Before the Game
My first game will be this Saturday. And yes, I am anxious. Mostly because I am working with five other guys I have never met. I'm not worried about the game at all. I just don't want to make the crew look bad.
The game starts at 1:00 and we have to be dressed as ready at 10:45. This means I need to leave the house by 8:30 or so. I doubt I'll be home before 5:00pm. This will be a long day. I've heard some people complain about how much officials are paid. But when you break it down on a per hour basis, I'll only make the equivalent of $14/hr. Then I have to pay for gas and food. I'd do this for free, but the point is I ain't getting rich doing this that is for sure.
The White Hat for the game sent an email outlining what each of us will cover during the pre-game. Unlike my HS experience, during the College pre-game, each official leads a 3-5 minutes on a particular topic related to the position they are working that game. I was asked to cover player equipment, adornments, socks (yes, socks), spats, gloves, jewelry, tinted eye shields, etc. I am also covering how I will signal the ball is in the end zone and how I will be marching off penalties.
I'll finish my lecture in the next few days. I'll let you know how it goes.
The game starts at 1:00 and we have to be dressed as ready at 10:45. This means I need to leave the house by 8:30 or so. I doubt I'll be home before 5:00pm. This will be a long day. I've heard some people complain about how much officials are paid. But when you break it down on a per hour basis, I'll only make the equivalent of $14/hr. Then I have to pay for gas and food. I'd do this for free, but the point is I ain't getting rich doing this that is for sure.
The White Hat for the game sent an email outlining what each of us will cover during the pre-game. Unlike my HS experience, during the College pre-game, each official leads a 3-5 minutes on a particular topic related to the position they are working that game. I was asked to cover player equipment, adornments, socks (yes, socks), spats, gloves, jewelry, tinted eye shields, etc. I am also covering how I will signal the ball is in the end zone and how I will be marching off penalties.
I'll finish my lecture in the next few days. I'll let you know how it goes.
Sunday, September 2, 2007
The Season Finally Begins
Finally, the season started and it's great to be back on the field. I worked three HS games on a Saturday. It was friggin HOT... and the games sucked. I was White Hat for the first game and worked with three people I never worked with before.
This was the first game as a football official for my Line Judge. He later confessed he never even played football. It showed. He clearly does not understand the game.
Nothing really strange happened outside of a 'first touching' that one of the coaches just could not fathom. Understanding the depths of first touching is not unusual for a freshman coach. Or varsity for that matter.
In the Var game, the losing coach came unglued when there was a fumble forward on a punt return. He was screaming that you could not fumble forward and advance. We politely reminded the coach that although we were playing on Sat., we are still using Friday night rules. This team is on its 12th straight loss.
I did go to the college game and worked with the Umpire. He gave me a lot of good advice, tips, etc I'll share as the season goes along. The game was 48-7 at the half and the first half took 2:00 hours. It was a incomplete passing-fest, scoring-fest(at least for one team), penalty-fest, and lets-not-run-the-clock-fest.
This was the first game as a football official for my Line Judge. He later confessed he never even played football. It showed. He clearly does not understand the game.
Nothing really strange happened outside of a 'first touching' that one of the coaches just could not fathom. Understanding the depths of first touching is not unusual for a freshman coach. Or varsity for that matter.
In the Var game, the losing coach came unglued when there was a fumble forward on a punt return. He was screaming that you could not fumble forward and advance. We politely reminded the coach that although we were playing on Sat., we are still using Friday night rules. This team is on its 12th straight loss.
I did go to the college game and worked with the Umpire. He gave me a lot of good advice, tips, etc I'll share as the season goes along. The game was 48-7 at the half and the first half took 2:00 hours. It was a incomplete passing-fest, scoring-fest(at least for one team), penalty-fest, and lets-not-run-the-clock-fest.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Let's get this thing started
As far as College goes, we did have a scrimmage on Sat. but this was pretty lame. We only got about 45 minutes of work. It was really a waste of time.
One of the College White Hats invited me to his game Sat night so I can work with the Umpire. This Umpire has moved up to DII and is very well respected. He was in our HS association for many years until he moved to another area. This was great news because we do not have another UMP in our area I can work with.
Well, a HS crew meeting Monday, and the last College meeting on Tuesday... and then this all becomes way too real.
One of the College White Hats invited me to his game Sat night so I can work with the Umpire. This Umpire has moved up to DII and is very well respected. He was in our HS association for many years until he moved to another area. This was great news because we do not have another UMP in our area I can work with.
Well, a HS crew meeting Monday, and the last College meeting on Tuesday... and then this all becomes way too real.
Hard to Be Excited
So, Friday night was the HS Scrimmage. These are always a joke. They bring four team, split the field in half, and start on the 40 going in. Coaches are on the field, there is no clock, there are no chains, no kicking game. No all pointless, but still not a real game. And real games start next week.
