Any suggestions for a rookie?

[SC Ump]

I've officiated baseball/softball since 1989. I have decided to join in with my friends that also do NFHS football. This coming fall will be my first year. I am just starting with study sessions with my local association.

Any suggestions on best practices? Or warnings about pitfalls?

I have been assigned the umpire position, so I guess I will at least not have to change my User Name here.

[Was He Down]

Listen to the good guys you will figure out who they are. Some people tend to treat the new guy like a bad check they don't want any part of it. If you are running umpire remember you are the 12th player for the offense, but try as you may to stay out of the way you will still get some pretty good blocks.

Good Luck and Have Fun

[Snake~eyes]

I don't umpire but I have heard this a lot, if a runningback is coming at you, don't try to get out of his way, just stand still. Otherwise you'll go left and he'll go right and splat!

[Texas Aggie]

SC: I'm pretty much in the same boat. Did basketball, starting a little before you, but haven't done it in several years. Doing football for the first time this fall.

You'll know how to deal with the coaches, so concentrate on the mechanics. I went to a camp recently, and while much of what was discussed didn't really register, I did learn some bad habits NOT to pick up. That's how I would suggest approaching it, as you and I both worked with many officials in basketball who had developed bad habits and it made working with them more challenging. Find out what you don't need to be doing, and stay away from that.

Good luck.

[jjrye22]

I've been doing a little work as U this year, and find that as a run develops, I start back peddling. This way I am able to keep the run infront of me a long time (usually till he is tackled), but I noticed in re-reading our mechanics that it suggests turning and following it as it goes by.

Would anyone like to comment on the differences? I guess by running with it there is the possibility of me being in the way for a safety coming up forward to make the tackle (haven't had it happen yet though). Should I move less as an umpire?

James

[SWFLguy]

going into my 36th season
as Umpire--
it's correct that if an "explosive"
running back is right in front of
you---stand still and let him use you
as a pick--you still might get hit
so be loose--
once you see the path/cut I play
like a matador, side-stepping
and turning and watching
the players go by me--keeping an eye out
for a face mask or any other illegal acts in front of you.
--be attentive on a pass play to a tight
end cutting behind you-- keep your eye
on the ball !! I've had passes whistle past
my head, but so far never got hit with one !!
have fun !!!

[chiefgil]

Make sure you know, and understand the rules.

It takes a real man to call inside. We are, as anyone will tell you, the true men of girth.