Many times only the offense knows what will happen after the snap. Communication from the sidelines or a brilliant idea from a player on the field results in the offense knowing how to line up and what to do when play begins. The defensive players may not know what may occur even though they get …
Anticipation Takes Hesitation Out of the Equation Read More »
Some eyebrows were raised when Boise State was selected for the 2007 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. The Broncos were a perfect 12-0 during the 2006 season, but some questioned the caliber of the schedule they played in the Western Athletic Conference. Their opponent would be Oklahoma, which came into the matchup with an 11-2 mark after winning the Big 12 Championship Game. Bill LeMonnier headed the Big Ten officiating crew that …
You Are There: Boise State’s Statue of Liberty vs. Oklahoma 2007 Read More »
Back in the day there were two commonly accepted officiating axioms: Don’t pick up a flag once it’s put down and don’t put one down late. The idea was that either will make us look uncertain, which can be a kiss of death. There was, frankly, also a macho aspect to the first one: I own my position and my calls, and I don’t …
Back in the day there were two commonly accepted officiating axioms: Don’t pick up a flag once it’s put down and don’t put one down late. The idea was that either will make us look uncertain, which can be a kiss of death. There was, frankly, also a macho aspect to the first one: I own my position and my calls, and I don’t …
Several years ago rulemakers began putting “when in question” guidelines in the rulebook. They say that in certain cases, if a ruling could go either way, it should go as specified. There’s a sound rationale for them and they’re in accord with the advantage-disadvantage philosophy of officiating. Better to do that than to just fly by the seat of your pants when you face those situations. …
Several years ago rulemakers began putting “when in question” guidelines in the rulebook. They say that in certain cases, if a ruling could go either way, it should go as specified. There’s a sound rationale for them and they’re in accord with the advantage-disadvantage philosophy of officiating. Better to do that than to just fly by the seat of your pants when you face those situations. …
One of the attributes that separates the best referees from their good counterparts is the ability to manage a game. Good game management includes dealing with unusual situations as well as the routine. It may mean doing things not directly addressed in the rulebook and, on occasion, it could include an act contradicting the rules. …
Judgments are a large part of football officiating. All rules require some degree of judgment. Perhaps the simplest application is determining whether a team has too many players on the field. All an official must do is count properly (it doesn’t always happen). At the other end of the spectrum are calls that require a large degree of judgment. Those include pass interference, holding and targeting. …
Judgments are a large part of football officiating. All rules require some degree of judgment. Perhaps the simplest application is determining whether a team has too many players on the field. All an official must do is count properly (it doesn’t always happen). At the other end of the spectrum are calls that require a large degree of judgment. Those include pass interference, holding and targeting. …
Here’s a list of qualities starting with D from Steve Shaw, CCA National Coordinator of Football Officials, that, if employed, can help any official improve and find football success. Desire Without a desire to improve, we won’t be willing to do the little things and invest the time it takes to get to the top of the heap. …