Now get this, as I mentioned earlier, I'm on this new crew they just created. We only have three of us with any real Var experience, our White Hat is a new Crew Chief and our BJ is supposedly 'ready' for Var. I still don't know who the 5th guy is. To top this off, we also have 3 rookies - were they at the scrimmage? Ah, no. But this coming Sat. I have a three game set and I know I'll White Hat at least one of these games with guys who have never been on the field before. Swell.
And to think I came from a crew where I was the rookie with 10 years experience.
Now get this, as I mentioned earlier, I'm on this new crew they just created. We only have three of us with any real Var experience, our White Hat is a new Crew Chief and our BJ is supposedly 'ready' for Var. I still don't know who the 5th guy is. To top this off, we also have 3 rookies - were they at the scrimmage? Ah, no. But this coming Sat. I have a three game set and I know I'll White Hat at least one of these games with guys who have never been on the field before. Swell.
And to think I came from a crew where I was the rookie with 10 years experience.
Day Jobs and Scrimmages
I missed the second controlled scrimmage on Thursday because of a crisis at work. My boss was on vacation and it was just one of those things I could not pawn off on any of my employees. I had to involve Sr. Management and the corrective action impacted about 40 people who had to work through the night until about 4:00AM. Not the ideal time to say I need to go a scrimmage -- see ya!
This really sucked, because I needed to get back on the horse after the crap-fest scrimmage on Tuesday. So many things I need to work on so they become more ingrained. Oh, well. The more I work this level the more I realize I don't know crap. Everyone told me this would happen, but you know, this would never happen to me!! I'm starting to get nervous.
This really sucked, because I needed to get back on the horse after the crap-fest scrimmage on Tuesday. So many things I need to work on so they become more ingrained. Oh, well. The more I work this level the more I realize I don't know crap. Everyone told me this would happen, but you know, this would never happen to me!! I'm starting to get nervous.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
You might be a sucky ref when...
Geeze, I sucked so bad at the scrimmage today. This was a 'controlled' scrimmage between two teams and the nearest thing to a real game so far. Full contact, but no kicking game, start all plays at the 30, run 12 plays then switch. We had chains, but no clock.
So, how did I suck? Let's start with walking penalties off in the wrong direction. Three times. The reason - I didn't really listen to the penalties. I heard holding -assumed offensive. It was on defense. Same thing on a PI call.
Then on a holding call behind the line by A, I forgot it was previous spot. I did HS rules. What was worse was I listened to the White Hat who said it was a spot file. It's my job to not let this happen. Damn.
Then, there was a false start on the right guard I didn't call. I froze because the defensive player moved first. I could not determine if he went into the neutral zone or not. This is relevant for the penalty enforcement, but no matter what, the play should not proceed. Way too much thinking going on.
I did make a good holding call where the Right O Guard had the Def Guard by the shoulders with an open hand technique. No problem, until he twisted the defenders shoulders right when the ball carrier ran by him. The perfect hold at the point of attack. I also caught the center with a snap infraction.
Another controlled scrimmage tomorrow. Let's hope I suck again.
So, how did I suck? Let's start with walking penalties off in the wrong direction. Three times. The reason - I didn't really listen to the penalties. I heard holding -assumed offensive. It was on defense. Same thing on a PI call.
Then on a holding call behind the line by A, I forgot it was previous spot. I did HS rules. What was worse was I listened to the White Hat who said it was a spot file. It's my job to not let this happen. Damn.
Then, there was a false start on the right guard I didn't call. I froze because the defensive player moved first. I could not determine if he went into the neutral zone or not. This is relevant for the penalty enforcement, but no matter what, the play should not proceed. Way too much thinking going on.
I did make a good holding call where the Right O Guard had the Def Guard by the shoulders with an open hand technique. No problem, until he twisted the defenders shoulders right when the ball carrier ran by him. The perfect hold at the point of attack. I also caught the center with a snap infraction.
Another controlled scrimmage tomorrow. Let's hope I suck again.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
First College Scrimmage
Completed my first college scrimmage this afternoon. Well, the first one that really counts. Last year I while I was a prospect, I worked two college scrimmages, but these did not count towards qualifying. Now they do.
I ran my ass off and this was just a scrimmage. They ran about 75 plays, but there are so many more plays to the flats and long passes. The Umpire does not just wait for the ball many or stop at the hashes anymore. I'm running sideline to sideline on most plays now.
Working the middle is much the same in college as in HS, however there are a few things I've noticed so far that are very different. I still go to the LOS on a pass, but I'm not so focused on whether the passer crosses the line or not. The wings do this. In HS the White Hat often wants me over the ball until he blows the whistle. Not in college. Put the ball down and get hell out of there I was told. Unless, of course they are in a hurry-up offense, then I stay over the ball until released. I was also told the Referee will never... ever... touch the ball.
I worked the wings for a series or two. This is very different than college. Holding your position on a pass is just weird and then sprint to the forward progress spot like some nineteen year old when your... well, no where near nineteen. I had a player ask me if I wanted a drink of water because I was sweating so much. I declined.
