[Mike Simonds]

BBR, I agree with you. Its hard to officiate from the sideline when the ball is spotted on the opposite hash mark, especially when there is no split end or flanker on your side. As an umpire I appreciate it when the HL and LJ can help out with false starts and also the initial block of the tackles. In our association the HL and LJ are told to start at the sideline. Its always easier to officiate forwards instead of having to backpedal or even worse to retreat into the offensive backfield to avoid wide plays to your side. However, in my own humble opinion I support the idea of the HL or LJ moving in to the numbers when appropriate. In the past few seasons it seems that the trend in high school football in Hawaii is towards more passing and the run-and-shoot type of spread offense. That is one of the primary reasons why the wings are asked to begin on the sideline and the move to 6 man mechanics for varsity with the FJ and SJ using "fade mechanics" (which is lining up 20 yards downfield from the LJ and HL and maintaining that distance during the play; also, the first move for the FJ and SJ is always backwards downfield). But I still think when the teams line up on the far hash in a tight formation you have to move in to the numbers to get better coverage.