Up until this year, we always had BJ and U under for Tries, regardless of distance and BJ/LJ under for all FGs. This year, we have changed our mechanics to have BJ and U under for all Tries and FGs regardless of distance.
The philosophy is that (in no particular order--they are all important):
1) there should always be two officials under the posts
2) The intersection of the GL/sideline pylon is extremely important and is uncovered on broken FG plays (which happens a lot in HS).
3) We do not allow our Us to subscribe to the stereotype that they are allowed to be less in shape than the rest of the crew. If an LJ has to bust *** 35 yards to get to the posts, then the U should be able to do it too. (I know that's asking a lot but it is what it is....
)
4) On FGs, count the number of times that you've had a close call at the GL/Sideline intersection compared to the number of times that Roughing the Snapper has been called.
5) The Referee now verbally warns the defensive linemen about RTS as well as the U
6) Most FGs in HS are not that long, therefore the U should still be able to rule on egregious offenders.
Are these philosophies perfect? Of course not, but there's going to be trade-offs in coverage in a 5-man crew no matter what, and so statistically this is what our association feels is best. so far so good....