Checking Footballs

[Rich]

Originally Posted by ajmc

Not having the burden (luxury) of 6 and 7 man crews, I've found it a positive exchange to have the wing official working a specific sideline participate in the coach/official discussion befor the game. It's a way to "personalize" the entire "get back" issue and introduce the official who will be helping the coach with penalty details, or understanding who those details should be directed to if not the HC.

Starting the game on a friendle, helpful note has never caused a problem.

Our wings find "his" coach at an opportune moment in the 10 minutes before kickoff and does this one-on-one. I don't need to be there for this and this lets the coach and the wing start their working relationship without the R hovering nearby.

Lots of stuff happens in the 17 minutes or so between the coin toss and the kickoff. That's why I like that while we're meeting the coaches, the wings walk the field, fix the pylons and yard markers, and look for issues.