It’s Tough Being a Teen
A local high school has struggled mightily in the past 2+ decades to win football games. Since 2004, they have won only 49 times. During this period, they have had one season…
Officiating Philosophy
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Victory Formation
The 2024 NFHS Rules Book does not explicitly direct Victory Formation protocol. As with other officiating philosophies, opinions regarding the Victory Formation philosophy range widely. On one end of the spectrum: Regardless…
The Biggest Barrier to Learning
I subscribe to a few weekly newsletters. James Clear publishes the 3-2-1 Newsletter each Thursday, which reaches over 3 million subscribers. Here’s one of his quotes that I felt applies to us as…
Playoff Mentality
Playoffs have begun throughout the country. Here are a few thoughts to consider. Some states augment the crews with extra officials for rehearsal games and for semi-final and championship games. In Colorado,…
Defensive Pass Interference
Ray Lutz shared an article by Jon Bible, a veteran football official from Austin, Texas in his October 27, 2010 “Forward Progress” post. (Edited for clarity) The late Woody Hayes, whose Ohio…
Defensive Holding
Here is a Ray Lutz “Forward Progress” post from September 7, 2009 (Edited and amplified for clarity) It is not only the offense that uses their hands illegally. There are four major…
Incomplete Pass or Catch and Fumble
The definition of a catch in the NFHS football rules book was clarified in 2015: Rule 2-4-1 – “A catch is the act of establishing player possession of a live ball which is…
When in Question
The Colorado Mechanics Manual provides multiple “When in Question” (aka “When in Doubt”) axioms that aid our judgment. Yes, we want fouls to scream, and we want the covering official to see…