integrity of the stats

[AFoster9482]

Gang tackles are difficult to be 100% accurate on, but I do the best I can with them. Thankfully for me, I don't keep defense for a school with numbers that are difficult to see. I also do the first man to make contact gets credit for a tackle, while others that hit the ballcarier afterwards are credited with an assist.

[robjim]

I've been doing stats for CPA football since 1994. Couple of suggestions/observations.

1. It takes two people, which neither should be a parent. One person spots and the other guy enters the info into the computer.

2. Both should have a basic knowledge of the rules of the game. Punt yardage is counted from the line of scrimmage, not where the punter kicks the ball. It will help to know what are the results of penalties. Yardage, loss of down, stuff like that.

3. Review the game by video and check to see if your "play by play" matches what exactly happens. Saturday morning.

4. Use a stat internet site that allows easy entry and a place for players, coaches, parents and recruiters to see your "stuff".

Good example is "a site we can't list here at Coacht". Bad example is the Tennessean.

5. Don't let parents do stats, I think I mentioned that before.

6. Get a student involved, if at all possible.

7. Review with other team's stat guy and see how the two of you compare. Most of the newspaper reporters do their own, another good place to compare.

8. One tackle and maybe one assist per play. Gang tackling is tough, last two guys up get credit. See goal line stand.

9. One guy in the stat group has final say, who had the tackle, was that a sack or rush, where did the interception return start and who "caused" the fumble.

10. Be prepared to defend your decisions when a "concerned" parent calls. Blame the spotter!! Welcome their "concern", as one more set of eyes always helps.

Edited December 14, 2012 by robjim