Crews are an important part of life as a college football official and in many cases, as a high school official as well.  Over the past two weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to work with two great crews – one in the WVIAC and one in the Mid-South.  Both crews demonstrated professionalism, passion for officiating, pride in their avocation. This story details my recent trip to Virgina @ Wise.

I had the opportunity to work a Mid-South NAIA game Saturday at Virginia at Wise. Normally I’m traveling alone headed to West Virginia but on this occasion I was fortunate to accompany the entire crew on our trip to the far western reaches of Virgina.

We met at the KHSAA office in Lexington, KY at 7:30 am and headed east in a fully equipped conversion van driven by the crew chief, PJ Doyen. This crew hails from Northern Kentucky where they work a full high school schedule as well. (Working a NFHS varsity contest Friday night then working Saturday in the Mid-South is one of the attractions with this conference) I did know the umpire, Ryan Kendall, on this crew. If you recall Ryan and I attended the WVIAC clinic and we both were hired on crews following that weekend in late July.

Now I must confess…I’ve only worked on a formal crew for one year (last year and the beginning of this year). Prior to that, I worked with different football officials on a weekly basis. Second confession – I LOVE being on an assigned crew.

As football officials, we strive to improve year in and year out. We set goals, we study rules, we watch game film and we discuss play situations amongst our crews as a integral component of our development plan. But what exactly does the crew concept bring to the forefront? Why are crews so important to improving the level of officiating?

Let me share one specific example in this post. There are many other key reasons but I won’t delve into all of them here. Feel free to drop a comment on how crews have affected your experience as a football official.

I find that after a few weeks together, the crew estabilshes a comfort level which allows each crew member to move past the early stages of “first date syndrome.” Let me explain. When your have new crew members each week, you really never move past getting acquainted. This prevents the crew, in most cases, from moving past the introductory stages and pursuing improvement which can elevate their game. Not always, but its difficult I believe, to offer constructive criticism when you don’t know if you’ll even work with any of the crew again that season.

Crews, on the other hand, who take the field together each week, form a bond which allows the free exchange of information, constructive criticism, and a focus on continuous improvement on an individual and a crew basis. Crews are protective of each other. Crews are like a fraternity in some respects. A brotherhood of the stripes. Its quite an experience.

So imagine my apprehension taking the field Saturday in my second NCAA game ever! Just a little on edge

But there are times when the stars align and you know almost immediately that its going to be okay. That’s the way it was Saturday. As I climbed in the van, I noticed familiar faces. Hands were shaken, a few well-placed jokes dropped and we set out on our way. Over the next 4 hours, we talked football, work, family and the general riff-raff that will arise when 7 men are confined in a tight space for an extended period of time. And of course, we talked football.

As we took the field, each member of the crew took the time to ensure I understood their pre-game activities. I asked questions, answers were provided. And since I had worked with another crew the week before…questions were asked about how things were done in the WVIAC. Like I said before, everyone wants to improve. The game went smoothly. I had a “bang-bang” play at teh end zone with a runner going airborne in his attempt to reach the goal line. He lost control of the ball and it ended up in the end zone. I ruled out of bounds at the 1 yard line. Question was…was the loose ball in the end zone a touchback?

That’s where the beauty of the crew comes in…we discussed the play in detail during the half. We can to no really conclusion. Discussion continued on the ride home with rule book in hand. Still no definitive answer. Calls were made. Emails sent. All in the interest of getting the next call right. Right or wrong, this call was history. How can the crew get better from this experience. What happens to one, can improve the football officiating of others. That’s what I love about the crew.

I can see the same potential with my WVIAC crew. We haven’t had the chance to gel just yet but I believe the ingredients are there. What we need is a good 5 hour road trip!

To PJ Doyen, Mike Freeman, Ryan Kendall, Jimmy Colwell, Daryl Crosthwaite and Chris Kent: Thank you for making this aspiring football official feel like one of the crew. The pleasure was all mine.

Be the Best on the Field…with or without me.

Todd

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.

So What Was It?

Gerald Austin’s interview was very informative. Gerald is the consummate southern gentleman although he did describe himself as a boy from the mountains of Western North Carolina. Gerald is a former NFL referee and the current supervisor of football officiating for the Conference USA. Gerald’s officiating career began as a high school student where he worked his way from the high school ranks of football and basketball ultimately finding a spot in both sports in the ACC.

In 1982 Gerald got the call from the NFL and retired from the field in 2008. Gerald officiating in three Super Bowls – one as a side judge and two as the white hat. He has also won the Art McNalley award given to individuals who exhibit exemplary professionalism, leadership and commitment to sportsmanship on and off the field.

So back to the original thought…7 seconds and 175 times per game. Gerald said this was one of the most important responsibilities of a football official.

CONCENTRATE

Yep. Concentrate. We went on to discuss Gerald’s philosophy of officiating. He mentioned that it had changed some over the years based on his mentors and their influences. I think we can all agree that our mentors have largely shaped the way we approach the game.

On very interesting note I’d like to share: Gerald said he often encounters officials that live for the big game or for the big call. They wanted to be the person on the goal line watching to see if the catch was inbounds and would decide the game. I guess if we are honest about it, we’ve all had those same thoughts at some point in our career.

But Gerald said he only wanted to manage the game, not be a factor. “The game is for the players, coaches and fans,” said Mr. Austin, a retired educator and school superintendent. “If we let the game be about ourselves we are not aligned with the spirit of the game.” I thought long and hard about those words. About managing the game. About not affecting the outcome. The philosophy behind why we are out on the field to begin with.

I’ve always said I loved officiating football because you get one of the best views in the stadium and you don’t care who wins. But what Gerald brought to my attention is a larger responsibility than personal gratification. Sure we like the lights, the band, the screaming fans, hard hitting players and the athleticism of football. But what is missed  on more than one occasion is the spirit of the game. The intent. The purpose of the game. Football isn’t about the guys in the stripes. Gerald said it best: Players, Coaches and Fans.

What do you think? Please shoot me an email at todd@profootballreferee.com and let me hear your thoughts.

Also be sure to reserve a copy of the upcoming book “Ready For Play” at www.profootballreferee.com/training

Until next time,

Be the Best on the Field

Todd Skaggs

PS: I’m working on a few posts about  spring scrimmages for college teams. If you have any questions or ideas on that topic, send them my way at todd@profootballreferee.com