Officials offer unique view of game - ESPN Video and interesting article on one of the Big XII crews. Basically what their routine is, their duties, the communication, the teamwork. And they get their performance evaluated by an NFL official. These are the same guys who worked LSU/Oregon. In contrast, I'm willing to bet SEC officials' evaluation involves a kegger and cash handshake from Bama boosters.
We should be so lucky. Both to have umps like these and that all the SEC refs take is a kegger and cash.
I've gained a new appreciation for what an official does. I started basketball officiating last year and let me tell you there is more to it than just watching for violations or fouls. Being in the right position to see plays, the mechanics of making a call, the very speed of the game. You are sometimes 3-4 feet from the action and a lot of times it's hard to see what has happened. When not on the floor and in the seats I can see a ton more than I can from the floor/field. It may not sound hard but even making an out of bounds call or a foul can be challenging. It's ten times harder when you are just starting out and the learning never stops. Just for high school we attend a class every week during the season and a summer camp. Then we have to pass tests on rules and regulations. That is the minimum required. You can stay busy all year if you want. I've been told football is a lot easier to ref but even that is easier to do from the stands. Say what you want about SEC officials but they go through vigorous training. I respect that.
I've long stated: SEC: Best football conference with the absolute WORST officiating... Joker Phillips had every right to be spit-fire mad at the no-call for too many men on the field. I mean, I'm glad for the TD, but that's a joke of a no-call. What's even worse about that no-call was that the ump was caught REACHING for his flag but pulled back. :shock: Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't illegal participation NOT a judgement call??? The moment you break the huddle with 12 men, it's a flag....there's NO waiting to see if the extra player gets off the field before the ball is snapped like the defense gets. That was bad.
