The Brown Stamp Book
Many years ago, a friend introduced me to a concept I’ve never forgotten. He called it The Brown Stamp Book, and the more I’ve thought about it over the years, the more…
Ready For Play
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No Simulator. This is the Game.
When I attended Initial Qualification Training to become a Missile Launch Officer, I spent countless hours in the Missile Procedures Trainer. We called them “rides.” Those simulators allowed us to practice weapons…
Why Rule 2-13-3?
When reading the Rules Book, it is often helpful to understand the philosophy behind a rule rather than simply memorizing its language. Knowing the “why” behind a rule not only makes it…
The Art of Officiating
Every football official owns a Rules Book. Every football official has access to a Case Book. Every football official can study mechanics. Those resources tell us what the rules are and how…
Eligibility and Participation
One of the more common misconceptions amongst coaches and spectators is that an eligible receiver loses his eligibility after stepping out of bounds. That is not what the NFHS rules say. Rule…
It’s Time to Go Fast
In the previous Ready for Play article, we discussed how going slow enhances officiating, and how patience, processing, and calm decision-making help us see the whole play and get it right. On…
It’s Time to Go Slow
One of the hardest skills for officials to learn, and one of the most important, is knowing when to slow down. Games move fast. Players move fast. Emotions move fast. But good…
The Free-Blocking Zone
(Rule 2-17-1) The free-blocking zone is a rectangular area established at the snap and is defined as: (Rule 2-17-4) The free-blocking zone disintegrates immediately when the ball leaves the zone. Three fouls…