Ref the defense - then what?

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by just another ref

Does this thread not suggest that "referee the defense" is nothing more than a catch phase, which, like many things, when applied literally can, it itself, cause problems?

I do not think it is a catch phrase when officials usually come into the game wanting to follow the ball as they are trained to do when watching games as a fan or even as a player. When I watch newer officials they almost always watch the ball and the phrase is there to get them to expand their view. This phrase is no different than other phrases that people use and misunderstand or take it too far or do not understand in the first place. All it really means is do not watch the ball or become a ball watcher. But even to know what to call you have to at some point watch the ball.

Peace