[Ed Hickland]

Originally posted by wadep1965
Folks,

My local association is considering moving to a crew system in 2003 (maybe).

Consider the following question, and answer those that you feel you can address. I'm doing some preliminary surveying, in anticipation that I will be part of a committee, tasked with investigating the feasibilty of initiating such a system.

I appreciate ANY/ALL answers!

1. What are the positives of crews for high school associations?

Crews facilitate working as a unit. Officials get to know signals, tendencies, etc. of fellow officials. Crew work especially well for R and U working together.

2. What are the negatives of crews for high school associations?

Crews tend to ignore the need for pregame conferences since they have worked together before.
I would suggest if the association adopts a crew system that some provision be in place that would rotate officials in and out of crews on a regular basis so that the same crews don't work together ad infinitum.

3. What are the criteria used for selecting crews?

Referees select crew members through a draft.

4. If coaches are allowed to "scratch" officials in your area, how does this impact crew assignments?

In New York section XI -- Suffolk County, Long Island -- coaches are not allowed to "scratch" officials. We have an assigning agency that works with the local association to assign officials to games.

5. What is the best way to initiate a crew assignment system?

Thanks for your help! Have a great season!