[VALJ]

Consoldiating comments on all the replies into one (more) post...

Originally Posted by 3SPORT

Get a veteran umpire to work the games, they can save your butt on penalty enforcements.

Already checked that, I've got the same long-time vet for both of the first two assignments. There were a few guys I would have requested if I had been given the choice, and he's on the list, and (hopefully) he can keep me out of trouble.

Originally Posted by ppaltice

Write down what you are going to ask the coach. Use a cheat sheet if necessary. Make sure coach confirms that everyone is legally equipped. Make sure he understands the new rules, particularly the restricted area one and the 3 minute warmup one. Get captain's numbers. Make sure home team knows he is supplying the chain crew (can be problematic at some smaller schools).

I've seen a thread (don't remember if it was here or somewhere else) about using a cheat sheet for the pregame conference. Can anyone cut-and-paste (or perhaps PM or email me) a copy of a sheet they use?

Originally Posted by RichMSN

I stand even farther back -- probably 12-15 yards, a bit wider than the RT (for a RH QB). My eyes can close that extra 5 yards better than I can backpedal. And I look more relaxed if I don't HAVE to backpedal.

I have 2 Eisenhower dollars. Go to a coin store and spend 2-3 dollars for one. Perfect flipping coin, although I sometimes use a 50-cent piece I got in Australia.

Keep a good pace, but slow down. Wait for a box before winding on first downs. Make sure the box is right before giving a RFP. Try to be in position before a RFP -- no need to be up at the LOS and then have to scamper back.

I've worked WH a couple times in scrimmages with a long-timer that I trust (who happens to be involved with our training class), and he pointed the same thing out about positioning. I was lining up about 10 yards deep and really wide, and he pointed out how badly I'd be out of position on a running play to the far side. He suggested 15 yards, one step wider than the tackle, and that seemed to work nicely.

Our association has our own coins (a center standing over the ball ready to snap, with the tails end of the coin being.. well, his tail). I've already decided to steal a line from one of the WH I worked with years ago about "this side is heads, and I think you all can recognize which side this is" that broke the tension with the team captains.

That bit about the box is probably going to be the toughest part for me to remember. I think it was another board that I mentioned that our Commish wants all of his referees to have a year at HL before switching over, and I think this is part of the reason. I'm working HL all year on Friday nights, so hopefully I won't have much trouble remembering this!

Originally Posted by Reffing Rev.

Buy a data-wallet with signals in it, or at least copy and carry those, because chances are your first or second game someone will bring you an aiding the runner call or failure to wear required equipment call.

Even though its a sub-varsity game do a pre-game with your crew.

During warm-ups learn the number of each team's passers and kickers and whether they are right or left handed/footed, so you can set on the correct side of the formation.

I got a new wallet for my game cards last year that has two laminated cards in it - one is basically a copy of the page in the rulebook with the penalty distances, and the other is all of the signals. Knowing that the only signal and penalty that aren't on those is the HC, I think I'll be OK. I've already had the nightmare about not remembering any of the signals to use!

I definitely plan on a pre-game. I've got at least one (maybe two) officials in each game whose name I don't recognize, so he's probably a newer official. I'l definitely be trying to make sure we're on the same page.

Thanks for all the tips, guys. Please - keep them coming!