Wingmen, get the heck out of bounds. Damn rookie mistake could really cost a team

[Jim D]

I knew I'd stir up some arguments on this and that's fine. I've been around long enough to see trends in officiating swing from one philosophy to another. I personally like to work wide but I'm on the field more than I'm off, and I think coverage is better that way. I've seen guys way to close and I've seen wingmen who won't come on the field under any circumstances.

What I really worry about is a younger official making a comment like "You will never EVER catch me on the field again when the ball is on my side. period." I know he's overreacting right now, but if he really follows that promise, his career is heading down the tubes. You have to constantly adjust your mechanics to the game - the field, the teams, the game situation, etc. if you are to be an effective official. Sometimes be on, sometimes be off but be where you need to be to do the best job.