How far will you go to save a game?

[JRutledge]

Originally posted by M&M Guy
In a lot of cases, that's true. But there are still schools in my area that only hire 2 officials, and they are trying to convince other schools to do the same because they claim they don't see a better game called with 3. Obviously you and I know that has more to do with the specific officials than the 3-person system. Whether it's just old-fashioned thinking that will eventually go away, or if it's gaining momentum, has yet to be seen.

Refresh my memory. What part of the state do you live? I am mostly talking about the West Central part of the state because that is where I started. So areas like Peoria and Springfield are in that area. Those areas have pretty much left 2 Person behind. Also the schools usually hire (mostly Class A schools) officials to work both games when they have a 3 Person crew. So just from a financial position they save money when they hire 3 officials for the night rather than 5 officials.

Originally posted by M&M Guy
But, I'll bet if you poll coaches and AD's about which is more important, working within the system or getting the call right, the vast majority will say get the call right. It's up to us as officials to show them working within the system is usually the best way to get it right.

Of course that is what they are going to say. They think we all just watch the ball most of the time anyway. I think from an officiating point of view we have to try to over come that way of thinking. At least in 3 Person I know I have a longer look at a situation than in 2 Person. If I pass on something there is a reason. I hate it when officials make calls when they are not close to the play or saw the very end of a play. I think we have to fight the urge to just make a call just to make a call.

Peace