IMAZEBRA

...I agree with the poll but it will change here soon.....If only BlueMom was around to see her McCallie boys play this well........she was a frequent poster in her day. Oh...take it from me... BlueMom is well aware of how well the BLUE TORNADO has performed. She HAS been in the stands (wearing blue proudly). The next time I see her. I will pass along the good wishes from her friends from the Coach T boards. DII AA once again appears to be a strong, talented division. There may be more parity in the division this season. The play-offs should be interesting. With greater parity, a home-field advantage might be more significant this year (in almost every upcoming DII AA playoff game).

I agree....I will give the man a chance. In his past, Bubba has coached and done well with teams in some strong football divisions. The Big Blue is far from a weak team. It wasn't too far in the past the blue played for a state championship. Heck, McCallie won a state championship in the late 90's. The blue team beat its rival for 10+ years. Yes, I know... that is "history". But, it is a "winning" history. For decades, McCallie has been able to successfully compete with teams that have greatly "out-sized" 'em. They found success by: being in shape, being very quick, avoiding penalties, playing football with good sportmanship, coaching great blocking techniques, running plays perfectly, using strong defenses, running flawless special teams plays, and playing good, hard-noosed football. Bubba knows that. Don't forget, he was there for alot of it. Here's the challenge...the coaches must form a football team using some students that came to the school to obtain a perfect score on the ACT test. 100% of the football players are expected to not only graduate from high school - but also, properly prepare themselves to graduate from a university. "Simply passing" is not acceptable. Is winning at a school that demands academic adroitness from its students an impossible task? The "history" shows us it can be done. The bottom line: I say, "let's support the new coach. He has earned our support".

Those of us wearing stripes in the Chattanooga area also enjoy the posts. Good luck with your playoff game...it is an honor to work 'em. Earlier - I worked a play-off game in the Knoxville area.

Sorry - I don't see any "slam".....but then again, I have never been one to be a "softy" or heavily into "super sensitive, political correctness". I also wear a "fairly thick skin". So, I may be un-able to see why some might be so easily offended when a parking area is correctly described (as being near the Walmart). The fact that the quote above contains the word, "almost", seems to illustrates the poster's high level of uncertainity (associated with the incorrect accusation). Heck....I remember an era when this match-up was called: the "ridge-runners" versus the "river rats". No individuals ever got upset about that specific nomenclature. The terminology was simply used in fun. The monikers were used in "good spirit" to actually describe the beautiful geography around each school's respective campus. Heck - I may have proudly worn one of those monikers. I was never offended. Also, my competitors never seemed offended. Again - I don't see any slam(s). So, please don't read too much into a comment that is simply describing a geographic location being used for parking for a football game (after all... the fact is - I believe the parking area is actually fairly near the Walmart on Signal Mt Blvd.). Sorry - that's true. no slam But... some should "face some facts"....the dressing facilities (specifically for the visiting team) and the game's officials are ...well....."in need of some major expansions or improvements". When visiting the red team's campus - Mr. Zebra often has to "put on his stripes" (change clothes) in the car because no facilites are provided / available. I know the school's coaches & administrators recognize the short-comings - and, often offer apologizes (for lack of dressing facilities). I suspect "an expansion plan" to make improvements may have already been considered. To prove this observation - simply watch the teams & officials at half time. (Because the facilities are small) - some will be forced to remain outside. Again - that is not a slam - just another fact.

Hey footballref, Two new "spins" on the game seem to be happening more across the state - in the last few years: 1. more teams are buying / using a "visible" 25 second clock. 2. more teams are actually flipping the coin with the head coaches - prior, to the captains' meeting on the field. The captains simply / still meet to review the flip / coaches choices.

Does anyone know when / where tickets for the blue versus red game 2 (Friday PM - Nov 12th) can be obtained?

When the offensive team is in "scrimmage-kick" formation, the referee (white hat) and umpire (near the linebackers) signal each other (and remind the defensive team) that the long snapper gets protection (as he snaps the ball - till, he moves to participate in the play). This is true on: field goals, punts, and PAT's The signal the referee and umpire use looks like the illegal procedure signal. The signal is obviously made prior to the snap (when the offense is in scrimmage kick formation). You've likely seen the signal before each punt. Roughing the snapper / charging directly into the snapper is another 15 yard penalty + automatic 1st down. Hey - it's play-off time!

