Official Shortage

[Jackhammer]

With the many stories out there about the officiating shortage being caused in part by the disrespect shown by parents/fans.  Hypothetically, If you had the opportunity to make a presentation to parents/fans and if that conversation could be a respectful exchange....what message(s) would you most want to relay to that audience?

[ilyazhito]

"If you don't like the officials at your games, there is a way to change it. Become officials yourselves."  Then there would be a bit on information for specific associations.

"Understand that your kids/neighbors are not college or professional athletes, and that the rules of high school football differ from college or NFL football." Here, there would be specific examples, as well as time to address questions about specific rules.

[prab]

the rules of high school football differ from college or NFL football." Here, there would be specific examples, as well as time to address questions about specific rules.

AMEN!!!+1

Remind parents that youth games are often officiated by new, young officials.  They make mistakes just like young players do.

[sj]

That research shows that whenever fans open their mouths in the stands about a call or a rule they are wrong 98% of the time.

[Ralph Damren]

I do several :45+ bits for a local sports radio station every year and start with: "Before you boo, know the rules!" and then explain how a rule differs from other codes. I end the bit by saying : "Enjoy the game but please remember  ,the game is only a game. The 'enemy' on the opposite sidelines are only kids ,like yours or your neighbors. It's a learning experience for them, partly learning sportsmanship. Be a good sport and help teach them that."

[TampaSteve]

to add to these good points, I would add my observations:
Often spectators will be screaming/yeelling while the same team's coaching staff is not saying one word.  Hmmmm, if the coaches are not upset, why would the spectators?

Also regarding the rules, the local cable network does a 'game of the week' like many other cities.  They do a good job too.
EXCEPT the announcers know nothing about HS rules which obviously makes the officials look bad - because announcers know everything, right?

[CalhounLJ]

Regarding the first question- everybody knows the spectators know more than the coaches.


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[FLAHL]

Also regarding the rules, the local cable network does a 'game of the week' like many other cities.  They do a good job too.
EXCEPT the announcers know nothing about HS rules which obviously makes the officials look bad - because announcers know everything, right?

So we actually hear things like “The QB was clearly outside the tackle box so that can’t be Intentional Grounding.  The refs (he never calls us officials) really missed one there,” or “ The defender clearly got back before the snap, so that shouldn’t be called encroachment.”  Thanks for giving me the chance to vent Steve.

[bossman72]

So we actually hear things like “The QB was clearly outside the tackle box so that can’t be Intentional Grounding.  The refs (he never calls us officials) really missed one there,” or “ The defender clearly got back before the snap, so that shouldn’t be called encroachment.”  Thanks for giving me the chance to vent Steve.

Maybe send them a letter?

[prab]

Maybe send them a letter?

Sending a letter only works if the recipient can read.  When announcers make comments like these, it wouldn't surprise me if it turned out that they can't read either.

[bama_stripes]

So we actually hear things like “The QB was clearly outside the tackle box so that can’t be Intentional Grounding.  The refs (he never calls us officials) really missed one there,” or “ The defender clearly got back before the snap, so that shouldn’t be called encroachment.”  Thanks for giving me the chance to vent Steve.

Perhaps a couple of your officials could provide them with a list of the major differences and sit down with them (over an adult beverage, maybe) before the season to explain those differences.  It might also give you a chance to show them that we are human & cultivate some good will.

[Tom.OH]

Maybe send them a letter?

Common taters like fans get their rules "as seen on tv"

[bossman72]

Common taters like fans get their rules "as seen on tv"

Right, that's why I would send them a letter and maybe highlight a few rule differences.  Assuming they're professionals, they'll probably take it seriously.  If it's local-yokel cable access, then maybe not.

[blandis]

You must unlearn what you have learned!

[JasonTX]

I am aware that we lose officials due to fan abuse but what we are beginning to see is that a lot of employers are not being as flexible in allowing their employees the ability to leave early for games.  I'm not sure how the rest of the country is but in Texas, high school football plays a HUGE role in the overall shape of the economy.  I am quite certain that no matter what profession you are in, you are benefited in some way financially due to high school football.  If football went away due to no officials, those professions would feel some impact on the loss.  I just wish we could show them that and get them to be part of the team in allowing anyone who has the desire to officiate to do so.