I don't work the wings much in HS any more, but I guess I can kinda go on automatic. The game is so much simpler. But now, I need to pay more attention to which receiver to watch, who is eligible to block below the waist (BBW), is my man off the line, do we have a seven man line, did a covered receiver go down field on a pass. These players are bigger, faster and smarter (some would question this). They are better coached for sure and these coaches seem to actually know the rules. I see players changing techniques during the play as if they know when they are crossing the line(like with holding).
This is going to be harder than I thought.
I ran my ass off and this was just a scrimmage. They ran about 75 plays, but there are so many more plays to the flats and long passes. The Umpire does not just wait for the ball many or stop at the hashes anymore. I'm running sideline to sideline on most plays now.
Working the middle is much the same in college as in HS, however there are a few things I've noticed so far that are very different. I still go to the LOS on a pass, but I'm not so focused on whether the passer crosses the line or not. The wings do this. In HS the White Hat often wants me over the ball until he blows the whistle. Not in college. Put the ball down and get hell out of there I was told. Unless, of course they are in a hurry-up offense, then I stay over the ball until released. I was also told the Referee will never... ever... touch the ball.
I worked the wings for a series or two. This is very different than college. Holding your position on a pass is just weird and then sprint to the forward progress spot like some nineteen year old when your... well, no where near nineteen. I had a player ask me if I wanted a drink of water because I was sweating so much. I declined.
I don't work the wings much in HS any more, but I guess I can kinda go on automatic. The game is so much simpler. But now, I need to pay more attention to which receiver to watch, who is eligible to block below the waist (BBW), is my man off the line, do we have a seven man line, did a covered receiver go down field on a pass. These players are bigger, faster and smarter (some would question this). They are better coached for sure and these coaches seem to actually know the rules. I see players changing techniques during the play as if they know when they are crossing the line(like with holding).
This is going to be harder than I thought.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
We Are Musing Officially
According to Google Analytics, there have been 76 visitors to the blog and 27 of you have returned more than once. For such a niche topic this encourages me to continue. I appreciate you taking the time out your busy day to read along. I'd enjoy hearing from you, so send me an email at pigskinref@gmail.com.
If you have been reading along you'll notice I have been all over the place with topics related to American Football officiating. Or maybe my writing is so riviting you didn't even notice.
Scrimmages start this week, so I will have plenty of content for the COAR blog. But I also have a boatload of things to discuss that are not specifically related to my ambition to become an "official" NCAA official. This is why I am creating a second blog named "We Are Musing Officially". (WAMO)
In WAMO, the entries will be more like http://pigskinref.blogspot.com/2007/07/ugly-side-of-game.html. This was by far the most popular blog entry to date and it had nothing to do with COAR.
I haven't even mentioned the NBA Ref scandal because this didn't belong in COAR. But it will in WAMO.
Give me a few days to get this going. If you have any official ideas requiring musing, drop me a line. We'll stir the pot and see what happens.
If you have been reading along you'll notice I have been all over the place with topics related to American Football officiating. Or maybe my writing is so riviting you didn't even notice.
Scrimmages start this week, so I will have plenty of content for the COAR blog. But I also have a boatload of things to discuss that are not specifically related to my ambition to become an "official" NCAA official. This is why I am creating a second blog named "We Are Musing Officially". (WAMO)
In WAMO, the entries will be more like http://pigskinref.blogspot.com/2007/07/ugly-side-of-game.html. This was by far the most popular blog entry to date and it had nothing to do with COAR.
I haven't even mentioned the NBA Ref scandal because this didn't belong in COAR. But it will in WAMO.
Give me a few days to get this going. If you have any official ideas requiring musing, drop me a line. We'll stir the pot and see what happens.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
When the right thing is not the correct thing
Last year I officiated the best game of my football career. And I hardly remember anything except one play late in the second quarter. It changed my entire perspective on the role of the White Hat.
This was the last freshman game of the 2006 season and I was the White Hat for the cross-town rival game. Before the game, both coaches explained this game was for the league championship and was very important to both teams. I told the coach that was great and we all agreed we'd "let the boys play" tonight. All was well.
And it was well. This was a classic game. The air was cold, fog hanged in the air, the crowd was into the game, and the play was awesome. Both teams fought hard and the game went back and forth. I truly was a beautiful thing. Then it happened.
Somewhere around 3:00 minutes left in the 2nd quarter there was a sweep to the right sideline that went about 15 yards past the LOS. There was one hell of a late hit that the Line Judge correctly called. If a late hit in a rivalry game is not bad enough, the players ended-up on top of one the coaches. The twist is this coach happens to have no legs, no arms, and is in a wheelchair.
So I have big ass collision with a flag, in a big game, in front of God and Country, with a person in the coaches box who happens to be in a wheelchair. You can imagine what was going through my mind.
Thank goodness no one was hurt. After administrating the penalty, we resumed play. A play or two later, my Back Judge ran the ball back after a pass and asked 'are you going to let the coach stay in the box. Isn't this unsafe." Ahhhh, ya.