Here's a funny for ya... of course, I love to watch all levels of football on TV. My wife instructed me that she believed certain officials should never use the PA / TV microphone to explaining a foul. This specific problem happened whenever "the white hat" explained an "illegal shift". The funny part - some officials did not clearly pronouce the word - "shift". She thought they were leaving the "f" out of the word. I guess the games (to her) should have a PG-13 rating. I explained the word - so, all is now fine.

Our crew had this play last night (10/29) at a HS game.... The official covering the area blew his whistle and correctly gave the ball to K at the spot of recovery. (yes, the ball went 10+ yards - and, hit the ground) When the K player caught the ball...he was in a sprint toward his opponents', R, goal. (The R player was near R's 45.) This is an odd situation - because it is one of the few plays were officials "kill" a live ball (by blowing a whistle). So --- these plays do happen. I suspect we will see more plays like this in the TSSAA play-off's.

I have read the "illegal forward pass" comment / thread several times. Yes, if a forward pass is intentionally thrown into an area not occupied by an eligible receiver, it is "intentional grounding". The only judgement associated with this call - what does the referee consider "the area". How large is the area? So, there is some "judgement" associated with the "intentional grounding" call. However - according the NFHS rules, the "tackle box" should NOT play in the call. There is a system of "checks and balances" to correct a mistake(s) - if the referee mistakenly (and specifically) told a / the coach that "intentional grounding" was not called because the passer was "outside the tacklebox". This might be viewed as a mis-application (or mistake) by the referee. In this case, the head coach should immmediately request a coach - referee conference. The head coach should then inform the referee that the "tackle box" is NOT associated with this call (and high school football). I bet someone on the officiating crew would also step up & recognize the mistake. Referees must always "honor" a coach's request for a "coach-referee" conference (to review a possible mis-application of a rule). If a mistake has been made, a correction must be made - and - no time-out is charged. If the referee does not alter "the crew's" ruling(s), a time-out is charged (to the team). Even if a team has used all three time-outs, a request for a conference is still honored. (a delay of game penality may result if no ruling is altered - if the team used all three TO's). Head coaches should always request a coach-referee conference - if they feel a referee has mis-applied a rule. (these conferences are not used to alter judgement calls). BTW - an ex-TSSAA football official is working tonight's FL State vs NC State football game on ESPN (he's is now wearing a white hat on an ACC crew)

Yep...keep 'em coming. We may need to get some of these "posters / visitors" fitted for "black & white shirts and a white caps". Yep...I can see it now....the helmet comes off the ball carrier near the goal, the officials correctly blow the play dead to protect the player (by rule)....then, someone then yells ---- "you cheater, let 'em play!"

I agree - Great topic / post / thread This type post will help assure that Coach T's vistitors understand & know NFHS football rules. I believe a "correct" reply has been posted. If I understand the described play correctly --> A "muff" does not end a "kick". So, we actually have an "un-possessed" kick going into the receivers' endzone. The ball was never possessed by either team. The "kick" never ended. We have a kick crossing the "line" and going into the receivers' end zone. (that should be a hint!) Again - Hey footbalref...great post - thanks for helping us "think" football. I will let footballref give the answer See y'all Friday night

Owlbooster, Just curious... you mentioned a punt return that ended in a safety. By rule, all kicks that go into the end zone are touchbacks. Did the punt returner catch/field cleanly the ball in the field of play and retreat to his end zone? Did he fumble the ball after he gained possession? Even if he touched the ball in the field of play and it rolled into the end zone it is still a touchback no matter who gains possession. Just curious... Good luck on your continued run!

Does Bluedad watch too? Oh yes - I, Blue Dad, watch (and study) film. Maybe - I may actually watch film with a "somewhat different" perspective. I enjoy "evaluating" more than just the players on the field. (As you likely know - there are about 5 other individuals runnin' around on the football field (each Friday night) - if ya catch my drift). Obviously, we are a family that loves TN's HS football. I, Blue Dad, have been associated with TN HS football for several decades. Is there anything else to do on Fri PM's in our fine state in the fall? Blue Grand Dad actually got us all started - He started following TN HS football in the late 50's. Thanks for askin' Chattcity - Go Big Blue!

