And is the reason many states have created their own officiating manuals.
Effective consistency doesn't require everyone doing everything exactly alike, that would be a description of "robotic". The NFHS Officials Manual is a compilation of strongly recommended mechanics, that have tried and proven over countless applications and certified to appropriately address the various functions described.
That doesn't prevent organizations from adding, or amending designated actions to adjustments they feel improves THEIR SITUATION. Many of those alterations fit different locals, are observed, tested and found to be beneficial to the successful operation and management of games in their area, and in the absence of violating any existing rules are adopted, or even additionally adjusted by other organizations.
Some previous adjustments have been copied by a majority of organizations, in "keeping pace with the times" other suggestions, although reasonable and workable are rejected as adoptions by many organizations. Some adjustments and modifications are absolutely brilliant for 6 or 7 man crews, but lose some luster when applied to 5 or 4 man configurations.
Some recommendations simply do not, nor should, apply to
Interscholastic level sports, although they are beneficial at higher levels. A case in point would be the NFHS intent of teaching and instilling leadership experience of Team Captains, by giving them the responsibility of being consulted and deciding penalty options. For multiple decades, seasoned Referees have avoided unnecessary confusion problems by simply, and inconspicuously, guiding Captains near their Head Coaches when discussing more complicated options, so Coaches are aware of the options given and readily available to offer guidance.
Coaches who insist on being the single, or primary, point of contact for these decisions can focus on coaching at higher levels, where developing leadership skills may not be as high a priority, of the larger audience. A very little application of practical and common sense readily allows a Referee to easily address both the leadership instruction target and avoid unnecessary confusion and inaccurate decisions concerns while following both the letter and intent of the NFHS rule.
