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Thanks for the replys. Some background : I did a few varsity games ( wing) ; several jr. varsity (wing, umpire ); lots of Freshman & knee hi ( all positions) ; This was my first time with this crew.
The Home team was using students on the chains. The students worked the chains for each home game since August. I interviewed them and although I was not in agreement with their age and working chains at this level, they convinced me they did in fact do this several times this year. Our BJ measured the chain with them without comment. On the third play of the game the visiting coach asks for a conference with the WH. The students were replaced with Adults. No big deal until.... home team sweeps and runnner goes OOB near the line to gain. I have the spot and feel this is a first down . The WH was trailing the play and I say lets measure right here. I look backward and see the chain post is moving toward me. oh no. Also the clip has been removed!!! WH gives first down.
Later the visiting team is 4th and 4 at home team's 25. There is a pick up of about 4. The runner tossed the ball forward after he stopped. I had my spot and while waiting for someone to get me the ball I looked back to make sure the chains were not moving. Measurement indicates line to gain not met and the visitiong coach goes off on me about the terrible spot. I told him I had to correct spot. He came in front of me and began to accuse me of cheating. " you looked back saw the LTG and spotted the ball against me" he said. I didn't want to flag at this point so I informed him #1 - get out of my face - #2 you are out of the box. The flag is almost out and he retreats.
He now has a complaint about everything.The coach has a longtime reputation for getting on the wings.The crew informed me of this prior to the game.
Although I am relatively new at officiating, I am old enough not to be intimidated by a coach. Apparently the crew thought otherwise and decided to replace me. I was told it was not anything I had done but rather they didn't want the coach complaining to ?? someone !!! It's the first time I left the field not feeling that I really had fun out there. It's a strange feeling.
sorry for the long post, I just needed to get this out.
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