For the next series of plays I must admit I was not thinking about the game. I was thinking about that Bobby Martin kid from Dayton who had no legs and the officials in that game would not let him play. Those guys were scorned as villains. Ya, I want to go down that road.
But what I finally decided was to wait until half-time so I didn;t make a scene and I asked the coach if he minded remaining behind the coaches box rather then being in it. I said I felt with all the players surrounding him, he was not able to move out of the way quickly enough should another play occur near him. Thankfully, he understood and agreed.
I cannot find anything in the rules stating this coach could not be in the coaches box. All I found was rule 1-1-6. I know I did the 'right' thing because had there been a 2nd incident and a player was really hurt, I think I opened myself up to some serious safety negligence allegations. But the 'correct' thing is to do nothing because he has a right to be the box as a coach.
At the end of the game both coaches agreed this was one of the best games they had ever been apart of and thanked me for a well officiated game.
Don't ask me who won. That was the last thing on my mind.
This was the last freshman game of the 2006 season and I was the White Hat for the cross-town rival game. Before the game, both coaches explained this game was for the league championship and was very important to both teams. I told the coach that was great and we all agreed we'd "let the boys play" tonight. All was well.
And it was well. This was a classic game. The air was cold, fog hanged in the air, the crowd was into the game, and the play was awesome. Both teams fought hard and the game went back and forth. I truly was a beautiful thing. Then it happened.
Somewhere around 3:00 minutes left in the 2nd quarter there was a sweep to the right sideline that went about 15 yards past the LOS. There was one hell of a late hit that the Line Judge correctly called. If a late hit in a rivalry game is not bad enough, the players ended-up on top of one the coaches. The twist is this coach happens to have no legs, no arms, and is in a wheelchair.
So I have big ass collision with a flag, in a big game, in front of God and Country, with a person in the coaches box who happens to be in a wheelchair. You can imagine what was going through my mind.
Thank goodness no one was hurt. After administrating the penalty, we resumed play. A play or two later, my Back Judge ran the ball back after a pass and asked 'are you going to let the coach stay in the box. Isn't this unsafe." Ahhhh, ya.
For the next series of plays I must admit I was not thinking about the game. I was thinking about that Bobby Martin kid from Dayton who had no legs and the officials in that game would not let him play. Those guys were scorned as villains. Ya, I want to go down that road.
But what I finally decided was to wait until half-time so I didn;t make a scene and I asked the coach if he minded remaining behind the coaches box rather then being in it. I said I felt with all the players surrounding him, he was not able to move out of the way quickly enough should another play occur near him. Thankfully, he understood and agreed.
I cannot find anything in the rules stating this coach could not be in the coaches box. All I found was rule 1-1-6. I know I did the 'right' thing because had there been a 2nd incident and a player was really hurt, I think I opened myself up to some serious safety negligence allegations. But the 'correct' thing is to do nothing because he has a right to be the box as a coach.
At the end of the game both coaches agreed this was one of the best games they had ever been apart of and thanked me for a well officiated game.
Don't ask me who won. That was the last thing on my mind.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Scrimmges 'R Us
Saturday is both college scrimmage day and one of the HS scrimmage days. I'm required to do both in order to work games. Luckily, our college regional rep is also part of our association (and my former HS crew chief) and he was able to negotiate a deal with the HS head guy. But we still need to work and hour at the HS scrimmage, then run over to the college scrimmage, then back to the HS scrimmages. Next Sat will be the same thing. What a pain.
I did get the schedule for the first half of the college season - three games. I don't work the first two weeks. I guess this is ok since we were really only promised four games for the season. I get the last 5 weeks of the season in 10 days or so. If I get 6 games for the season I'll be ok with it. Since I work primarily at Umpire, I should be happy with what I got. There are 22 umpires and 17 games per week. Getting 3 games is pretty good I guess.
Next year I'll have to push to work the wings.
I did get the schedule for the first half of the college season - three games. I don't work the first two weeks. I guess this is ok since we were really only promised four games for the season. I get the last 5 weeks of the season in 10 days or so. If I get 6 games for the season I'll be ok with it. Since I work primarily at Umpire, I should be happy with what I got. There are 22 umpires and 17 games per week. Getting 3 games is pretty good I guess.
Next year I'll have to push to work the wings.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Stop Asking Stupid Questions
Let' see, it's 11:15PM on a Saturday night and I'm blogging. Yea, I know. The kid are finally asleep... so is the wife. I guess I can finish the 2nd of three HS football test.
I'm not sure about your association, but mine uses open books now. But we have three, 100 question tests, so its not like you can just slack off. Some questions are straight out of the rule book, others are from the case book, and others are well crafted and force you to look in several places in the rules. An example would be a play scenario where you have to account for which teams was last in possession, who had "clean hands", dead-ball fouls on plays with a double foul, with PSK involved. Or something like that.
