Non existent pre-game. The players deserve better

[BigJWalt]

Guys, I was at a varsity game yesterday between two closly matched teams. We knew this going in. Well the pre-game lasted all of one minute, if that long. I invested a lot of time to get to the varsity level, and I still invest a lot of time each week. I just felt like it was a disgrace that this referee thought it was not important to have a pre-game.

Then at half time we have a 0-0 score, and we had to talk him into going over the OT procedure. He was more interested in talking to a friend he saw at the game.

Final score was 10-7 as a FG was made with 40 seconds remaining.

Has anyone encountered anything similiar? As a rookie to the varsity level I will bite my tounge, but I think the kids and other officials deserve better.

[ref49873]

I could not agree with you more.

My crew is gieeting our first taste of varsity ball and as the referee I spent a lot of time working on a pre-game for each week.

I have used a lot of information I have read on this forum and found some other football sites that have been put together by experienced officials.

It is unfortunate that some officials won't take the time to invest the time in a proper pregame.

[BigJWalt]

Originally Posted by ref49873

I could not agree with you more.

My crew is gieeting our first taste of varsity ball and as the referee I spent a lot of time working on a pre-game for each week.

I have used a lot of information I have read on this forum and found some other football sites that have been put together by experienced officials.

It is unfortunate that some officials won't take the time to invest the time in a proper pregame.

I talked to my regular referee tonight about this. He felt the same way as you and vowed he will never stoop to that level.

[BktBallRef]

I worked with the same referee for 9 years now. We've never walked on the field without having had at least a 30 minute pre-game. We arrive 90 minutes before game time and leave ourselves plenty of time to take care of everything we need to.

[Rich]

I am the referee on my crew. I can't believe a referee would just show up and work without any preparation.

A few weeks ago an assistant coach (who I know as a basketball official -- NCAA D-I Women) told me ours was the first crew he's seen in 4 years walk the field and check the chains before the game. I was STUNNED.

We have a weekly routine, although we may not spend a huge amount of time talking about the same things each week -- we thoroughly cover anything that's happened the previous weeks that we think need to be covered better. We do most of our talking while driving as I try to have the crew ride together whenever practical.

[mr.stimson]

I have only officiated at the high school level for four years. Never has the pregame been less than 15 mins. You must cover all assignments. The more experienced the white hat has usually correlates with the length and depth of the discussion.

[whitehat52]

Walt

I have been the whitehat on my crew for the last 15 years and we have an in depth pre game before every contest. This crew has been together for the last 10 years and we still have a pre game before every game. We also arrive a minimum of 90 minutes before each varsity contest, this gives us plenty of time to take care of anything that may arise. That being said if your R doesn't feel a pre game is necessary, start it on your own with the other 4 or 5 officials. After you start one the R will most likely will pay attention and add his 2 cents. If you work with this official on more than 1 occassion he will probably get the message that you want and need a pregame.