Yep...it's finally that time of year again. Tis the season for: hotdogs, popcorn, and some great DII football. I believe this week (week of Aug 21) is what the TSSAA folks call week 0. So, some teams may not be in action - for those teams that kick off their seasons this weekend - Good Luck.

In Chattanooga, Finley Stadium recently hosted the area's annual High School Football Jamboree (8/ 15 and 16). Many Chattanooga area teams participated (on Friday or Saturday PM). And, the fine folks at Finley did a GREAT job hosting the teams & fans. (for example - a great sound system, good music between the quarters, & great concessions great scoreboard (total yds - rushing yds & passing yds compiled for both teams instantly during each quarter). - Finley is a first rate facility for H. S. Football). So - for those who attended the Chattanooga area's Jamboree... What did ya see? For example - here's what I saw Friday PM. * B. Buchanan moved the ball on Baylor - but, the bucs fumbled deep in Baylor's Red Zone - no scores. * Hixson moved the ball well * Brainerd ran and passed on Soddy Daisy. * The owls showed some strong offense * McCallie looked very strong on both sides of the ball

Eddie - I think you have a great idea. A few years ago, I worked with a crew of officials that had a son (of one of the officials) tape all the games for us. Like you suggested, we later got together, reviewed the tape(s), and discussed ways to improve. I believe we actually had pizza too. Like the players and coaches, the officials should take pride in their ability to work a "good" game. If that sounds arrogant - I'm sorry. I am for any "legal" method(s) to "continuous improve" football officiating. You have a great suggestion. I want to do all I can to "make the correct calls of Friday nights".

LSMFT ...- no problem - you've asked some really good questions. I can't speak for every football officials association in the State of TN, but we often review game tapes. Like football players (yes, I used to play the game too), officials can / should review film as a method to improve. I have actually reviewed some film with a head coach. Officials are "graded" on and off the field. Most recognize the fact that there's more to being a good football official than "a good knowledge of the rules". Yes, a "written" test must be passed. In the past, an individual had to pass a written test before workin' a Friday night game. I believe that's still true. Most (if not all) associations have supervisors. The supervisors: attend games, grade officials, and get direct feed-back from coaches. If a coach is un-satisfied with an official's performance, a supervisor will likely get a phone call. So, - to answer the question - officials are graded. An official that does NOT perform well will likely not be workin' many football games.

To reply... Jimbo44....that's my exact point - glad you got it - there are many differences when we compare: high school, college , and NFL rules. My point - I'd hate to see a requst for a "time out" from a coach missed as someone tried to emulate something watched during a college game. LSMFT...to make a "general" statement...it appears that it is currently "not real cool" with the younger age group to be a football official. Most associations need new / younger officials. Most officials' associations across the State of Tennessee "begged" for new officials prior to this football season. I know I saw a few write-ups in some of the state's larger newspapers requesting new football officials. Years ago, a young, new official had to work lots / a season of middle school & JV games before ever working on the field on Friday nights. Because there are fewer officials, it's easier now. However, there is no $$$ to be made - no HS officials should work a season of games for the $$$. Most will spend much more than they'll make (gas / dues / uniform / Friday PM's away from family). Most high schools will only pay for "certain number" of officials (on the field). While the officials' associations do recommend a number of officials (on the field), the school may actuially choose to have fewer. Some schools do. I've been "wearing the stipes" for about 30 years. To brag (just a little) - I have worked: games in Neyland Stadium & the State Championships in Murfressbooro. I don't do it for the $$$ - I really enjoy the high school games. Like all professions, we could all be in better physical condition. I run some of the 5K's, 10K's, and half marathons to hopefully stay in physical condition to work football games - I am certain more officials (again - like all professions) should excercise more. But, like the football game (with its large linemen), there are positions for larger officials (umpire). To answer your question - The college officials are required to meet certain fitness standards - they should. A good rule to go by - as a high school official - remember - for the individuals coaching & playing the game you have been assigned to officiate, there is no bigger game being played that day.