But as I mentioned last time, some of these questions are just not well thought out. For example, one of the questions on this years test is "A PSK foul can only occur after the kick crosses the line of scrimmage." I hate these kind of questions. Follow me on this.
First, the foul occurs when and where the foul occurs. PSK is simply an enforcement spot for a foul that occurs under certain conditions during a Scrimmage kick down. In Rule 2-16-2-h PSK requires a foul by "B", during a scrimmage kick plan (and here is my point) in which the ball crosses the expanded neutral zone.
So, to cross the expanded neutral zone also means the must cross the line of scrimmage. But, what does the question designer on my association test want? If you take the literal description out the manual, then the question is false. If you read it like someone who 'thinks', then the answer is true. The kick cannot cross the expanded neutral zone with out first crossing the LOS. So, yea a PSK foul can only occur after the ball crosses the LOS... duh.
But I still think it is a trick question and the answer is false because... well I really don't know why. A better question would have been "When K commits a foul behind the LOS the enforcement spot is the PSK spot". At least this version really tests you knowledge on what a PSK foul is and when it occurs.
But whatever. I know what to do when it happens in a game. I wouldn't care so much, but you have to get a score of 90+ in order to work post season and there are always about ten of these bullshit type questions. Or they use double negatives. Those really suck too.
College scrimmage start next week, but do I know when and where... no.
I'm not sure about your association, but mine uses open books now. But we have three, 100 question tests, so its not like you can just slack off. Some questions are straight out of the rule book, others are from the case book, and others are well crafted and force you to look in several places in the rules. An example would be a play scenario where you have to account for which teams was last in possession, who had "clean hands", dead-ball fouls on plays with a double foul, with PSK involved. Or something like that.
But as I mentioned last time, some of these questions are just not well thought out. For example, one of the questions on this years test is "A PSK foul can only occur after the kick crosses the line of scrimmage." I hate these kind of questions. Follow me on this.
First, the foul occurs when and where the foul occurs. PSK is simply an enforcement spot for a foul that occurs under certain conditions during a Scrimmage kick down. In Rule 2-16-2-h PSK requires a foul by "B", during a scrimmage kick plan (and here is my point) in which the ball crosses the expanded neutral zone.
So, to cross the expanded neutral zone also means the must cross the line of scrimmage. But, what does the question designer on my association test want? If you take the literal description out the manual, then the question is false. If you read it like someone who 'thinks', then the answer is true. The kick cannot cross the expanded neutral zone with out first crossing the LOS. So, yea a PSK foul can only occur after the ball crosses the LOS... duh.
But I still think it is a trick question and the answer is false because... well I really don't know why. A better question would have been "When K commits a foul behind the LOS the enforcement spot is the PSK spot". At least this version really tests you knowledge on what a PSK foul is and when it occurs.
But whatever. I know what to do when it happens in a game. I wouldn't care so much, but you have to get a score of 90+ in order to work post season and there are always about ten of these bullshit type questions. Or they use double negatives. Those really suck too.
College scrimmage start next week, but do I know when and where... no.
Monday, August 6, 2007
Change is good, right?
Just returned from the HS football meeting. As I mentioned in an earlier blog, I expected to be moved to another crew. Unfortunately, I was.
Being on a crew is akin to being on a team. That's a really nice cliche, but not really true... it is more like being in a click. We have our table at the meetings, our own inside jokes, our own countless stories about games where 'this' or 'that' happened, and we want the whole thing to be exclusive. There are people we never want to work with, and lets be honest, don't deserve to be on our crew. Our crew ROCKS and we know it. And I will miss working with those guys.
But, we all knew this day was going to come. We do actually have the highest rated crew in the association. All five of us work at least 1st or 2nd round of playoffs each year. Most of the other crews are really hurting for experienced people. We need to do what is best for the association.
From what I was told, my new crew chief asked for help and my name was the first to come-up. I'll assume this was a complement.
My new crew chief, I am told, is a good guy and runs a good game. Its odd, but in 11 years with the association, I have never actually worked any games with him. When I asked where he planned on using me, he said that was up to me. Now, that has never happened before. Either I am highly respected and thus, can get whatever I want, or this crew is weak all around and anywhere I work will make things better. I prefer to think the former, but I expect it is the later.
Completed the first of three open book test. I have another gripe session next time on some of the annoying questions that are asked on the NFHS test.
Being on a crew is akin to being on a team. That's a really nice cliche, but not really true... it is more like being in a click. We have our table at the meetings, our own inside jokes, our own countless stories about games where 'this' or 'that' happened, and we want the whole thing to be exclusive. There are people we never want to work with, and lets be honest, don't deserve to be on our crew. Our crew ROCKS and we know it. And I will miss working with those guys.
But, we all knew this day was going to come. We do actually have the highest rated crew in the association. All five of us work at least 1st or 2nd round of playoffs each year. Most of the other crews are really hurting for experienced people. We need to do what is best for the association.
From what I was told, my new crew chief asked for help and my name was the first to come-up. I'll assume this was a complement.
