Sportmanship--What can officials do?

[simpson]

I would not recommend getting together to discuss what fouls are called and then calling every ticky-tack foul. That would look as unprofessional as the coach. Maybe at half-time you can discuss it. Surely in pregame, these officials knew this would be a blowout.

If I recall from the story, a 70-something yard TD was called back in that game. I wonder if this was an example of what you're proposing.

I think officials should maybe call the game a little tighter, but don't go overboard. I would recommend trying to keep the clock running. Player is hit near sideline and goes OB, maybe you saw his forward progress end on the field of play. These guys were running a hurry-up offense - slow down the officiating pace. Hold of on the RFP for a few seconds whenever the clock is running. Take your time getting the ball from the spot to the U to set it down. There are lots of things that can be done to make it harder to run up the score without having to throw phantom flags. Remember, you still have an obligation to call it the same both ways.

We have a coach in the area that is notorious for throwing the ball late in the 4th quarter when up by 50 or 60 points. My crew's solution is to never take a game that they play in. I know it doesn't solve the problem, but we refuse to work their games. All of the crews in the area that are worth their salt do the same thing. The coach doesn't see a good officiating crew until the playoffs, and by then he's usually more evenly matched with his opponents.