I hear the refs trying to help equalize by flagging Folsom's 10 year old ball boy....SFL needs some new refs
Any volunteers? because new ofificals are needed. (The Referee is the head of the crew and is positioned behind the QB wearing the white hat.) I don't mean replacements, I mean their organizations need MORE officials. And by volunteers, I mean you are paid from $60 - $80/game. Think about it.
My observations regarding officials:
1. Often, the video reveals something different than what we thought we saw - when we saw it live. Often. I have seen fans and coaches screaming in certainty over a bad call, only to realize it was a good call after vdieo. I include myself in this group many times over.
2. Too many are new to officiating. It used to be that it took spom decent experience at the freshman and/or JV level BEFORE you coached your first varsity game. Not the case any more.
3. Often the officials that were poor commicators, out of shape, poorly rated, etc. were weeded out. Now the numbers mean more of these officials stay longer. And work important games.
4. Officials that communicate make the experience much better for everyone involved. The guys that pretend they are def when the HC asks questions, should not be on the sideline - maybe not officiating at all. But when the coach gets a good communicator, it changes the tone.
5. Its dangerous. I have seen many Umpires clocked when not seeing a shallow crosser. (Umpires stand right behind the MLB - and step into the line on pass plays to watch the OL-DL play).
6. They miss a lot of calls. A lot. When the calls go both ways, well, eh? Its part of the game. After all, it is high school football.
7. There are officials that don't have the confidence or experience and are just over-matched. It seems to happen - or be most noticeable - in big games when the atmosphere is elevated.
8. The 'bully' officials are the worst. These are the officials that do things like, constantly call sideline warnings for one coache on the other side of the box, or tossing players out for knee pads in a big game, call unsportsmanlike when an asst coach asks a question, or tell coaches to 'shut up when you are talking to me'. They generally start the game with an atogonistic approach or vindictive agenda.
9. Most officials try their best, are good at their job and you never notice them. They are like above-average offensive linemen.
10. If you have never read the rulebook and the interpretations, it is quite a fascinating read. There are plenty of officials that have never played a down of football. I don't think it is a requirement. Nor do I think it should be a requirement. As with most things in life, to be an official all you really need is the desire to succeed and the work ethic to back it up. The next level is good communicator, talent/skill, open mind, and empathy.
