The Rule of Two
We use signals to communicate with our crewmates on the field. We use signals to communicate to game clock and play clock operators. And we use signals to show our judgment during…
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Read MoreThe Rule of Two
Avoid Tunnel Vision
One of the bad habits newer wing officials develop is staring straight down the line once they’ve reached the forward progress spot and squared off. For some reason, they have tunnel vision…
Coaches Yelling Onto the Field
Coaches sometimes get upset with a call or no-call from the middle officials (referee, umpire, or back judge) and, in frustration, yell onto the field at those officials. In these moments, the…
Do Not Communicate to Convince
One of the most important aspects of officiating is how we communicate with coaches. Too often, officials fall into the trap of trying to convince a coach that they are right. That’s…
Know Rule Components
Some fouls “scream,” but most times we deal with calls that aren’t obvious and require discernment. We call that “judgment.” Precise rules knowledge underpins good judgment. If we don’t know the rules,…
Look at Colors
With only five sets of eyeballs looking at 22 players on the field, we can’t give the same attention to every matchup. That’s why looking at the flow of colors helps us…
Do Not Help Coaches with Clock Timing
In high school football, we work with either a 25-second or 40-second play clock. Late in a half, when the game clock is winding down, coaches will sometimes ask the referee to…
Free Kick Chaos
Braveheart, with Mel Gibson as William Wallace, is one of my favorite movies. One of the most gripping scenes comes when the English and Scottish forces sprint toward each other and collide…