I think I look a little stiff...

[w_sohl]

Originally Posted by mbyron

Do you always keep your whistle in your mouth?

Bad habit from a basketball official.

Also if you look the tackle is being made at the line of scrimmage thus the reason I am stationary.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by w_sohl

Bad habit from a basketball official.

Also if you look the tackle is being made at the line of scrimmage thus the reason I am stationary.

Without knowing much about the exact play, but in our mechanics we go to the backfield and let the play pass us. It just looks to me like you never moved and I cannot think of a run play (or pass play for that matter) where I would not have moved a step or two. This would be a better thing to judge on tape, not a still photo.

Peace

[kdf5]

Pic #20 is a pretty cool shot with the ball in his hand and on the ground.

[waltjp]

Originally Posted by kdf5

Pic #20 is a pretty cool shot with the ball in his hand and on the ground.

That makes the ball dead, right?

[Forksref]

Wow, I bet you never thought you'd get critiqued this much for sharing a picture.

Thanks for sharing, though.

[TXMike]

Not many guys have the cajones to throw a photo or video of himself into the waters here knowing it is filled with us circling sharks. But anyone who is not willing to open himself up to evaluation is not gonna get far in this avocation.

[HLin NC]

a second. The photographer may have snapped a whole sequence that did not get posted up on the web.

Most of the photos I get to see of me are of my shoulder, elbow, back of my head. Those side angles with my "spare tire" are what depress me.

[w_sohl]

Originally Posted by waltjp

That makes the ball dead, right?

I assume the smile means youare joking, however for those not in the know, it does not make the ball dead. Any part of the body that touches the ground other than the hand or ball makes it dead.

[JasonTX]

Originally Posted by w_sohl

I assume the smile means youare joking, however for those not in the know, it does not make the ball dead. Any part of the body that touches the ground other than the hand or ball makes it dead.

It sure looks like your cheeks are puffed and the whistle blasting in that pic.

[w_sohl]

Originally Posted by JasonTX

It sure looks like your cheeks are puffed and the whistle blasting in that pic.

Not yet, don't remember the play, but I know I didn't have any early whistles that I wish I had held. In fact, I usually have a late whistle.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by w_sohl

I assume the smile means youare joking, however for those not in the know, it does not make the ball dead. Any part of the body that touches the ground other than the hand or ball makes it dead.

Actually if the part of the body that is a ball touches the ground, you're down. Probably out, too.

[With_Two_Flakes]

Someone earlier had a problem with your lack of movement, but I don't have a problem with you standing still. Main problem I have with officials when I assess them is that they have "happy feet" and move too much when they don't need to. In addition, when they do move - they move using the wrong style of movement. You should try to stay facing the field with your body shape for as long as possible only turning when you need to chase down a long run or pass.

Your initial position is nice and wide on the sideline which is good. The play seems to still be a distance from you (beyond the numbers), so there is no need to move into the offensive backfield for your own safety as you are not in danger. It is coming to the LOS so it is fine to stand still and let it come to you. If the runner makes yards beyond the LOS then stay with him moving with a side-to-side boxer shuffle for as long as you can. Only if he breaks out for long yardage, do you need to turn and pursue.

Whistle in the mouth would get you a ding if I assessed you.
No need for it and it will eventually get you into trouble one day. Try a finger whistle, try a wrist lanyard, try holding it in your hand as suggested earlier - find one of them that works for you as it will save you from an embarrassing IW.

How much room on your sideline do you have? There appear to be folks who might be in your way if that runner made yards. When you move side-to-side, you cannot afford to be looking where you are going, you keep your eyes on the players. Therefore you must be sure there is no-one in your sideline area.