Quote:
Originally posted by Bob M.
Derock, as a new official, you might even be ahead of the game. Often, newer officials learn the rules and blindly enforce them without regard for how the game is proceeding or how a particular play is developing. It's only after a few years that they learn (often the hard way) to apply the God-given gift of common sense. But now, you need to learn the rules thoroughly. Common sense alone will only get you so far. If you want to progress beyond pee-wee or youth ball, you need to attack the rule book and case book in earnest.
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Thank you Bob M. I understand and agree with your post. I tried to explain myself as best as I can to all the officials who post here that I am a "youth" official and that my posts are based entirely upon my experience in officiating youth games under NFHS rules. I never came here to challenge anyone's knowledge NOR was I looking to be taught or teach the rules. It was my understanding that this forum was open to anyone who wished to post their comments, statements, or opinions on the forum subject. One thing that we all have in common is we all share a love or interest for the game of football. I am not here representing anyone and I value the posts of other officials about as much as they value mine. In my experience in youth football, the use of common sense (game sense) is utilized just as much as rule knowledge. If my emphasis of game sense vs rule knowledge is found to be disturbing then I can certainly understand coming from an official who does not officiate youth games. Let me emphasize the fact that I work with kids! You can't deal with kids the same way you deal with adults. The kids play under the same rules as the adults (high schoolers) but you have to take a more common sense approach in applying those rules when you're dealing with 8 year olds vs 18 year olds. Now if my working with youths means I'm less of an official then I certainly do not agree with that. I am just as good at calling my youth games than any official officiating at any level. An NFL official may find it extremely difficult to officiate youth just as I would find it almost impossible to officiate NFL. Why? Different rules AND an entirely different approach and style of officiating. You yourself said that I might even be ahead of the game when it comes to using common sense. I am convinced that this is because of my experience entirely as a youth official. If I decide to take my game to the varsity level, then rule knowledge will become more of a factor. Please don't misunderstand me, learning the rules is the most important part of becoming an official but some of the questions/cases mentioned in this forum are way to complex for youth. When dealing with youth, I keep it simple. There won't be any calls made in my games that will require a rule book to explain. I will manage the game where it will be safe, fair, and entertaining for the players, coaches, and spectators. Youth football is all about the kids. There are no scholarships or careers at stake. No money is involved. Nothing ruins youth athletics more than adults who take it way too seriously. I'm not just referring to the out-of-control parent but also the out-of-control official who has dreams of one day officiating in the NFL or college and calls the youth game with the spirit of an NFL or college official.
I am very good at what I do (officiating YOUTH games) and I will continue to post freely, as I have, my comments and opinions supported from my experience as a youth official. If you disagree with my posts, thats ok. As I said earlier, I'm not trying to teach anyone anything and common sense gets better with experience. I would question why someone would come to an online forum (which is mostly opinionated) to learn or better yourself as an official. I am sure there are more credible sources online where you could get information on officiating than this forum. I think the officials come here and respond to my posts because they find debatable subjects fun. If everyone here agreed on everything, visits would probably drop.