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If you understand the value of being at the game
as opposed to watching it on TV, maybe you can relate to this. Officiating
on the field is truly being in the game without getting smashed (well,
every once in a while you do take a hit). Many people don't realize there
is a third team on the field called the officiating crew -- a team working
together to set the stage for a safe, fun, and fair conduct of the game.
It really doesn't get any better than being under the Friday night lights
on crisp Fall evenings!
The Crew: Bob Adams (Referee), Rod Terrill (Head
Linesman), Ed Smith (Side Judge), Dennis Myers (Umpire), Jin
Abe (Back Judge)
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Our Friday night routine (click
photos to enlarge)
1. Arrive together
at the game site 1.5 hours before the kickoff. Sometimes it takes
1 hour or more of driving, so we need to leave work by 4 p.m. |
2. The school staff
will lead us into a locker room to change. This school had one of
the nicest facilities I've seen. |
3. While changing,
we might as well get some tapings done, thanks to the cortesy of trainers. |
4. The first chore
is to inspect the field for safety -- 50 minutes to kickoff. |
5. Then have a
conference with visiting team coach and home team coach. |
6. Check the ball,
chains and equipments for legality, accuracy, and safety. |
7. Conduct a coin
toss at the midfield -- by now it's about 20 minutes to kickoff. |
8. Get to know
the chain gang. |
9. Get to know
the cheerleaders :-). |
10. 7:30 p.m. -
It's showtime! |
11. Regroup at
halftime. Dogs and popcorns are part of the perks. |
12. Get to know
more people...and even birds! |
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