Sliding Runner
Rule 2-32-16f says a defenseless player is one who is on the ground, including a runner who has obviously given himself up and is sliding feet-first. Officials may struggle with how to…
Ready For Play
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When We Make a Mistake
“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” – Napoleon Bonaparte Mistakes are not optional in football officiating, they’re inevitable. The question isn’t if we’ll…
Playoff Mentality (2025)
This article, first published October 8, 2024, is worth revisiting as we prepare for the upcoming playoffs. Some states augment the crews with extra officials for rehearsal games and for semi-final and…
Lessons From the Film Room
I’ve watched hours of Hudl footage this season, and some common themes keep showing up. These aren’t one-off mistakes; they’re patterns across multiple crews. Here are a few observations that can help…
Don’t Be Defensive
When we put on the stripes, criticism comes with the job—whether from coaches, players, fans, or even other officials. That’s not something to resent; it’s part of the environment we’ve chosen. What…
Blocking in the Back
Here is a Ray Lutz “Forward Progress” post from August 29, 2008 (Edited for clarity) The play missed most overall by officials is probably the block in the back. When I say…
Use Your Voice
One thing I’ve noticed about the best officials: they use their voice. They don’t just rely on the whistle and their flag—they communicate constantly with players, coaches, and even their crewmates through…
Help Your Referee
Some officials approach the game with tunnel vision. They think only about their personal responsibilities. While knowing your individual responsibilities is essential, great crews go beyond that. The best officials understand they…