NFL Umpire New Position

[Texas Aggie]

In Upstate NY we've been battling to expand from 4

You're joking, right? We work 5 in virtually all JV games, some freshman games, and all varsity games. Hell, we worked 5 in the playoffs in our state's 6-man football. We're probably only 3-5 years away from 7 in most top classification district games.

We have districts that allow our assignors to put 5 in freshman games for flexibility. If he needs to relocate someone to a JV site on that day, he can and we continue with 4. But most of the time in those districts we work 5. Its nice; 4 is doable, but I can't imagine fewer than 5 in any form of a passing game. We'd probably sit out.

[Welpe]

Originally Posted by Texas Aggie

We work 5 in virtually all JV games, some freshman games, and all varsity games

Boy that must be nice. Almost all of the districts in this area will only pay for 3 officials for all sub-varsity. I'm really going to miss working four man mechanics.

[HLin NC]

Not intending to hijack the thread but...

You're joking, right?.... We'd probably sit out.

We would be sitting out permanently.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Texas Aggie

You're joking, right? We work 5 in virtually all JV games, some freshman games, and all varsity games. Hell, we worked 5 in the playoffs in our state's 6-man football. We're probably only 3-5 years away from 7 in most top classification district games.

We have districts that allow our assignors to put 5 in freshman games for flexibility. If he needs to relocate someone to a JV site on that day, he can and we continue with 4. But most of the time in those districts we work 5. Its nice; 4 is doable, but I can't imagine fewer than 5 in any form of a passing game. We'd probably sit out.

You must remember that you are in a football intense state that is practically unlike any other place in the country. I played one year in Texas in high school and I still tell the stories of what I saw first hand for attendance and attention to high school football. Around here (or in the Chicago area specifically, because this does not happen in other parts of the state) there are places that only hire 2 officials for a lower level game. Because of this fact I sit home as those are not fun at all and pointless from an experience point of view, but that is the reality. Now I cannot imagine playing less with less than 5 officials in a football game especially with the way it is played now (spread offenses and passing).

Peace

[sbll1616]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

You must remember that you are in a football intense state that is practically unlike any other place in the country. I played one year in Texas in high school and I still tell the stories of what I saw first hand for attendance and attention to high school football. Around here (or in the Chicago area specifically, because this does not happen in other parts of the state) there are places that only hire 2 officials for a lower level game. Because of this fact I sit home as those are not fun at all and pointless from an experience point of view, but that is the reality. Now I cannot imagine playing less with less than 5 officials in a football game especially with the way it is played now (spread offenses and passing).

Peace

Four is the standard here in NE Ohio for sub varsity games. But we just got there. When I got into this 10 years ago. It was pretty much 3 man. I think 4 will be as good as it gets. Schools simply aren't going to pay 5 guys at the sub varsity level

[FredFan7]

While the reasons stated to move the U is for safety (and the NFL U takes wicked hits) I think it is done mostly to placate NFL offenses who insist on running three yard crossing patterns and use the U as a pick.

I really don't agree with this move.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by FredFan7

While the reasons stated to move the U is for safety (and the NFL U takes wicked hits) I think it is done mostly to placate NFL offenses who insist on running three yard crossing patterns and use the U as a pick.

I really don't agree with this move.

Why would moving the U placate NFL offenses rather than frustrate them?

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by FredFan7

While the reasons stated to move the U is for safety (and the NFL U takes wicked hits) I think it is done mostly to placate NFL offenses who insist on running three yard crossing patterns and use the U as a pick.

I don't think placate means what you think it does.