My new crew chief, I am told, is a good guy and runs a good game. Its odd, but in 11 years with the association, I have never actually worked any games with him. When I asked where he planned on using me, he said that was up to me. Now, that has never happened before. Either I am highly respected and thus, can get whatever I want, or this crew is weak all around and anywhere I work will make things better. I prefer to think the former, but I expect it is the later.
Completed the first of three open book test. I have another gripe session next time on some of the annoying questions that are asked on the NFHS test.
Friday, August 3, 2007
Policies
Spent the last several days on airplanes so no time to blog. But, I spent a lot of time studying the rules for both HS and College. I've reached that place where I've spent too much time in the books and need to get back on the field.
Okay, here is my bitch this week - scheduling meetings. With all due respect for my association coordinator, the guy needs to understand how the other half lives. Many of the members of the association are school teachers, police officers, construction workers, etc. Essentially 8-5 kind of guys. I am not. I am a 'white collar' worker who is on call 24/7. I have to make arrangements with my boss to not be accessible during football games. I'm lucky to have a boss who is understanding and supports me, but since I am in management, I have a burden to my employer to ensure my area is covered (I am an IT manager).
So, I get this note from my crew chief stating there are no excused absences for meetings and the association has a minimum number of pre-season training hours. Well, this trip was planned and paid for since March. We were only told three weeks ago about the pre-season meeting schedule. How can missing the meeting be held against me? In the 11 years I've been part of the association, we have never met in July. In fact, in 11 years I've never missed a meeting. Further, I attend all the voluntary summer study meetings, worked the All-Star game I previously blogged about, and even worked a semi-pro game in June. I've put in the time and paid my dues. Literally ($75) and figuratively.
Our association complains about not having enough officials. Well, there needs to be some flexibility. It's one thing if I just didn't attend the meeting because I forgot or was lazy. There needs to be credit for my summer meetings or something.
The next meeting is Monday, so I'll see what this means. Maybe I won't get playoffs this year. That would be unfair and disappointing, but not the end of the world.
Are you a white collar working like me? What hoops do you have to go through?
Okay, here is my bitch this week - scheduling meetings. With all due respect for my association coordinator, the guy needs to understand how the other half lives. Many of the members of the association are school teachers, police officers, construction workers, etc. Essentially 8-5 kind of guys. I am not. I am a 'white collar' worker who is on call 24/7. I have to make arrangements with my boss to not be accessible during football games. I'm lucky to have a boss who is understanding and supports me, but since I am in management, I have a burden to my employer to ensure my area is covered (I am an IT manager).
So, I get this note from my crew chief stating there are no excused absences for meetings and the association has a minimum number of pre-season training hours. Well, this trip was planned and paid for since March. We were only told three weeks ago about the pre-season meeting schedule. How can missing the meeting be held against me? In the 11 years I've been part of the association, we have never met in July. In fact, in 11 years I've never missed a meeting. Further, I attend all the voluntary summer study meetings, worked the All-Star game I previously blogged about, and even worked a semi-pro game in June. I've put in the time and paid my dues. Literally ($75) and figuratively.
Our association complains about not having enough officials. Well, there needs to be some flexibility. It's one thing if I just didn't attend the meeting because I forgot or was lazy. There needs to be credit for my summer meetings or something.
The next meeting is Monday, so I'll see what this means. Maybe I won't get playoffs this year. That would be unfair and disappointing, but not the end of the world.
Are you a white collar working like me? What hoops do you have to go through?
Thursday, July 26, 2007
The Ugly Side of the Game
Last month I was asked to work the so-called County All-Star game. I've worked several of these contest in the past and each year I say I'll never do them again. They are simply the poorest representation of what this game is all about. This year was no exception.
I only agreed to work the game if we could use NCAA mechanics and we could use this game as a training exercise. This seemed like a good idea since four of us were CCFOA candidates. All agreed and we decided to use seven-man mechanics.
I worked line judge (I typically work White Hat on JV/Fresh and Umpire on Var) which took a series or two for me to get my eyes back, so to speak. Holding my ground until the ball passed the LOS is not natural. This is not the same mechanic as five-man HS. Eventually, I settled in.
Even more challenging for me was trusting the field judge. Again, I was not used to having this help on passes to my sideline. We had one of those plays where the receiver danced the sideline. I saw feet in, but not the ball. I ruled catch, but the FJ saw the ball was not possessed in the field of play. I should have looked at him before killing the clock. Lesson learned.
All this was marred in the 2nd half of the game More than once we spoke with the team captains to get everyone under control and once we even brought both head coaches together to calm things down. Just a lot of pushing and smart mouthing. We ejected a player for throwing the ball at the opposite team's coach following a touchdown. It all finally came to a head when the benches cleared and there was a big brawl with about 4:00 remaining in the 4th. We tried for a good two minutes to get things under control. We'd get it stopped, then it would start-up again.
