It's been kind of quiet in here so I thought I'd start a thread or too.

What positions do you guys do in your games? Which ones do you like best? Which ones do you not like?

I'm interested in hearing responses from the veterans here at the boards even though I assume most of them WH, how about the positions you've done in the past? What is your favorite?

Basically talk about positions! ;)

My favorit spot is referee (and the one I primarily work). I feel like I get a really good look at the play there.

If I don't work referee, I like to work the wings (although I still struggle with howler-monkey coaches). There is enough to keep me busy without losing concentration.

I haven't worked as an umpire much. When I have, it has been at the sub-varsity level. I don't feel like I can see as much from the defensive end of the field (but that may be a result of me worrying about being knocked flat.)

My LEAST favorite spot is Back Judge. I don't fully understand the position and it seems like it could easily get boring if not done correctly.

My favorite position is the R. I've done it for some JV and I hope to WH a varsity crew someday. I enjoy the back judge position. I also like the U, if I can get out of the way! I don't really like the wings, because of the monkey howlers, but if I ever want to go to college for six or seven man crews, I need to get used to it. For high school five man crews, I like the middle of the field.

REPLY: I work either as a LJ or as a BJ in HS. In college, I've worked all three deep positions (BJ, FJ, SJ). Personally, I like the deep positions. Something about watching the play come at me rather than move away from me. This Wednesday, I'm working as the LJ in a State Championship game at Giants Stadium (postponed from Saturday). Say a prayer for us!

My favorite position is the wings. I am a linesman for my crew. And the "howler-monkee" coaches (never heard this before, LOL), don't bother me. I have worked downfield, but I get bored there. I did tell my WH that maybe next year I might be brave enough to try some umpire position in some of our scrimmages. He said, no problem!! Hmmm, wonder what he knows that I don't? :)

At the moment I work U on varsity crew and L on sub varsity.
Pee wee & middle school always varies.

Next year I may be R on varsity as mine retired after 30 years. The remaining crew seem to have picked me to take the WH.

I have always liked umpire because I like being in the middle of things. However, I also like to feel like I have had a workout at the end of the game, and the wings are where you get that.

I don't want to be Back Judge. With the lack of a deep passing game in HS, it is a little boring for my tastes.

Position
 

As a first year guy I started out as a linesman(3 man crew). This was Pop Warner, JV, and freshman. I actually felt when I moved to U or R I was not running much. Not that I was bored, but the linesman is running all over the place. I am not sure where I want to end up yet. I want to perfect the L position before I move on.

Well when I go to HS which might be nextyear I want to try out some BJ, this way I don't have to deal with the coaches. But you guys make it out to be boring so I'm not sure. I'm definitely not going at Umpire, I don't really like marking off penalties and being ran over. I like working the chains though so I don't know.

I like BJ. When I work an underclass game, thats what I do. Being first year varsity (as sub) I had to take what position was open (LJ). It was fun, but I could do without the coaches.

Wait until your first big PI call/no call - you'll deal with coaches real quick. Guys back there live and die with one call.

I love the R. I got to do it extensively this last season. I like having control over the pace. If you have a good U, it makes things 1000% easier and you have a better flow. If I can't R, I enjoy the LJ. You can help the R with pace and keep things moving with first downs made, in/out of bounds, etc.

Coaches are a drag, though, at times.

Have you ever watch Seinfeld where George gets the knickname "Coco" because of his antics toward a co-worker who stole the nickname "T-Bone"?

When I think of howler-monkey coaches, my mind sees HM coaches acting just like the scene from that episode of Seinfeld.

:)

Don't knock the BJ. ;-) I've back judged several games. When it's a run oriented offense, yes it can be a drag, but you then have to inject yourself into the game to help out. Run up to the spot and set yourself up to relay the ball back in and watch out for unsportmanlike acts away from the ball. There's always interesting rulings on punts and field goals. And when there IS a pass, usually the PI call is in front of the world and all on you.

I have been a "U" for 15 years. I love being right in the middle of the game. I enjoy communicating with the players and "getting to know them and them me". I feel that a good U must control the "temperment" of the game. The U also helps control the flow of the game the slower he is the slower the game progresses.

I am the chief "U" for our HS association and have finally gotten it into the others heads that the hash is not a wall for the U position go where your 8 or 9 players are and control any situations. If you have been communicating with them they are used to your voice and pay attention. Also, you are closer to the ball and can spot it with a more normal flow.

I have run R during two varsity games and many subvarsity games, not my cup of tea.

My favorite spot
 

Hi Folks,
I am a LJ by trade. Best spot to be. Don't have to mess with chains, which I always get tangled up in...hehehe. Also, I like being on the sideline.

I also work BJ and find it challenging to try and stay in a game where it is predominately run-based. True, we don't do much back there, but you have all the money calls. And if you fall asleep something will bite you.