How far will you go to save a game?

[JRutledge]

Originally posted by M&M Guy
Now, in my area, most HS all hire their own officials; except for one league, there is no assignor or association that assigns the games. So the AD's and coaches really don't care whose call it is or isn't, just how come three officials missed it. And if 3 officials can't get a game-deciding call right, why pay for 3 officials? Let's save some money and go back to paying for 2. That's where I'm coming from - our credibility in this case comes from getting the call right.

I have to disagree with part of what you are saying. I still work in places where the ADs give out games. The ADs still hire 3 officials because the state is not going back to 2 Officials. The state is going to stay with 3 Person mechanics and either the ADs have people work what they will see in the playoffs or they might get surprised by what might happens in the playoffs when it really counts. I compare this to 5 man mechanics in football, they are not going back to 4 officials anytime soon (if ever). This will be about the 10th year for 3 Person to be used in all playoff games. As a matter of fact I usually get less interference from ADs about calling the game than I ever have working with assignors. ADs are trying to cover games; they are not just concerned about one or two calls. At least this is the case in my experience working with ADs. I have yet to hear of one call being the only reason an officials will not get hired from an AD. Usually it is a series of things. I know for a fact that with assignors I have known guys to get banned for one call.

Peace