“Week 0” Notes

Field Markings

• The Nine Yard Marks are to be on the field. There are 3 fields that were reported to us. They are Kennedy, Magnolia and Westminster. We will notify the schools. Let us know if there are any other concerns with field markings.

Equipment

• Eye shields must be clear. No exceptions.
• If a player has a cast, there must be a copy of a letter from a doctor allowing the player to participate. The copy of the letter is to be given to the referee. The referee will keep the letter. If there are 3 players with a cast, 3 letters are to be given to the referee.

Play Clarification

• If a quarterback abruptly goes into motion that simulated the start of a play, the play will be ruled as a false start. Please be sure to know which line of scrimmage fouls are live ball fouls (throw flag but let play continue) and which ones are dead ball fouls (blow your whistle immediately).
• Blocking Low: It is highly unlikely that the ball and players are in the free blocking zone for more than an instant. When running backs block linebackers low, it is a foul. When defensive players take out the lead blocker with a low block, it is a foul. Because this is a player safety issue, throw your flag when in doubt if it is a foul or not. A player may never block an opponent low from behind.

Communication

• It is recommended that the referee provides the head coach a list of the crew names. On the list also note our website www.ocfoa.org on the crew list. The list serves two purposes. It gives the coach the proper location for feedback and questions (our website). The second reason is common courtesy. We are providing the name we are accustom to hearing. Many times we do not react to someone yelling “Ref” to get our attention. We simply become numb to “ref” coming from players, coaches and parents all at the same time.
• Coaches: Your input on the Coach’s Evaluation can help us do a better job for you and your team. Cards are accessed through www.ocfoa.org, select OCFOA COACHES CARDS. When you are specific as to officiating issues, we have a better chance of fixing the problem. It’s similar to a person going to the doctor and simply saying, “I don’t feel very good”.  We will continue to send out weekly bulletins to fix problems. Note that unless there is a problem with conditions at a game site, we will never post the names of the schools, coaches or officials. The purpose is not to embarrass anyone. We just want to do a better job for you.

Miscellaneous

• With the wackiness of having a Week 0 on Labor Day Weekend, we had a very difficult time covering scrimmages. Next year, we will list all scrimmages on Arbiter on a self-assign basis. As soon as the school notifies our assignor, the scrimmage will be posted.