SAN DIEGO COUNTY FOOTBALL OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION - THE WEEKLY BULL - JULY 17, 2024
The Weekly Bull – The Weekly “Bull” is one of our most important means of communication and instruction. The Bull dates back as far as I can remember (I believe it was run off on a mimeograph machine…google it!) and it continues to be used on a weekly basis today. Each week you are expected to read the Weekly Bull and incorporate the on-field elements into your weekly preparation and pre-game. On weeks where we have a regular meeting, we will discuss (back-and-forth) but you are still responsible for pre-reading its contents during the week as we will review most of it quite quickly.
1st Year and 2nd Year /Transfer Classes – You will meet this Wednesday 7/17 with your regular class from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm at Mira Mesa High School. Do not worry about the Position Clinic for Referees that will be happening at the same time. You are not responsible for its content, but you will get a link watch the video copy of the presentation if you are interested.
Referee Clinic on the Use of a Wireless Microphone – All officials are asked to attend at least one clinic, preferably the clinic for your primary position, but all officials are welcome to attend any clinic they want. A video copy of the zoom meeting will also be shared with everyone and placed on our website for easy viewing. This week will be the clinic for all Referees focusing on setting up and using the various wireless microphone systems currently being used. Ted Schiess and Rob Schaerer will discuss their Protocol document which was included in your instructional kits this year. They will also share other sites and sources to assist you in setting up and using your systems. Remember, we are shooting for about 70% success in being able to hook up to our school PA systems. Don’t get frustrated, but when it is working, I guarantee you will LOVE IT! Mike Allen reported that he already has a member of his crew who has some skills with technology and will be setting it all up for Mike. Great idea! Here’s the invitation: SDCFOA Referee Position Clinic July 17, 2024, 7:00 PM Pacific Time Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81151550977?pwd=4dNn9GmdpCebjaHU5x3m5VoV25uOh1.1 Meeting ID: 811 5155 0977 Passcode: 313849 One tap mobile - +1(719) 359-4580
Thank You CIF Commissioners Joe Heinz and Todd Cassen – The presentation was very helpful in our understanding of how schools will be monitoring the “heat index” and the possible effects on the proposed start time of games and practices. We will need to be in contact with the game administrator who will be making these important decisions, just as we do when lightning is threatening our game. It was also greatly appreciated to hear their strong stance on good sportsmanship by coaches, especially assistant coaches. We can use an officials time out, or a sideline warning if appropriate, to stop the game and communicate with the head coach about the behavior of an assistant. We then give the head coach an opportunity to correct the problem which he may, or may not, be aware of.
Congratulations Mike Duggan – Congratulations to Mike Duggan who has been selected to work the Indoor Football League (IFL) National Championship in Las Vegas on Saturday August 17th and it will be televised on the CBS Sports Network. Well done, and well deserved! Just another success for Mike and the SDCFOA!
Meeting Attendance, Clinics, and Tests – You must attend 9 meetings and pass the mechanics and rules tests with scores of 70%. First year officials do not take any tests, but your attendance is closely monitored. All officials will get credit for the banquet, so count that as one meeting! You will also get credit for attending your Position Zoom Clinic. That leaves attending at least 6 regular meetings. If you attend more than one Clinic and come up one meeting short, I will credit you with the extra Clinic and your attendance will meet the standard. If you missed your clinic, it will be available on the website under Instructional Videos, and you will get class meeting credit if you watch it on-line.
New Officials – Welcome to all new officials. At this time there are almost 50 new officials signed up and over 30 second year officials and transfers. We will be adding a few more as they trickle in. Way to recruit SDCFOA! You are keeping our association strong! New officials…invite a friend, relative or co-worker to join with you.
