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

[Jim D]

It has been my observation that NFL and NCAA officials on the line tend to work on the field, if only just barely. The downfield guys are the ones who work off the field. I've worked on the sidelines at NFL games for a long time and I know the HL are on the field almost 100% of the time.

Then again, they have better marked fields, better lighting, better passers and receivers and usually a more open offensive plan.

My comments were directed at an extreme statement from a younger official. I think we need to be less rigid in our thinking and less in awe of the NFL and be a bit more adaptable. I believe in staying wide too - just not too wide.

[MJT]

Originally Posted by Jim D

It has been my observation that NFL and NCAA officials on the line tend to work on the field, if only just barely. The downfield guys are the ones who work off the field. I've worked on the sidelines at NFL games for a long time and I know the HL are on the field almost 100% of the time.

Then again, they have better marked fields, better lighting, better passers and receivers and usually a more open offensive plan.

My comments were directed at an extreme statement from a younger official. I think we need to be less rigid in our thinking and less in awe of the NFL and be a bit more adaptable. I believe in staying wide too - just not too wide.

Jim, the wings in D1 games (accept the SEC) and the NFL never start on the field. They only come in at the end of the play, and then only usually if the money line (GL or LTG) is threatened. Watch the NFL games and they are on the white until the play is dead and then only come in for close spots on the LTG or GL. I'm watching Navy/Pitt right now and the H was just on the white then the snap was on the opposite hash.

I work R for varsity, but have worked H, L, S, and F in NCAA and work exclusively on the white. Once you get used to it, you will always do it and can see things better, especially the wide view for cheap crap and DB crap when the play goes away from you. I work the MS games at our school and usually work a wing and help out others working the R for practice and stay on the white even for 7th grade games.