There was a strange duplicity in this week's game. There was the game I worked; and then there is the game that everyone else saw.
The game everyone saw was outstanding. A classic back-and-forth contest where the better team won, and the losing team was last years Champs. Coaches misused time-outs, turnovers came at inopportune times, and a failed hail-mary in the closing seconds made this game a good candidate for the year-end highlight reel. But overall, a very well played contest with a final score of 28-21.
Game management was excellent. We had a clock (a first this season) a chain crew, ball people. You may think this is trivial, but trust me, when these things don't go well, it makes for a long night.
This was a game I would take my young son to. There was good sportsmanship all around, players helping one another off the ground, etc. Enough foul language to remind you this was a football game, and way more than would be tolerated in a High School or College game, but overall not too bad.
That's the game everyone else saw. I, on the other hand, am not really sure what game I saw because I left my brain in the car. Or at home. I'm not really sure because I lost it.
It starts early in the first quarter with a pass about 15 yards down the middle of the field. As Umpire, I'm supposed to turn on these passes and watch the reception. On these short passing routes in the middle of the field the receivers back it typically towards the deep officials. In other words, the deep officials cannot see the ball. I'm the one with the best view on trapped balls.
So, I read pass, see the QB is going to throw, and I lock on the intended receiver ... I at least I tried. The QB had a cannon for an arm. The receiver dives back towards the LOS, sticks an arm out and...
I don't know for sure if he actually caught it, but it wasn't clear he didn't either. My head was not stationary, the ball was zipped, and the receiver was moving back towards me. It was one of those close ones. Luckily, I didn't blow my whistle (Minor League Football uses down-by-contact rule). Not because I ruled a completed pass. No, I didn't blow it dead because I didn't know. I didn't know because I did think what it takes to make a reception a 'catch'. I just thinking " gee, I don't know and it's too late now, so.... " So, the receiver is just laying there on the ground. No one touched him. He is still just laying there. It's like everything just stopped. It seems like he is sitting there for 10 seconds. Still no whistle.
Now, this should be a clue to me that the guy knew he didn't catch the ball, right? Of yea, STILL NO WHISTLE. So, he finally gets up and runs... and runs... and runs... and scores. During the run back there was a flag. Thrown by me. This is a story by itself which I will include in the next post.
But the real issue with all this is I did not know it was a catch, yet I ruled it was. As I replay it in my mind, I don't know if the ground aided the receiver or not. I 'think' his hand was under ball when it bounced-up and hit his chest. He was far enough away that I could not be certain. So, although this was one of those 'it can go either way' kind of calls, I think I was wrong. When in doubt, it is NOT a catch should be the rule of the day.
But you need to bring your brain to the game.
There are a lot more interesting (i.e. Brainless) things about this game I'll share in the next post.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Minor League Football - zzzzzzzzzzzzz
No game this week. In fact, I still do not know the remainder of my schedule save on lone game in May. We were promised six games. Next week is week four already. This league is so weird.
Speaking of weird; and complete stupidity, I agreed to work the All-Star game again. The game is not until late June, so I still have time to come to my senses.
Speaking of weird; and complete stupidity, I agreed to work the All-Star game again. The game is not until late June, so I still have time to come to my senses.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Minor Leage Football - So far, an ugly game
This weeks Minor League game was hosted at the same venue as last weeks gridiron travesty. A few players were there to play Football and played well. Most are what I call -- crybabies. These whiners are act like teenagers boys who still haven't figured out that life is not fair. I spend most of my time during the contest focusing on these juveniles acting out their frustrations. It is hard to believe these are adults. The Junior College kids don't even act this way.
We threw two Unsportsmanlike flags for players removing their helmets on the field. Sounds benign, but the helmets came off after something happened... who the hell knows what it was, but this "offended" player just had to jump up-and-down, scream and yell, and throw a tantrum my four year old son would be proud of. And this was on the team that ended-up winning 49-12.
Things began to all apart before the game even started. Again, only two (myself and the White Hat) of us had any CCFOA experience (college). Before the game even started, things started off bad.
The home team owner typically gives us our game fee prior to the game starting, and prior to us beginning our respective position duties. This week, she approached to us ten minutes before the game started. She said she did not have the money with her, but so-and-so had the cash and we needed to see him. The White Hat simply stated that we preferred if so-and-so brought the money to us as we are preparing for the game. She stomps off. Five minutes later so-and-so arrives with the money and a bone to pick with the White Hat. He says something to the effect of "I hear we have an attitude problem." The White Hat says something to effect of, "No attitude problem. We are working, give us our money... and you can leave now." The White Hat was more professional than my paraphrase, but he basically told him to take his attitude and shove it.
