Penalty enforcement

[bluezebra]

Originally Posted by RonRef

The White Hat is only as good as his crew! We have a policy if you don't bring up a potential mistake on the field you better not bring it up after the game or at halftime. If you think we are making a mistake on a penalty or rules application take the time and come in and we can talk about it. If you’re right that is great, if you are wrong and stupid, we pick on you at dinner!

Not always true. I was the umpire on a 4-man crew about 25 years ago at No. Hollywood HS (CA), and the HL and FJ, along with myself, had white hat experience. The referee was one of the types mentioned in the original post. When we tried to correct him on a penalty enforcement, he would tell us that he was in charge and knew what he was doing. By the end of the first quarter, the three of us would report a penalty, "Holding, 72 red", and go back to our positions. It was one of the most distasteful games I ever worked.

Another time, I was the umpire on a 4-man crew at Hollywood HS (CA). After the first snap from scrimmage, the ref tells me, "You know, the center can't put his hands over the front of the ball. It's your call, so I didn't throw my flag". At that point, I knew I was in for a LLLOOONNNGGG afternoon.

Some of the guys haven't read a rule book for years.

Bob