[9redskin4]

I have had an experience that relates to this situation. A couple of years ago I was doing a televised state playoff game as the L. The main concern of my performance that the evaluator pointed out was that I was on the field too much. I asked for some clarification and he gave the exact example of what happened to the guy above. I am very comfortable on the field because most of the teams in my area play traditional smashmouth football (3 yards and a cloud of dust). It has been hard for me to adjust, but every game I verbally tell myself to stay wide and off the field. In reality, I can actually see more of the game and have become a better official using this advice. This is great that a rookie as realized his mistake and is willing to make changes. I would suggest, as mbcrowder already has, that the only time you come on the field is to spot a critical 1st down, on short and goal to goal plays, in instances where a safety might occur, and to watch for kicker/holder infractions on PAT's and field goals.

I do have to add that since I started staying off the field, I have had quite a few close encounters with coaches in the coaching box. I now tell the coaches that if I hit them it is unintentional and that I may throw a flag and give a sideline warning to remind them to give me some room to work.