Then, we have a kickoff. No big deal. But no chain crew. So we had to wait for five minutes to get this put together. Same thing happened following halftime. And once again, no game clock
. Mr. so-and-so with the attitude needs to do his friggin job before he starts waving fingers at us.
Everyone seemed to have an attitude Saturday. We flagged one player for two personal fouls on the same play. There was some long run or punt return, I don't recall, but around mid-field a good twenty yards from the ball, #45 blocks a guy in the back... now bear in mind, #45 is on defense, then he races down to where the tackle being made and after the whistle, knocks the crap put of someone. Another flag. This is the same a-hole I threw flags on last week. It was so stupid because the end of the run was at the 16, so we did half distance, half distance and put the ball on the four. I could have, and now looking back should have, nailed the guy for hitting a defenseless player... which would have been an ejection.
I threw an Illegal Forward Pass, a few False Starts, and a huge Holding. #55 was so pissed at me for calling it on him, but he took the guy down. He said "I rode him to the ground." Ah, yea, by the shoulder pads. Friggin whiners.
I could go on, but as I relieve these preschool playground antics, I'm getting depressed.
I still don't know what games I have for the season, so who knows what fun is in store next Saturday.
We threw two Unsportsmanlike flags for players removing their helmets on the field. Sounds benign, but the helmets came off after something happened... who the hell knows what it was, but this "offended" player just had to jump up-and-down, scream and yell, and throw a tantrum my four year old son would be proud of. And this was on the team that ended-up winning 49-12.
Things began to all apart before the game even started. Again, only two (myself and the White Hat) of us had any CCFOA experience (college). Before the game even started, things started off bad.
The home team owner typically gives us our game fee prior to the game starting, and prior to us beginning our respective position duties. This week, she approached to us ten minutes before the game started. She said she did not have the money with her, but so-and-so had the cash and we needed to see him. The White Hat simply stated that we preferred if so-and-so brought the money to us as we are preparing for the game. She stomps off. Five minutes later so-and-so arrives with the money and a bone to pick with the White Hat. He says something to the effect of "I hear we have an attitude problem." The White Hat says something to effect of, "No attitude problem. We are working, give us our money... and you can leave now." The White Hat was more professional than my paraphrase, but he basically told him to take his attitude and shove it.
Then, we have a kickoff. No big deal. But no chain crew. So we had to wait for five minutes to get this put together. Same thing happened following halftime. And once again, no game clock
. Mr. so-and-so with the attitude needs to do his friggin job before he starts waving fingers at us.
Everyone seemed to have an attitude Saturday. We flagged one player for two personal fouls on the same play. There was some long run or punt return, I don't recall, but around mid-field a good twenty yards from the ball, #45 blocks a guy in the back... now bear in mind, #45 is on defense, then he races down to where the tackle being made and after the whistle, knocks the crap put of someone. Another flag. This is the same a-hole I threw flags on last week. It was so stupid because the end of the run was at the 16, so we did half distance, half distance and put the ball on the four. I could have, and now looking back should have, nailed the guy for hitting a defenseless player... which would have been an ejection.
I threw an Illegal Forward Pass, a few False Starts, and a huge Holding. #55 was so pissed at me for calling it on him, but he took the guy down. He said "I rode him to the ground." Ah, yea, by the shoulder pads. Friggin whiners.
I could go on, but as I relieve these preschool playground antics, I'm getting depressed.
I still don't know what games I have for the season, so who knows what fun is in store next Saturday.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Minor League Football.. key word is minor
If Saturday's game is any indication of what is to come, then this is going to be a long, ugly season. Minor League Football conjours up the movie The Longest Yard. Saturday's game could have been the inspiration for that movie.
First, the caliber of play was dismal. I understand these guys have day-jobs and are weekend warrior's at best. And I doubt many of these players have seen a weight room or a pair of jogging shoes in a long time. But this is no excuse of the lack of character in grown men. It was pathetic. I thought the High School All-Star games were bad. This was just plain old ugly.
