Guys-
I've volunteered myself to compile a list of common errors that HS officials make for our local association meeting. I have the files that have been sent to me which I will sort through, but what are some other errors HS officials make frequently? Looking for rules knowledge more than anything. For instance, the post about the touchback vs. touchdown tpaul posted. Others are certainly going to be "breaking the huddle with 12" and eligible receivers. I will check other threads but looking for your help here. Email me or post responses.
Thanks in advance.

These are not rule related, but I think they're the 3 biggest mistakes that I see repeated over and over:

1) Fail to communicate.

2) Throw their flag when they "think" they see a foul.

3) Too many whistles on the play. Whistle outside of their area of coverage. Whistle without seeing the ball.

Deep has some good ones.

You've already stated it but kicks going into R's endzone are TBs, seems we have someone screw this up every year in a varsity game.

How about a back can reset if he jumps (ala action which simulates the snap).

Contacting a reciever all the way downfield.



[Edited by Snake~eyes on Oct 3rd, 2005 at 01:05 PM]

Which ones are you referring too? Other threads?

Also, what do you mean by contacting receiver all the way downfield. I want to be sure what you're thinking and my thoughts are the same. Thanks-

Oops, for some reason I thought theisey posted that, I edited my post to change it to Deep! Sorry about that.


Also I'm talking about in NFHS, a reciever may not be contact once he is no longer a potential blocker. I have heard many people (officials included) say there is no restriction and he may be contacted as long as the ball is not in the air.

I've heard coaches and players complain that they didn't get an automatic first down after a personal foul.

Misconception - a pass receiver blocked out of bounds by B cannot be the first to touch a pass, if he does it is illegal participation.

Reality... anyone who is blocked out of bounds by an opponent may return immediately without a foul. If he delays then it can be illegal participation.

I've had several coaches insist that a receiver who goes out of bounds for any reason can no longer participate.

9-6-1.

A field goal attempt is a punt that can score 3 points, don't blow it dead when it fails to go through the uprights by virtue of being grounded in the field of play.

The defense does not have to avoid contact with the center in scrimmage kick formation, they have to avoid charging directly into the center until he has had a chance to recover.

There are no Unsportsman Like Personal Fouls they are one or the other and knowing the difference is important.

The defense can grasp an opponent to push or pull an offensive player out of the way in an attempt to make a play on the ball carrier or a loose ball.

Always fit the word "Sir" into your communications with coaches. Don't get in pissing matches with coaches. Right or wrong, they will rarely back down when they know their players are watching and it only serves to make you look small. Learn to deflect any attempt to goad you. "Coach, I didn't see that sir.", "Well Coach, I must have missed that sir." or "Coach, that is the rule and it is being enforced sir."

An IW during a fumble does not mandate a replay, the team last in player possession can take the result of the play where that player lost possession of the ball.

[Edited by BulldogMcC on Oct 3rd, 2005 at 06:25 PM]

I've compiled this list for coaches, parents, and in some cases, officials. I am giving you the "Misconception" column. I also have "The Truth" column for non-officials.

1. Uncatchable pass negates pass interference.
2. Out of the pocket (QB).
3. In the grasp. (QB)
4. Try can be run back for a score by the defense.
5. DPI enforced at the spot of the foul.
6. Linemen left too soon on a punt.
7. Two minute warning.
8. Linemen can report to be eligible.
9. Fourth down forward fumble is spotted where the ball came loose.
10. Receivers need 2 feet inbounds for a catch.

Friday, a varsity coach asked us if "92" had reported since it was an ineligible number!

During a pregame with the coaches earlier this season we had a coach tell us that he would have a lineman report as eligible in certain formations. We explained that it was unnecessary since someone wearing a lineman's number can never be an eligible receiver. Or course, during the game, number 55 'reported' as eligible at least 3 times.

This was probably drilled into this kid since the first practice.

Reporting
 

That brings up a question me and my crew have discussed: In what circumstances is a player to report to the WH as eligible, and, is this reported just to the officials, or to the defense, and opposing coach as well?

Re: Reporting
 

NONE.

Re: Reporting
 

An eligible receiver must wear an eligible number, 1-49 and 80-99, and be lined up in an elgibile position. If a non eligible (by number of course) lines up in an eligible position, i.e. back or end, he is still ineligible.

Re: Reporting
 

Didn't you read the post above yours? There's your answer.