We finally ran off the field when fans entered the playing field. We were already being heckled and the losing side was looking for an excuse to take it out on us. When the cops came on the field, then I knew our jurisdiction was finally over.
All very sad since this game is for charity and these players are supposed to be 'all-stars'.
I only agreed to work the game if we could use NCAA mechanics and we could use this game as a training exercise. This seemed like a good idea since four of us were CCFOA candidates. All agreed and we decided to use seven-man mechanics.
I worked line judge (I typically work White Hat on JV/Fresh and Umpire on Var) which took a series or two for me to get my eyes back, so to speak. Holding my ground until the ball passed the LOS is not natural. This is not the same mechanic as five-man HS. Eventually, I settled in.
Even more challenging for me was trusting the field judge. Again, I was not used to having this help on passes to my sideline. We had one of those plays where the receiver danced the sideline. I saw feet in, but not the ball. I ruled catch, but the FJ saw the ball was not possessed in the field of play. I should have looked at him before killing the clock. Lesson learned.
All this was marred in the 2nd half of the game More than once we spoke with the team captains to get everyone under control and once we even brought both head coaches together to calm things down. Just a lot of pushing and smart mouthing. We ejected a player for throwing the ball at the opposite team's coach following a touchdown. It all finally came to a head when the benches cleared and there was a big brawl with about 4:00 remaining in the 4th. We tried for a good two minutes to get things under control. We'd get it stopped, then it would start-up again.
We finally ran off the field when fans entered the playing field. We were already being heckled and the losing side was looking for an excuse to take it out on us. When the cops came on the field, then I knew our jurisdiction was finally over.
All very sad since this game is for charity and these players are supposed to be 'all-stars'.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Now the fun begins
For anyone who has worked both High School and College Football, then I don't need to explain just how screwed-up your mind gets. I already find myself saying - oh crap, that's a HS rule. This is only my second season in the college rule book and I'm already feeling like I'm going to do something stupid.
For those who are not familiar with the 'distinctions' between the two systems, let me explain. In the Football Rule Differences 2007 book which outlines the differences between the two codes) there are 286 pages (after you exclude the index, table of contents, and other diagrams). Essentially, over 200 differences. Some are not that big of a deal - in HS you need shoes, but not socks. In NCAA you can kick barefoot but need socks otherwise. The number of panels on the ball, who can talk to the media. Simple things like that. Other rules are more complicated. In HS, no blocking below the waist except in the free block zone, but in NCAA, well this is a difference story depending upon who is doing the blocking, where it occurs on the field, and it which direction. This is blog entry in itself.
So, I paid my HS association dues ($75 bucks this year) and now have the 2007 HS books. I'm afraid to open them. I finally have what seems to be a fairly clear picture in my mind of what NCAA rules are and I'm going to cloud it all up with HS rules. The old timers tell me to not compare the two systems. But how do you avoid this?
My college mentor (who is a HS Crew Chief and a College White Hat) told me he worked HS for 15 years before he started college. When he first started college ball he said it was as if he never officiated before. It is a completely different game.
For those who are not familiar with the 'distinctions' between the two systems, let me explain. In the Football Rule Differences 2007 book which outlines the differences between the two codes) there are 286 pages (after you exclude the index, table of contents, and other diagrams). Essentially, over 200 differences. Some are not that big of a deal - in HS you need shoes, but not socks. In NCAA you can kick barefoot but need socks otherwise. The number of panels on the ball, who can talk to the media. Simple things like that. Other rules are more complicated. In HS, no blocking below the waist except in the free block zone, but in NCAA, well this is a difference story depending upon who is doing the blocking, where it occurs on the field, and it which direction. This is blog entry in itself.
So, I paid my HS association dues ($75 bucks this year) and now have the 2007 HS books. I'm afraid to open them. I finally have what seems to be a fairly clear picture in my mind of what NCAA rules are and I'm going to cloud it all up with HS rules. The old timers tell me to not compare the two systems. But how do you avoid this?
My college mentor (who is a HS Crew Chief and a College White Hat) told me he worked HS for 15 years before he started college. When he first started college ball he said it was as if he never officiated before. It is a completely different game.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Test Results
I met the crew at 5:30AM. I'm tired and have information overload. A lot of great information was provided by several D1 officials covering holding philosophy, mechanics, DPI, etc.
Or association reps reported back from a meeting with the coaches. There seems to be an open dialog between the coaches and the staff regarding rule interpretation and he as a group will be enforcing them. I think this is great idea, although I expect to hear the same thing I hear in high school - last week they didn't call that.
This is a topic I like some opinions on. How do you ensure consistency between crews when it comes to judgement calls? Obviously by their very nature they are somewhat subjective. Does your association provide you with judgement guidelines?
During the clinic we took two tests - 30 questions each. The first was fairly easy and I only missed one (and an easy one too) Prior to the snap from scrimmage kick formation the SJ and FJ should identify the numbers of the two eligible receivers on their side of the formation.. Well, duh... but I got that one wrong.
