NF-Expanded Index

[Theisey]

Track&Field.
It's either your the equipment bag right at your event or possibly even in your back pocket.

[James Neil]

Originally posted by BktBallRef
NFL officials don't carry a rule book on the field.

NCAA football officials don't carry a rule book on the field.

NBA officials don't carry a rule book on the court.

NCAA basketball officials don't carry a rule book on the court.

MLB umpires don't carry a rule book on the field.

NCAA umpires don't carry a rule book on the field.

In fact, I can't think of a single collegiate or professional organization that requires the officials to have a rule book handy. Can anyone else?

RVFOA* Officials don't carry a rule book on the field

RVSOA** Umpires don't carry a rule book on the field
And woe-as-me to the Coach who pops one out during a game . In this association, this can get you ejected.




*Rogue Valley Football Officials Association
**Rogue Valley Sport Officials Association

[Dale Smith]

Gentlemen we have made a mountain out of a mole hill. I understand all of your objections as to not having the football rule book on the field during a game. How ever one thing that you have missed is that in Ohio the OHSAA (the governing organization for interscholastic sports in the state) REQUIRES that the book by at the playing surface for every sport. Not just football. The officials do not carry it in their back pocket. In football we give it to the down box man. In basketball it is at the scorers table.

In twenty-six years of officiating I have never had to refer to it during a coach/referee conference. But I will if pressed by a coach, during a coach/referee conference, over a perceived misapplication of a rule. It is used as a tool. Like I said in my first post, if I don’t do this and the coach complains to the OHSAA, I can be fined $100.00 and/or have my officiating permit suspended for not following their rules and regulations.

BktBallRef, you are correct, when I officiate NCAA football we do not take the rule book on to the field. But if my coordinator ever made it a requirement to do so we would comply with his instructions.

[James Neil]

Originally posted by Dale Smith
Gentlemen we have made a mountain out of a mole hill. I understand all of your objections as to not having the football rule book on the field during a game. How ever one thing that you have missed is that in Ohio the OHSAA (the governing organization for interscholastic sports in the state) REQUIRES that the book by at the playing surface for every sport. Not just football. The officials do not carry it in their back pocket. In football we give it to the down box man. In basketball it is at the scorers table.

In twenty-six years of officiating I have never had to refer to it during a coach/referee conference. But I will if pressed by a coach, during a coach/referee conference, over a perceived misapplication of a rule. It is used as a tool. Like I said in my first post, if I don’t do this and the coach complains to the OHSAA, I can be fined $100.00 and/or have my officiating permit suspended for not following their rules and regulations.

BktBallRef, you are correct, when I officiate NCAA football we do not take the rule book on to the field. But if my coordinator ever made it a requirement to do so we would comply with his instructions.

Dale.
I don’t think anyone here has a problem with you taking a rulebook to your games. I mean come on, it’s what you’ve been told to do and you must comply. But you have to admit, this is not the norm for most of us and quite frankly I was aghast at Ohio’s requirement. Anyway, most of us here at this board are die-hards and won't need the “book “ to recite it chapter and verse. Well at least recite it close enough to make any coach think we know it LOL. When I think about it, the playing field is just about the only place you’ll find me without the dam thing. 8^)

[FredFan7]

Parepat and Dale:

I'm sorry if I stirred the pot with you guys too much. I have just never heard of officials being "ordered" to take the rule book on the field.

I've officiated in PA and IL and taking the rule book on the field is considered a "cardinal sin" in those states. I guess that's why I was so suprised.

I disagree with Ohio's mandate on you guys, but you have to do what your association tells you.

I'm sure you both are great officials rule book or no rule book! :-)