Goaltends Called From Lead?

[ChuckElias]

Originally posted by Up&Comer
I'm a relatively new official, and in reading this site in is interesting to me how so many are worried about minutae in rules and mechanics, yet many seem to miss the big things.

Glad you're so qualified to draw that conclusion as an admittedly "relatively new official". Maybe pull back on judging State-tournament-qualified officials until you're a "relatively experienced official".

Is it correct that the lead should never call a goaltend, especially because they should never be watching the flight of the ball from underneath?

No, that's not correct. It is the general rule that the Lead official watches bodies and the outside official(s) watch the flight of the ball. But there are times, particularly in transition, when the Lead official has the best (or only) look and has to make the GT/BI call. In a settled frontcourt offensive set, though, you are generally correct.

Me and my two cohorts were flat out amazed since it didn't even look like a goaltend to us

Mr. Grammar Guy will refrain from comment, other than to wonder if you are suggesting that the officials for the game should sit in the bleachers 50 feet away from the play.