The second test was on penalty enforcements and I did not do as well. I passed but with a caveat.
I explain more on this next time.
Or association reps reported back from a meeting with the coaches. There seems to be an open dialog between the coaches and the staff regarding rule interpretation and he as a group will be enforcing them. I think this is great idea, although I expect to hear the same thing I hear in high school - last week they didn't call that.
This is a topic I like some opinions on. How do you ensure consistency between crews when it comes to judgement calls? Obviously by their very nature they are somewhat subjective. Does your association provide you with judgement guidelines?
During the clinic we took two tests - 30 questions each. The first was fairly easy and I only missed one (and an easy one too) Prior to the snap from scrimmage kick formation the SJ and FJ should identify the numbers of the two eligible receivers on their side of the formation.. Well, duh... but I got that one wrong.
The second test was on penalty enforcements and I did not do as well. I passed but with a caveat.
I explain more on this next time.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
So Late
Went for a run tonight in a feeble attempt to get back into shape. I can only seem to to any running two or three times a week. Better than nothing I suppose, but not nearly enough.
10:14 PM and I'm just now getting to sitting down at the desk. Having three kids really puts a damper on how much time you can spend on preparing. I'm really sicks being so tired and trying to pull knowledge most poorly written books I've every read. The rule are confusing enough let alone having many of them written in double negatives.
Better stop procrastinating, Now it's 10:29.
10:14 PM and I'm just now getting to sitting down at the desk. Having three kids really puts a damper on how much time you can spend on preparing. I'm really sicks being so tired and trying to pull knowledge most poorly written books I've every read. The rule are confusing enough let alone having many of them written in double negatives.
Better stop procrastinating, Now it's 10:29.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Next Steps
Completed the last college summer study meeting tonight. Watched some film. Reviewed the tests questions. Made plans to meet 5:30AM in order to get to the clinic by 7:45.
We had a long discussion on one of the new rules changes related to fouls by A on free kicks out of bounds. Can B elect to take the ball at the OB spot and tack on the five yard penalty. One side felt accepting the OB spot was one the penalty options and thus wiped out the distance penalty. You could not have both. At the end of the discussion, we determined that with the new rule, B could take the ball at the OB spot and tack on five yards. I'm sure this will get screwed-up several times and there will be many a coach who want an explanation.
I also learned tonight from my HS Crew Chief I was being moved to a new crew that needs some help. The crew I am currently on is very strong and we've been together for 10 years now. This is very disappointing for me. Three of us on the crew all came-up together.
We all knew this day was coming. There just are not enough officials to fill all the games and the crew system just doesn't work when you are thin.
We had a long discussion on one of the new rules changes related to fouls by A on free kicks out of bounds. Can B elect to take the ball at the OB spot and tack on the five yard penalty. One side felt accepting the OB spot was one the penalty options and thus wiped out the distance penalty. You could not have both. At the end of the discussion, we determined that with the new rule, B could take the ball at the OB spot and tack on five yards. I'm sure this will get screwed-up several times and there will be many a coach who want an explanation.
I also learned tonight from my HS Crew Chief I was being moved to a new crew that needs some help. The crew I am currently on is very strong and we've been together for 10 years now. This is very disappointing for me. Three of us on the crew all came-up together.
We all knew this day was coming. There just are not enough officials to fill all the games and the crew system just doesn't work when you are thin.
Summer School Ends
Tonight is the last local summer meeting before the association qualifying meeting this Sat. Last chance to ask questions and remove any doubt. Doubtful that will work.
The differences between High School ball and College are quite stark. It's still football, but in college there are so many exceptions to the rules. Some penalties are previous spot, some are spot fouls. Penalty enforcements are like 'all-but-one', but then again, not really. It reminds me of grammar class - why bother having a rule when there are so many exceptions.
It really isn't that bad, but it feels that way at the beginning. The study group has really helped stop the temptation to compare HS with College. You just have to let go of HS rules and look at the version of the game independently.
The differences between High School ball and College are quite stark. It's still football, but in college there are so many exceptions to the rules. Some penalties are previous spot, some are spot fouls. Penalty enforcements are like 'all-but-one', but then again, not really. It reminds me of grammar class - why bother having a rule when there are so many exceptions.
It really isn't that bad, but it feels that way at the beginning. The study group has really helped stop the temptation to compare HS with College. You just have to let go of HS rules and look at the version of the game independently.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Prelude
The objective of this blog is to chronicle my journey from being a High School Football Official to a NCAA Football Official. For those who have been down the path already you can advise me. For those who have never officiated a competitive sport, I hope to open your eyes to very challenging yet fulfilling calling.
I'll outline the process my Association takes me through to receive an offer to become an Official(I am currently called a Candidate). I'll make mistakes. I'll do somethings right. I'm going to learn a lot and hopefully you will too.
I'll outline the process my Association takes me through to receive an offer to become an Official(I am currently called a Candidate). I'll make mistakes. I'll do somethings right. I'm going to learn a lot and hopefully you will too.
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