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Indiana uses mostly 5-man crews but some crews have gone to 6 on their own. Most of the schools they contact (schedules are usually set 5-6 years in advance so at this point it is contacting the schools you've already contracted with) are agreeing to pay for a 6th. If they have 6 they also don't have the issue of replacing one guy on the crew if he can't make it that week for some reason. For the playoffs, the state will not allow 6-man crews so one member of the crew has to realize he won't be working any playoff games going in.
I've heard the same issue about 6 man crews leaving a gap in the middle of the field. It's never come from a crew that works 6-man though. I can see where there would be coverage issues with 6 but you also gain additional downfield coverage by having an extra official down there and the short wings can stay closer to the line of scrimmage.
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