Week 1 Notes

(Coach/School Concerns in Red)

School Administration Issues (Refer to www.ocfoa.org under Coach’s Corner for illustrations)

• Many game sites still do not have a line 2 yards off the sidelines. This is a field requirement to keep everyone (including media) at least 2 yards off the field. You are allowed to use soft cones, caution tape or a string with flags if physically marking the field is not feasible.
• There are times when officials do not know where to park or change into their uniforms. The referee is to call the home school prior to game day for any inquiry. Your assistance is greatly appreciated.
• Officials are given a card from the California Football Officials Association and the Orange County Football Officials Association. We have many newer officials. We ask those officials to use those cards to access varsity games. The purpose is to have these newer officials observe and learn. We also have people who rate the officials. They also use those cards to access the games. Please refer to the website under Coach’s Corner to see what they look like and let us know if there is any problem.
• If the offensive team is complaining and in the opinion of the referee the defensive team’s band is playing to “jam” the offense’s signals, the referee will warn the defensive team’s head coach. They are to inform their band director not to play when the opponent’s team is ready to call signals. Second time will be a delay of game penalty (5 yards). Subsequent penalties are 15 yards. Note that this “rarely” happens. The CIF has stated similar to a spectator from the crowd blowing a whistle, this would not be allowed. Officials: if the bands are playing and it is not causing a problem, “LET THEM PLAY” and don’t make a big deal about it.

Illegal Equipment (see website for illustrations)

• The only sweatbands allowed are on the arm and not more than 3 inches from the wrist (Rule 1-5-3 Notes 3k). This means none around the elbows and no “Lance Armstrong” type bracelets.
• Jerseys are to reach the top of the pants. If the jerseys are altered so they do not reach the top of the pants, officials are to send the player(s) off the field.

Halftime

• Be sure that you instruct the timer to re-set the clock to 3 minutes “after” halftime for the mandatory warm-up period. Review this with the head coaches prior to the game.

Counting Players

• Flanks are to count the teams that are on their sidelines. There are reports of 12 players during a play going undetected. If it’s the defense, the back judge and umpire will also be down graded. If it’s the offense, the referee will also be down graded. Do not allow a free kick to start with other than 11 players on each team.

Veteran Officials

• When correcting less experienced officials, know and use the “correct” mechanics. Otherwise, this merely confuses the less experienced officials. Please use courtesy as well. Example: A veteran official yells at an official, “You have got to keep your feet together when marking progress!” Page 39 of the mechanic book states, “Stand normal with your feet about shoulder width”.
• I understand that we had to “pay our dues” in experience prior to receiving varsity games. Times have changed. Our mentors were patient with us. We need to be patient and “help” our newer officials.

Future Rule Changes

• If you would like to see a rule changed, email me at paulcaldera@cox.net before October 2, 2007 with the following:
  • State the existing rule or express need for a new rule
  • State how you would like for it to read
  • Give a case book example
  • All will be submitted at the same time to the State Rules Interpreter