My Error / Protecting the New Guy

[WyMike]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by cowbyfan1

I am taking it that the crew in pregame desided that the sideline official would look OOB on plays like this. I know some people like the wing man to look in and that is may be what he is used to. That could be why he was looking in.

Dear cowboyfan1 and fellow Officials,

This has been my "First year" as well and I feel pretty good working on either side of the field. We do not use 'crews' per se but will move around working with different officials as time and schedules will allow us.

What I have found is there is no 'set' way of working. Some WH's want me to stay on the sideline at all times coming in no more than 5yds. While other WH's yell at me, "How can you see out there! Run in and mark the spot!". Then some will tell me to look in and others tell me to look OOB and they will clean up behind. Oh well. Hey I'm just a 'First Year' Guy. Get off my back and bring me along, okay?

I feel bad for your new guy as he not only took a drawn out berating from the coach, but had the IW later to boot. Combined, that has to shake the confidence of most any new guy.

Fortunately I was married for 16 years before the divorce, had three kids who are now grown and gone, and coached volleyball. Getting hollered at is not new to me. So the coaching antics simply run off my back although I do know of some guys who simply won't work a sideline because of the coaches. They prefer to Umpire and stay in the middle of the field away from irate coaches.

All I can say is, support your new guys and never allow one of your own to become hung out to dry. First year or not.

I didn't get a playoff game as this is my first year so I'm bummed, but I can understand the reasoning behind it.

Now I'm anxiously looking forward to next season!

Don't ever hang me out.

Signed,

The New Guy

[wh52]

see my reply to changing officials.