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…
There’s nothing more frustrating than hearing an official in the locker room at halftime—or worse, after the game—say, “I thought that was wrong.” At that point, it’s too late. The damage is…
Over the years, I’ve reviewed hundreds of hours of Hudl film (I’m close to earning my slow-motion video Ranger tab). I often send plays to trusted officials with a “what do you…
In education, some teachers believe in giving students a “clean slate” each year—no warnings, no passed-along reputations. That might be appropriate in the classroom, but on the football field, it’s not always…
In his 3-2-1 Thursday newsletter, James Clear wrote: “If you’re having trouble sticking to a new habit, try a smaller version until it becomes automatic. Do less than you’re capable of, but…
Here is a Ray Lutz “Forward Progress” post from September 27, 2011 (Edited for clarity) When we report a foul to the Referee, we want to make it as clear and as…
Here are two Ray Lutz “Forward Progress” posts from August 2007 (Edited for clarity) August 28 Reading your assigned interior blocking keys at the snap makes you a proactive official rather than…
There’s a big difference between warning a player about what not to do and guiding them toward what right looks like. Too often, we fall into the habit of saying things like:…
