That's my issue with topics like this. Many times, associations, states, or conferences do things differently. Why? Who knows. Maybe just to peeve us. But it causes lots of confusion in all aspects of the game.

In my previous profession, it was all about consistency. Consistency from one store to the other, no matter what state we were in. Same thing should hold true for officiating. What so-and-so does in Washington should be the same thing that whats-his-nuts does in Florida. Granted, there are states that choose to go with NCAA. That's cool. Do whatever you want, as long as you are following what the NCAA and CCA prescribes.

The last thing I will say before I get off the soapbox. If shorts are allowed, at least wear black with shorter socks. The white with the long socks looks funny. As if we didn't look funny enough already!

Grant,

I see what you are saying, the problem is when you have an assginor who thinks the mechanics are bad at something and wants it done a different way.

We could sit here and debate different mechanics and what is better. How to cover a field goal in 4-man mechanics, measurement mechanics, kickoff mechanics ect. Different mechanics have different advantages and disadvantages, some feel some are better than others. Its just an opinion and you know what they say about opinions.

PS I like white shorts over the black ones. :p

I completely agree about the different philosphies depending on assigner/observer. I cannot tell you the number of times I've told something different from observers. They're suppose to be on the same page, but we all take our own liberties with things. It's a fact of life.

White shorts? Really? If I were to wear them, people would have a hard time telling the difference between the shorts and my legs!!!

Hehe, reminds me of a HS game I worked in Texas a few years back. Not being a resident of the Lone Star state, and this being in November (?), my skin color was closer to ivory than anything else.

Went out to the field before the game, and a guy up in the stands starting yelling: "Hey ref, you're blinding me up here! And I didn't bring my sunglasses!"

Had to laugh at that one.

How this topic went from Incomplete Pass-Timeout signal to wearing white of black shorts is amazing.

Regardless, I'll wear shorts when the players are allowed to wear shorts as well. Until then, no way. Totally inappropriate to me.

I really believe that 4/5/6 and 7-man mechanics should be standardized and controlled by national committee for NFHS right up through NCAA/NAIA ranks. No state to state deviations, no conference or assignors tweeks allowed.

If you don't like a mechanic, grin and bear it then submit a change for approval and if approved we all do it.

[Edited by Theisey on Nov 18th, 2005 at 08:42 AM]

Standard mechanics and you can never go wrong.

I wish those in charge of mechanics had never approved the wearing of shorts. It took one picture where I was in the background of a play shown in the local newspaper and the shorts went in the trash.

Not to brag but my 5'9" frame with 180 pounds looks reasonably athletic especially considering I work out 13 months out of the year but some of my colleagues look like their biggest exercise is fork lifts -- lifting the fork from the plate to their mouth -- yet, they always want to jump into shorts.

Give me a break, ban the shorts, it's indecent exposure!

Sure was in my case! :-)

Pretty good scheduling on your part, being able to work out 13 months in a 12 month year and all!

I agree! I wish I had his schedule!

Recently I gave up weightlifting to get in better shape. I stopped doing the 12 oz curls as often. Made a big difference!

Guys---
We all know that Lawyers & Accountants can bill 15 months in any 1 year period. Good thing the aren't clock operators

This could also be solved if the don't give the "incomplete" signal at/below their knees.