The game ended 22-6, so at least it was interesting, but we threw way too many flags. I broke-up several potential fights and had to talk down more than one hyped-up player. We threw at least six unsportsmanlike and three personal fouls - one of which I threw. I could, or perhaps should, have thrown other flags. Pushing, shoving, fighting. I caught a guy punching another player in the balls. What the hell?
One thing that contributed to the problem was we had a rookie crew. Three of the crew had never worked NCAA rules or mechanics. They had deer-in-the-headlights syndrome and it showed. Things started to get out of hand when the players felt we were not going to call any of the borderline things. It took us vets two quarters to get things back in line. We had to threaten to leave in order to get the players to stop being stupid.
As with many of the junior college games, there was no clock on the field, no PA system, and no field management to my knowledge. For a league what wants to improve its image, it is off to a poor start.
So get this; during the first quarter, we have a play in the flats where the runner falls down, but was not down by contact. The Line Judge blows the play dead. Ok, fine, he is a High School official and forgot we are using the NFL rule for this. No big deal. I remind him and we go on.
Another play just like this happens on the other side of the field, but the Linesman correctly does not blow the play dead and the runner gains another five yards before he is tackled. The visiting coach is jumping through his skin because the runners knee was down. We remind him of the rule, he protests, we tell him to politely get a clue. Then at halftime, the two coaches speak and agree to change the rule for the second half - now we are using High School rules.
Whatever.
First, the caliber of play was dismal. I understand these guys have day-jobs and are weekend warrior's at best. And I doubt many of these players have seen a weight room or a pair of jogging shoes in a long time. But this is no excuse of the lack of character in grown men. It was pathetic. I thought the High School All-Star games were bad. This was just plain old ugly.
The game ended 22-6, so at least it was interesting, but we threw way too many flags. I broke-up several potential fights and had to talk down more than one hyped-up player. We threw at least six unsportsmanlike and three personal fouls - one of which I threw. I could, or perhaps should, have thrown other flags. Pushing, shoving, fighting. I caught a guy punching another player in the balls. What the hell?
One thing that contributed to the problem was we had a rookie crew. Three of the crew had never worked NCAA rules or mechanics. They had deer-in-the-headlights syndrome and it showed. Things started to get out of hand when the players felt we were not going to call any of the borderline things. It took us vets two quarters to get things back in line. We had to threaten to leave in order to get the players to stop being stupid.
As with many of the junior college games, there was no clock on the field, no PA system, and no field management to my knowledge. For a league what wants to improve its image, it is off to a poor start.
So get this; during the first quarter, we have a play in the flats where the runner falls down, but was not down by contact. The Line Judge blows the play dead. Ok, fine, he is a High School official and forgot we are using the NFL rule for this. No big deal. I remind him and we go on.
Another play just like this happens on the other side of the field, but the Linesman correctly does not blow the play dead and the runner gains another five yards before he is tackled. The visiting coach is jumping through his skin because the runners knee was down. We remind him of the rule, he protests, we tell him to politely get a clue. Then at halftime, the two coaches speak and agree to change the rule for the second half - now we are using High School rules.
Whatever.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Minor League Football Season Begins
The other day I attended an all day clinic with the Minor League Football group. This will either be the beginning of something really big; or a really big flop. I really do think big things are coming for MLF and the COA group. More posts on this later this month.
Saturday will be the first game of the season. I'm excited about getting back on the field, but it's going to be an ugly game. Put six guys on a game who have never met before and throw in that most of these guys have never worked a game using NCAA rules... this will be interesting.
What is more interesting are the rules. The MLF conferences we are working this year use modified NCAA rules. Modified in the sense that the game is managed like NCAA, uses High School blocking rules, but includes the NFL Touching rule (or down by contact. The teams get four time-outs per half, instead of the normal three, but we will be allowed to wind the clock on change of possessions. Very weird.
Saturday will be the first game of the season. I'm excited about getting back on the field, but it's going to be an ugly game. Put six guys on a game who have never met before and throw in that most of these guys have never worked a game using NCAA rules... this will be interesting.
What is more interesting are the rules. The MLF conferences we are working this year use modified NCAA rules. Modified in the sense that the game is managed like NCAA, uses High School blocking rules, but includes the NFL Touching rule (or down by contact. The teams get four time-outs per half, instead of the normal three, but we will be allowed to wind the clock on change of possessions. Very weird.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Semi-Pro Update
This Minor League Football opportunity I mentioned last post has turned into something very real and very interesting. I'm actually very excited about the season. This is partially due to the fact that the gentleman who runs the Community College association has endorsed the Football Officials of America (FOA). This speaks highly of the FOA.
