Football

Literally Lateral

When San Antonio Trinity University used 15 backward passes to score the winning touchdown on the last play of an October 2008 game against...

The 5 D’s Of Football Success

Here's a list of qualities starting with D from Steve Shaw, coordinator of football officials for the Southeastern Conference, that, if employed, can help any official improve and...

Don’t Talk To My Kids!

"Don't Talk To My Kids!" Ever heard that shouted from the sideline? Coaches don’t want officials coaching their players. They do want officials to help their...

Wing Officials Are Coach Conduits For Crew

Wing officials face the constant challenge of the game in front of them and having to communicate with coaches who are behind them. Control of the sideline is important...

Deep Official A Key Crew Member

Back judges are often undervalued in a crew of five. Perhaps that stems from the many prep teams that run the ball much more often than pass...

Free But Not Easy

By George Demetriou Although every game begins with a kickoff, free kicks occur much less frequently than passing or running plays. Add the fact the...

A Gridiron Geometry Lesson

Laypeople may think there isn’t a big difference between spots, lines and planes, but officials need a clear understanding of those geometry terms. Very briefly, a spot is...

Football Ground Rules

Whether it’s dry or wet, artificial or natural, the surface on which the game is played can have a marked influence on how the game is played and on...