foul count

[Mark Padgett]

Originally posted by rockyroad
Interesting points, and I can't say I disagree with any of them...however, the reality of the situation is that if an official wants to "move up", then foul count will matter... when doing college games, the evaluator tracks the foul count, how many you call from each position and how many on each team...when the evaluator asks "The foul count in the first half was 11-3. Why?", and I say all the things that Mark posted, I won't be working for that conference very long...

This is exactly what is wrong with our profession. No, I don't mean your post, but that there is an evaluation system based on not rocking the boat. I guess that once upon a time, a bunch of officials were in a situation where they really worked "at the pleasure of the coaches and A.D.s" Because of that, they developed this theory of how to call a game where one substantive objective of their calls was to not piss anyone off, so they would continue to get assigned. This theory filtered down into a system of evaluation where this concept is taught and rewarded.

While I understand their point, the time for this thinking is long past. Guys - it's a seller's market out there. There is such a shortage of officials all over the country that we are now in a position to "do the right thing", i.e.: call the game fairly and evenly without almost no regard for the feelings of coaches (note I said almost ).

After all, what are the schools going to do? Go out and get a completely different set of officials? They can't - because there aren't any anymore.

If we all stick to our guns and call games properly according to the rules and not the political correctness of the situation, then eventually the system will change and the game will be all the better for it. But - it's got to start somewhere.