This being an officials' forum, we often view coaches' actions in a negative light. I had a very good experience that I wanted to share with you guys...
Our chapter services 19 schools and at least 4 have teams of 20 or less players. The other night I worked a matchup of two of those. Maine has running clock when a team is up by 35 or more the 2nd half.
(1) With 5 minutes to go in the first half, and down 31-0, the trailing coach asked if we could go to running time. It didn't fit the state's criteria , but I realized that 3-1-3 would allow that with the other coach's agreement. When I ask the leading coach, he replied : "We've been in that situation before and of course we'll oblige." He then started to substitute as much as he could.
(2) Fast-forward to 2 minutes left to play in the game, trailing now 38-0, the team had 1st and goal at B's 6. A's coach called time and came to the huddle . I overheard the coach asking his team to vote. I learned later that the vote was to go for a TD OR try a field goal now. It seemed the team had an exchange student from Uruguay that they had promised to allow him to try a field goal if the situation ever arose. The vote was 11-0 and the exchange student entered the game. It didn't appear that the opponents had any desire to rush the kicker or block the kick that sailed thru the goal posts.
(3) The kicker was wildly congratulated by his teammates, the game ended shortly and both teams were very friendly to each other in post game. Neither team expected to be state champs but both teams were there to have a good, clean game of football that they, their coaches, and we officials love.
Our chapter awards a sportsmanship trophy after the season that the officials vote on. This year, my vote will be easy.....
ELLSWORTH EAGLES - COACH, DWANE CRAWFORD
ORONO RED RIOTS - COACH, BOB SINCLAIR
.....as co-winners, I know they will be happy to share.