HS Varsity Crew Sizes

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by Refster

Ohio uses 5 man crews.

I have not done playoff games, but I understand that we use 6 for them. I have heard that we will go to 6 for all varsity games in the next 2-3 years.

[bisonlj]

Indiana uses mostly 5-man crews but some crews have gone to 6 on their own. Most of the schools they contact (schedules are usually set 5-6 years in advance so at this point it is contacting the schools you've already contracted with) are agreeing to pay for a 6th. If they have 6 they also don't have the issue of replacing one guy on the crew if he can't make it that week for some reason. For the playoffs, the state will not allow 6-man crews so one member of the crew has to realize he won't be working any playoff games going in.

I've heard the same issue about 6 man crews leaving a gap in the middle of the field. It's never come from a crew that works 6-man though. I can see where there would be coverage issues with 6 but you also gain additional downfield coverage by having an extra official down there and the short wings can stay closer to the line of scrimmage.

[With_Two_Flakes]

Gotta agree with bisonlj. I've worked a fair bit of 6 here in the UK and Europe and I'm amazed that folks might actually prefer to leave an extra man out so there is a 5. I don't see that the occasional benefits of the guy in the middle concerning angles on the play would outweigh the benefits that you have with 6:- extra pair of eyes hence better dead ball coverage, better sideline coverage, better goal line coverage, better kicking play coverage, better receiver coverage on passing plays........

IMHO 5 is better than 4, 6 is better than 5, 7 is better than 6.

[Sonofanump]

Originally Posted by mbyron

I have not done playoff games, but I understand that we use 6 for them. I have heard that we will go to 6 for all varsity games in the next 2-3 years.

Ohio uses 5 man for all playoff games. Who said Ohio is going to 6 man in the future? I have heard H.Z. speak on this and we will not be going to 6 or 7 man anytime soon. Where would we get the officials from, we barely have enough good officials as it is. Only a few schools have 6 or 7 man games, ie. St. Iggy, Canton McK, Massillon, and the like.

[parepat]

Originally Posted by mbyron

I have not done playoff games, but I understand that we use 6 for them. I have heard that we will go to 6 for all varsity games in the next 2-3 years.

Playoffs use 5in OH. The state (Hank Z) indicated that Ohio would go to 7 before it went to 6 at the state meeting in Columbus.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by parepat

Playoffs use 5in OH. The state (Hank Z) indicated that Ohio would go to 7 before it went to 6 at the state meeting in Columbus.

I think my post got corrected last year, shortly after I posted it.