Film Doesn't Lie

I have set a lofty goal this year. No, not work the state playoffs (although that is one of my long-term goals), not get an NCAA DII playoff game, or make it to the NFL.

I want to receive game film from 70% of my high school games. Assuming I get 10 regular season games, that equates to 7 DVD’s. Should be easy, huh?

As many of you know, getting game film can be a difficult task. I had a comment from a reader inquiring about formatting the DVDs so I thought I’d add my plan of attach to the blog and see if anyone else has any unique strategies or techniques they have found successful in getting game film for review.

• Here’s my plan of attack:
• Call the AD of the school the day prior to the game
• Stress the film is need for the officiating to IMPROVE
• The film is being used for training purposes
• Have a stamped, addressed envelope ready.
• Deliver it to the AD and/or Coach prior to the game (usually when I arrive at the locker room/dressing area)
• If not the coach, I take the time to have the R,U or LG mention it to the Head Coach during the pregame meeting or on the sideline. (just a reminder that we have requested the game film)
• I also take a $5 bill and put it in the envelope for the guy making the copies. I tell the AD its for the copy guy too.
   

So that’s my master plan. The $5 bill idea comes from Allen Baynes, NFL Side Judge and former CUSA deep official. He found the AD’s to be more appreciative and willing to follow-up on the DVD after the fact because we offered a small token of appreciation. I also like the idea of stressing the importance the video makes in improving the level of officiating. Coaches and AD’s alike understand that mentality.

So what are your ideas? Leave a comment, or email me at todd@profootballreferee.com

Practice, Practice, Practice

Why does it seem a bit goofy for an official to stand in front of a mirror and practice signals, but it’s normal for a player to spend hours working on a post-up move to the basket? Why would it seem strange to witness a basketball referee in his backyard tossing a jump ball to imaginary players, but there’s no problem with a baseball player hitting off a tee in his garage, practicing his swing?

Truth is, many officials don’t practice at all. Think about it: Is it really fair to the players and coaches who have put hours, weeks and years into their games for officials to show up without a second of practice? To that end, officials need to act more like players and coaches. We must practice what we do.

For his first two years in the NFL, referee Ed Hochuli was a back judge on former referee Howard Roe’s crew. Hochuli says that before every game, Roe stood before a mirror, practicing signals. One day, Hochuli jokingly asked Roe if he’d finally gotten them down pat. Roe turned to Hochuli and answered seriously, “It’s important to get it just right.” Hochuli agrees that attitude helps officials improve. “You’re never too qualified to improve,” said Hochuli. “Being picky pays off.”

Techniques. There are lots of things officials can practice — some mental, others physical. This brief list shows just some of the things you could practice that will help you in your games.

• Practice tossing the ball underhand to your crewmate. Too often poor tosses among crewmates bounce aimlessly or sail overhead. It looks bad and slows things down. Work on it.
• Count the offense/defense. You can easily practice this while watching any game, live or on TV.
• Know your keys. Line of Scrimmage or Deep Officials – As the offense lines up, call out your key.
• Also, do your best Howard Roe imitation and practice your signals, even if you’re not the referee. Make sure your signals are strong and crisp. While practicing them, think about the proper yardage and penalty administration.

Doug Rhoads

Have you ever thought about applying to the ACC? Well to get on an ACC crew, the competition is high and you must be at the top of your game. Typically only 1-4 positions open up each year. Turnover is minimal.

The following list is the evaluation criteria Doug Rhoads uses when considering candidates to his conference. This list would also be of value to anyone applying in ANY conference.

Thanks Doug!

1. Maintains Fitness Level

2. Knowledge of Rules and Mechanics

3. Effective communication: Meeting deadlines, explaining situations to coaches, etc

4. Professionalism: Be a problem solver, perform ancillary duties, be committed

5. Possess High Personal Qualities: Integrity, Ethics, Candor, Courtesy

6. Perform Officiating Duties with Consistency, Accuracy and Relevancy

Stan Weihe, Roy Potts, Todd Skaggs, Chuck Russ

Here is a picture taken after our Kentucky scrimmage last Saturday. Stan is an Umpire in the Sun Belt, Roy is a Side Judge in the SEC, Chuck is a Side Judge in the SEC and then there’s me…the Rook. Missing is Matt Austin, SEC Referee and Wilbur Hackett Jr., SEC Umpire. Wilbur drove separately and Matt had to stay in Lexington for an Arena II game later that night.

Aside from me, there is over eight years experience there. On an interesting note, Stan was my first year class instructor seven years ago so it was really special for me to work at Commonwealth Stadium with him.

On Monday I had the pleasure to interview Jim Jackson with the Ohio Valley Conference for my project. Jim’s been at the helm of OVC Football Officiating since 2007 after spending six years in the Sun Belt conference as referee. You can read more on Jim at http://www.ovcsports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=31152&SPID=2453&DB_OEM_ID=6200&ATCLID=728569

You can check out the OVC website here http://www.ovcsports.com/

I gained valuable insight from Jim regarding the importance of video review in both the preparation of Division I crews as well as using this media to improve individual official performance and ability. I never realized the amount of preparation that a Division I white hat assumes in getting his crew ready for the week’s game.

Another terrific insight from Jim: Call it a fraternity, fellowship, comraderie – regardless, that intangible of a community with a common passion. Its largely why we do what we do. Jim said most people could count 5 or 10 true friends in their circle, but through officiating he was able to count around 200 people as close friends. If you happen to know Jim and are in that circle, know Jim Jackson is grateful for each and every one of you.