If you saw the last play of the Auburn at Florida game - Auburn won on the last play of the game - a field goal. Prior to the game winning field goad, Urdan Meyer called a time out fractions of a second prior to the snap. Auburn actually snapped the ball and made that field goal attempt too - but, that field goal was not the game winner - because the head coach (of FL) called time out. Auburn was forced to attempt another field goal. Prior to the snap, no time out was called (this time) - the field goal was good. Auburn won. Here's my question / comment - In college game, there are more officials on the field. Some officials are positioned on the sidelines to help grant the head coach's request for a time out. However, on Friday nights, the high school officials should be positioned on the line (about 3yds wider than the widest player) or under the goal post on all field goal attempts. So, they / we may not noticed the coach's request. Yes, those of us who "know the game" will likely be expecting the head coach to call a time out to "ice the kicker". But, if the side official(s) direct their attention away from the play on the field, a false start or encroachment could easily be missed. One easy way to get around this issue - have a player call the time out. In high school football, a player or the head coach can call a time out. My point - if the head coach waits till "fractions of a second" prior to the snap to call a time out from the sideline - the request might go un-noticed. Don't get me wrong - we don't ever want to ignore any timeout request from a head coach - but, in reality, there will be lots of action happening on the field - and, no officials positioned on the sidelines near the team boxes & head coaches.

The comments within the 3rd & 4th posts (page 1 on this same topic) do a great job explaining the rule / mechanics / procedures that would likely be used by officials in the State of Tennessee. A player / coach should inform an offical if a "loud" band is hampering his team's ability to communicate. This will likely initiate additional action(s) from the officials. However, I don't know of a rule to cover a band attempting to harm communications with its own team. In this case, a coach would very likely have "a conversation" with his school's band director. Wow - is this becoming an issue - a band hampering communications with its own team?

That's correct - if the QB "spikes" the ball forward to kill the clock: (1) after a fumble or (2) from the shotgun, - both are examples of "illegal passes". 5 yard penality - and loss of down The QB could throw a "backward pass" out of bounds (from the shotgun) to kill the clock - but, the offense would lose some yardage. They'd get the ball where it went out of bounds. This would NOT be an illegal pass. In addition - that "out of the tackle box" rule now being seen in the college game is currently not a part of the H.S. rules. So, it is still illegal grounding (in H. S.), no matter where the QB thows the pass.

TribeFan, Thanks for askin' - I am honored to help. After almost 30 years of "wearing the striped shirt", I still need to review and learn. Here's another strange HS rule...to conserve time and stop the clock, a HS quaterback can receive a direct hand to hand snap (under center). and throw a forward pass to the ground. I attended a recent game where this was attemped (late in the 4th quarter) - however, the center and quarterback somewhat fumbled the snap. The quarterback still threw the ball to the ground in an attempt to save time and stop the clock. Because the snap was NOT a direct hand to hand to hand snap (fumbled but recovered by the QB). The referee correctly penizalized the offense for an illegal pass (a loss of down penality). OUCH. There are several limitation placed on the offense to allow 'em to "spike" this pass to kill the clock. The QB must make sure the snap is clean, the pass is forward, and the pass does not hit a lineman.

Great question...here's the rule....it's Rule 4-2-2 (exception) in the NFHS football rulebook. First off...the rule holds true for Field Goal attempts and Extra Point attempts. "The ball remains live if, at the snap, a holder (with his knees(s) on the groud) and (a teammate in position to kick the ball) catches the snap and (1) places the ball to be kicked or (2) rises to advance, hand off, kick, or pass the ball" However - if the holder "pitches" or "passes" the ball to a teammate while the holders knee is on the ground I believe the ball is dead. The holder must "rise" before attempting: a run, pass, etc. That is the "high school rule". So - the play that LSU used on South Carolina (9/22/07) would NOT be an option in high school, if the holder's knee was on the ground. This situation gets real complicated if you throw in an "errant snap". Basically, a holder can come off the ground to catch an errant snap and return his knee to the ground immediately - and, still be allowed to hold for a kick, rise and advance the ball, pass, etc. The key here - catch the errant snap and immediately go back to the ground. Again - great Question - hope that helps,