I am the secretary for our local chapter. The problem we are discussing at our meetings lately is getting some of the veterans to work scrimages. They seem to think that they don't need to work them. They say it doesn't benefit them. I tell them what about the new guy you could be helping. Just wanted to know what some other chapters do about scrimages. Been reading this forum for a couple of years and have learned alot and has kept me on my toes thinking about some of the senerios posted. keep up the good work guys.

i'd simply say - no scrimmages - no varsity.....

i think scrimmages are necessary to get your mind back towards football - the flow of the game, the speed of the game.

each official in our association works two scrimmages - now he only may do a quarter in each, but he's there for the entire game - whether it is on a clock, or an ear of a newer official - we might have 10-12 at each scrimmage.

We have to work 2 scrimmages. Now they will let you work a JV or freshman scrimmage as one, but we have to work 2 and attendance is kept and reported back to the assignment committee.

Scrimages around here are treated just like game assignments. Unfortunately, sometimes we don't get one at all. I wish they were mandatory since it gets you in tune before the games count.

REPLY: I can't believe that these veterans are refusing to work scrimmages. I like GeorgiaBlue's policy, provided you have the luxury of enough varsity officials to enforce it.

Sadly, it's probably the guys who would benefit most that are turning down scrimmages.

Scrimmages are treated like games in our association and are assigned by the assignor. In fact, we have crew chiefs that seek out intersquad scrimmages just to get additional reps before the season starts.

I had the fortunate opportunity to help call two intrasquad Div II college pre-season scrimmages. At the second one, we had 12 officials and I was able to rotate at two positions LJ and BJ. While there, I was "educated" and "encouraged" by a total of five different officials in my association (Two that call regularly on Saturdays). They were all eager to help and give me pointers. The best part was the speed at which the game occured. Things and bodies were flying everywhere but after 2 series, things started slowing down. This made the HS games seem like they were going in slow motion.
I learned a GREAT deal from these guys, it is sad to hear that there are some who seem that they could care less to share their knowledge.
I cant wait for next year to get to do this again !!

At least at the high school level---
any officials association needs to have enough members
to enforce rules like no scrimmage-- no assignments !
Back in CNY--- a scrimmage the week before the regular
season was a "muster" and it was done gratis, although
the schools paid the association a set fee for officials.
I'm not sure about here in SW FL, but it seems that
such a rule is not in force.
In my mind, any official worth their salt would WANT
to work a scrimmage before the regular games.
BTW-- I'm in my 35th season (3rd here) and still
loving it !!

Everyone needs scrimmages. More important, every crew needs to get used to working together. After 8 months of no work, we all need to get the cobwebs out. If someone is so great that they don't need scrimmages, then they owe it to their crew to get out and assist them.

If we don't do scrimmages, we are kicked off the crew and replaced by someone else.

no scrimmage no schedule period!!!