Umpire Calls PI when...

[ajmc]

3) The first big-time NCAA clinic I went to, in the umpire breakout someone (not me) asked if there was ever a time that the U would throw a pass interference flag. The response from the Big 10 (now NFL) umpire leading the discussion: "No. Never. Not even if I'm 1000% sure and nobody else has a flag out. I'll never get a downgrade for not throwing on a pass-interference foul, but I probably will get downgraded if I do throw one, even if I turn out to be right"[/QUOTE]

I'm dealing with 4 and 5 man mechanics, and although an Umpire calling a PI foul should be exceedingly rare, being 1000% sure about ANYTHING is going to get a flag.

Although it depends on where and what level you're working at, those of us who allow themselves to get excessively concerned about "downgrades", or hesitate because you're worried about how you might look on film, perhaps Interscholastic officiating is not the right spot.