This Saturday the FOA is conducting a day long clinic with both classroom discussions and field work. Our field work will be filmed and evaluated. This is very welcomed and brings a lot of legitimacy to the FOA.
My first exposure to Minor League Football was a game last April. The caliber of the play was decent I suppose, but what really struck me was the amount of passion in the play. These guys love this game and play with heart. This is something I rarely see in High School and never see at the Community College level.
Regarding the Community College, I received the official,"your in" contract from the association. I still have to meet all the requirements to be assigned games, but at least this means I no longer have a label of Prospect or Candidate.
What are the Requirements?
> Attend summer study meetings
> Attend the training clinic
> Get at least 80% on the test
> Attend preseason scrimmages
> Get your doctor to sign off on a physical
> Pay your annual dues
And study like hell during off season.
I'll let you know how the FOA clinic goes on Saturday.
This Saturday the FOA is conducting a day long clinic with both classroom discussions and field work. Our field work will be filmed and evaluated. This is very welcomed and brings a lot of legitimacy to the FOA.
My first exposure to Minor League Football was a game last April. The caliber of the play was decent I suppose, but what really struck me was the amount of passion in the play. These guys love this game and play with heart. This is something I rarely see in High School and never see at the Community College level.
Regarding the Community College, I received the official,"your in" contract from the association. I still have to meet all the requirements to be assigned games, but at least this means I no longer have a label of Prospect or Candidate.
What are the Requirements?
> Attend summer study meetings
> Attend the training clinic
> Get at least 80% on the test
> Attend preseason scrimmages
> Get your doctor to sign off on a physical
> Pay your annual dues
And study like hell during off season.
I'll let you know how the FOA clinic goes on Saturday.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Moving Up to the Semi-Pros
For anyone still following along, I appreciate your patience. It has been far too long since my last report.
The week following my last season game the post-season assignments were issued. One of the rules for the association is no post-season assignments unless you have been on staff for at least two years. As I was only a Candidate, I have another two season before this is even a possibility.
But what is very encouraging is everyone from my local group was assigned a bowl game. There are five bowl games and then a State Championship game. One guy from my local group with about five years on staff was assigned the State Championship game. It's great to know I am in a strong group. My Regional Rep has told me more than once he feels we are the best within the association. I think these assignments speak for themselves.
Something else you may not know is every year after the season ends you get 'fired'. The association sends a note stating something to the effect that our relationship is severed, thanks for all the help, see you next year - maybe. I am technically no longer part of the association. Each year we have to attend all the meetings, take all the tests, attend all the clinics, etc. before you can be hired back on staff.
I was recently asked to work some Minor League Football (sometimes called Semi-Pro Football.) The assigner says there are 110 games during the season that runs from March through May. Then May through July is playoffs.
My wife is thrilled.
But as I explained to her, you never know who is watching and it never hurts to see more snaps. Plus, this will help pay for the Football Officials camp I will be attending mid-year.
I guess the off-season is over. Back on the treadmill and back to the rule books.
The week following my last season game the post-season assignments were issued. One of the rules for the association is no post-season assignments unless you have been on staff for at least two years. As I was only a Candidate, I have another two season before this is even a possibility.
But what is very encouraging is everyone from my local group was assigned a bowl game. There are five bowl games and then a State Championship game. One guy from my local group with about five years on staff was assigned the State Championship game. It's great to know I am in a strong group. My Regional Rep has told me more than once he feels we are the best within the association. I think these assignments speak for themselves.
Something else you may not know is every year after the season ends you get 'fired'. The association sends a note stating something to the effect that our relationship is severed, thanks for all the help, see you next year - maybe. I am technically no longer part of the association. Each year we have to attend all the meetings, take all the tests, attend all the clinics, etc. before you can be hired back on staff.
I was recently asked to work some Minor League Football (sometimes called Semi-Pro Football.) The assigner says there are 110 games during the season that runs from March through May. Then May through July is playoffs.
My wife is thrilled.
But as I explained to her, you never know who is watching and it never hurts to see more snaps. Plus, this will help pay for the Football Officials camp I will be attending mid-year.
I guess the off-season is over. Back on the treadmill and back to the rule books.
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