Bad officiating

[sgt221]

I dont know if its me or has the officiating for the first half of the football season been terrible? Every game seems to get worse. What does everyone think?

[Indian]

The crew at last Friday's game was more concerned with enforcing the sideline divider rule than what was happening on the field. I never saw any players blatantly across the line or approaching the field. They were all over it less than a minute into the game and to me, appeared to have a grudge against the coach, even threatening to toss him for it.

[fredjones]

What part of the state are you guys from?

[allwaysright]

Over officiating, Refs. are their to keep things from getting out of hand---not to control the outcome! In south east tn -- Refs. most are terrible!

[Hamburglar]

Refs are no worse then usual. The problem is as spectators our expectations are set higher and higher each year, because thats what we do as people is raise the bar. Problem is the refs stay the exact same.

[bratt22]

Refs are no worse then usual. The problem is as spectators our expectations are set higher and higher each year, because thats what we do as people is raise the bar. Problem is the refs stay the exact same.

I disagree, the only thing that really bothers me is throwing a flag when they see a play is going to score and I want comment any further. This topic comes up every year and gets closed quickly.

[Whistle76]

My best advice is to go to TSSAA.org and take the test and by you a striped shirt. As much as we(non officials) think we know football, we do not know half the rules that applies to the game. It is a lot easier calling the game from the stands. Although, i agree there are some who do not need to be on the field.JMO

[Sportsnut84]

I agree that officials have a tough job. But, I do think the issue of sideline warnings is way too overcooked. Unless there is a problem or the chain crew complains, then I don't see the issue. One rule in particular that I would like to see more attention paid to is the chop block. We're talking about something that could end a kids career with a torn ACL, but it hardly ever gets called. Throw the yardage out the window, I don't care about that...let's keep the kids safe.

[Whistle76]

I agree that officials have a tough job. But, I do think the issue of sideline warnings is way too overcooked. Unless there is a problem or the chain crew complains, then I don't see the issue. One rule in particular that I would like to see more attention paid to is the chop block. We're talking about something that could end a kids career with a torn ACL, but it hardly ever gets called. Throw the yardage out the window, I don't care about that...let's keep the kids safe.

 

 

I agree about the sideline warnings, but i did talk to a coach and he said that the state is pushing that rule. Also, there is a new rule that if an official makes contact with a coach or player on the sideline during a play, it is an automatic 15 yrd penalty. The officials have to enforce the rules that the state gives them. But, i am sure some officials take it to the extreme.

[warhorse]

Officials are in a lose-lose situation. They get yelled at for throwing too many flags, they get yelled at for not throwing enough flags. There is no way of making everyone happy. Its one of those things that you can't complain about unless you've been there and done it yourself.

[PantherAlumni78]

Horrible, had 3 flags last Friday for stuff that clearly shouldn't be called.

[Ascendotuum]

Here's the thing about complaining about the refs - if they were better, they would be working at the next level. It's almost always their judgement that causes missed or bad calls (as opposed to rule interpretation), and even NFL refs don't always get it right. In addition, you're talking about regular Joes who are looking to pick up a couple of extra bucks on Friday nights. They could have had a bad day at work, their teenage daughter screamed at them for not letting them go riding around with Fast Eddie, their dog died, etc.

 

Although I despise the TSSAA, you can't necessarily blame them about rules. The NFHS is actually the entity that governs rules (and decides what points of emphasis need to be revised each year).

 

I agree about the sideline rules being a problem. Only 3 coaches in the sideline box is a joke, and having to be behind the media line during live play is ridiculous. Refs calling that rather than holding or false starts are making a mockery of the game. The action is in front of you not behind you.