Week 2 Notes

Communication

• Thank you Athletic Directors for passing the information to the lower level coaches. I worked a JV game which the coach was aware we would be checking visors prior to kick off. On the other hand, a referee told me that a JV coach was unaware of the need to have a copy of a doctor’s letter at the game site in order for a player with a cast to participate. The same coach was unaware that mouth pieces could not be completely clear or completely white.
• We are trying to accumulate all varsity coach’s email addresses. This will hopefully be resolved by the end of the week.

Uniforms

• Rule 1-5-2g states “Shoulder pads and hard surface auxiliary attachments, which shall be fully covered by a jersey.” Players are decorating the attachment to protect the lower back then taping the jersey to show off their artwork. This is not only illegal equipment but also dangerous for the player. The pad flips up and becomes useless for its designed purpose. This also cheapens the perception of a school’s commitment to excellence. Officials will be instructed keep such players out of the game until the player is wearing a proper jersey. The official will not be concerned if it is a “key player”.
• Proper mouth pieces should no longer be an issue. Everyone should have legal mouth pieces by now.
• When in doubt as to if a shield is tinted or not, it’s illegal. I spoke with two referees. Eleven visors were removed before the 3 games.

Band Music

• The band may play from the end of a down until the offense breaks its huddle. There have been bands which wait until the opponents are ready to snap the ball. The band bursts into a song that causes the team to false start. This rule is under 9-9-3. “Neither team shall commit any act which, in the opinion of the referee, tends to make a travesty of the game.” This is a 15 yard penalty.

Coach’s Evaluations (These are more important than you think)

• The “On-Line” coach’s cards have two purposes.
  • Evaluation of the crew. If you feel the crew did a good job and don’t respond, you may rarely see that crew. If you feel the crew did a poor job and don’t respond, that crew may somehow end up on your preferred list.
  • Rule interpretations. The idea is for everyone (coaches AND officials) to be on the same page. If something wacky happens in your game, mark it in the comments section. We will assess the situation then post a response on the “Weekly Notes”. Waiting until your next game and asking that crew may not get you the correct answer. Now, you have wasted at least a week and the problem may not be resolved.