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, we use 5-person crews in the regular season and plus up to 7-person crews in the playoffs.
We have two more sets of eyeballs to view 22 players, but more officials should not equal more flags. A hold still needs to be demonstrated restriction, at the point of attack, that impacts the play. Fouls still need to “scream,” we still need to pass on the “ants,” and “make it count” still applies.
Also, some officials may change their officiating approach because they feel they need to justify their selection as a playoff official. The state association selected you because they liked your mechanics, judgment, and attitude. Don’t change how you officiate, including your officiating philosophy, just because you are working playoff games. All “when in question” axioms still apply; if it wasn’t a foul with 5-person mechanics, it shouldn’t be a foul with 7-person mechanics. You don’t need to throw a flag to prove you belong; it’s still okay to pass on an action because it didn’t impact the play.
You may be on a mixed crew. Go out of your way to make the other crew members feel welcome. Stay away from saying, “Well in our association we…” Be gracious and adopt a teachable attitude. Be as precise and detailed as possible in your crew pregame. Review signals, keys, responsibilities, mechanics, jargon, etc.
If you observe a teammate from another association or crew using the wrong mechanic or not following “proper procedure,” consider holding your tongue. If it’s important to address an incorrect mechanic or procedure to improve the crew’s performance on that game (or a future game), then speak with grace. If it’s truly not something that requires immediate correction, then leave it alone.
Sometimes players on the losing team will express their frustrations with unsportsmanlike conduct or by committing personal fouls. Yes, we still need to toss flags for illegal behavior. One viewpoint to consider: As much as you can, try to ensure players from the winning team will be able to play the next weekend. The player from the losing team has nothing to lose (he may have to sit out the first game of a winter sport, but his football season is over). The player from the winning team wants to play the next important game. I am NOT condoning pardoning egregious behavior. I am saying we need to consider gray-area words and actions and think carefully before ejecting a player or coach in the playoffs. Again, something to consider and possibly discuss in your pregame.
Quiz
Read the quiz stem and then choose the best answer(s). (Choose all that apply.)
20 seconds remain in the game and Team A is down by 2 points; 1/G from the B-6. A20 gains 2 yards and is downed in the field of play. B33 ignores the umpire’s direction for him to get up and remains on top of A20 for an excessive amount of time.
- The officials may flag B33 for delay of game
- The officials may flag B33 for unsportsmanlike conduct
- The game clock will start on the ready for play
- The game clock will start on the snap
Review Rules 3-4-3h, 3-4-6, 3-6-2f, and 3-4-7