To prepare for writing this article, the NFL graciously allowed me to interview and observe two NFL officiating crews, those of Ed Hochuli and Walt Anderson, during pre-season games. I interviewed members of each crew about their individual preparation during game week and on game day. I also observed how the crews prepared together to get everyone on the same page. The officials on both crews provided excellent guidance and advice for this article. For that, I am extremely grateful to them.
Preparation During the Week
There are certain things that we all need to know before we hit the field: mechanics, rules, philosophies, and enforcements. Each individual official needs to know these before game day. What can we do during the week to best prepare for game day? Here are some suggestions:
Mechanics
It is vital that you know where you should be and where you should be looking on every play. Most conferences or associations provide a mechanics manual and you should have your mechanics memorized. It is useful to analyze what your mechanics would be when reviewing a play on film or in a casebook. Once again, when you are watching film or visualizing a casebook play, think of where you would be on the field and where you would be looking. Who is keying on each receiver? How long are you holding your key? If there is a foul, would you have the flag? If not, what would you be doing? Would you be covering the flag, gathering information for a report to the coach, or holding a spot? This thought process will perfect your knowledge and will also prepare your subconscious for that play when it occurs. It will not be the first time you’ve seen, or thought of, that play. By preparing, you increase the chance that you will properly officiate the play on game day.
Enforcements
This is an area that gets too little attention from many officials. All officials, not just the referee and umpire, should know how to enforce penalties. Wings need to report the foul and enforcement options, if applicable, to the coach. All officials should verify the enforcement and know the clock status - will the next play start on the ready or the snap? The entire crew is responsible for accurate enforcements and communication to coaches. There is little chance of an error if everyone on the crew is knowledgeable about enforcements and works together to ensure accuracy.
Studying penalty enforcement has traditionally been no easy task. Fortunately, Ed Hochuli developed what he called the “Hopper Book” for the NFL in the early 1990s. Karl Richens recently adapted the NFL’s “Hopper Book” to the NCAA and NFHS “Bin Books.” Those books allow for an easier and more thorough study of enforcement because potential enforcements are broken down into “hoppers” or “bins” by type of play. For each type of play, a flowchart-type organization of issues takes you to the correct enforcement options.
You should also think of enforcement options when reviewing film, rules or casebook plays. Ask yourself what the enforcement options would be on that play? As a wing official, how would you report the situation and options to the coach? This is another area of officiating that should be reviewed at least every week. You never know when you will be the one to save the crew from an incorrect enforcement.
RELATED ARTICLES:
Part I: When to Prepare and the Film Review during the Week.
Part II: Types of Film, Rules Study, and Casebook Study during the Week
Part III: Mechanics and Enforcement
Part IV: Game Day Preparation and the Post-Game Review