Pre-snap and Dead Ball Routines – Our pre-snap and dead ball routine must be as complex and thorough as the coaches’ and players’ play-calling and pre-snap adjustments. Are we as prepared for the snap as the teams are? A good way to develop your pre-snap and dead ball routines is in three separate sequences: Pre-Snap Live Ball Dead Ball (dead ball culminates with the movement of your down indicator on your hand – once you move that, you now begin your pre-snap routine!) Base your routine on the SDCFOA Pre-Snap Routine which is in the mechanics manual. Each position’s pre-snap, live ball and dead ball routines are listed by position. The live ball portion is listed in the general mechanics for 4-man or 5-man. The list provided is just that, a list. Re-order according to your own style and crew. Write it out…Memorize it…use it every play! Remember, it changes slightly for kicks, short yardage, red zone, goal line, etc.
When in Question - Do No Harm! - There are four and only four reasons to throw a flag: Safety Sportsmanship Administration (LOS fouls, procedure, delay of game, etc.) Effect on the play (at point of attack with definite, material restriction and advantage gained) Accuracy in judgement comes from strong, consistent mechanics, mastery of the rules, and a deep understanding and appreciation for the SDCFOA Philosophies (Officiating Standards) located in our mechanics manual. “Accuracy and consistency come from a strong foundation. It is the bedrock of our association!” - George Schutte
Illegal Equipment (VARSITY Games) – Please be consistent as an Association. Follow the procedure prior to each and every game. Fill out your equipment card and present it to your umpire. Referee and Umpire will present the card to the head coach. This serves as the warning. Then, first series for each team, including kick off, send out any player not properly equipped. After that, any equipment issue will be a surprise to you, and you can send them out.
Coach’s Cards - Coach’s Cards can be filled out and downloaded at www.sdcfoa.org under Educational Resources and Football Mechanics. These cards are to be presented to the head coach at the Pregame Meeting or at the sideline meeting between the flank officials and their head coaches at EVERY high school VARSITY game.
Do you have any conflicts of interest? Here are some possible conflicts of interest which may cause you to block yourself from working a particular school: Your alma mater – Don’t work games at your high school if you’ve graduated within the last five years. If you still have ties to the school, were a noted athlete, or still good friends with members of the coaching staff, 10 years or longer would apply. Family connections – Don’t work games at a school if you have a family connection. Business ties – If you are employed by a school, don’t officiate that school. Also be careful of bosses whose kids play for a particular school.
Blocks in Arbiter – Scrimmages and Week #1 assignments are out! Don’t forget to block the dates you cannot work. If a game comes up on a Thursday and you’re not blocked, Tom will assign assuming you are available. A phone call or email saying you’re not available doesn’t do well for you the next time a game comes up and it’s your turn. Conversely, if you block a Saturday and a big game comes up, you will not show up as available for that “big assignment”. So, keep your blocks honest and up to date! AND DON’T FORGET TO ACCEPT YOUR ASSIGNMENTS IMMEDIATELY!
Gently Used Equipment and Uniforms – Every year we get a chance to update our equipment and uniform. If you have some extra equipment or uniform pieces that are still in good shape our 1st year officials would LOVE it if you’d donate to Room 714.
Referee and Umpire Pregame Conference - Confer with coaches and check game balls. Be businesslike and cordial but not overly friendly with the coaches. During the Pre-Game meeting with the coaches, the REFEREE shall confirm (but not be limited to) the following information starting with the HOME TEAM and in no particular order: Introductions (hat off) – My name is (your name) and I’ll be your referee tonight. (Coach’s Card) Everyone legally equipped? Any unusual plays or formations? Will you be going in before kickoff? Where will you go at halftime? As you know we will expect good sportsmanship tonight. Let’s agree on how we’re going to communicate tonight…. Who is your “Get Back Coach”? In order to hear and see a signal from the sideline for a Time Out, you may enter the field so as to alert any/all officials to stop the clock. Can we see your game ball, please? My watch/the game clock has the correct time; we will come for the captains in 15minutes. Good luck, coach
Reminders from Mike Carey – Here are a few of Mike’s words from his 2016 presentation to our association. I’m sure you’ll find them still relevant for your goal setting this year! Improvement comes with hard work. There are no short cuts. You must have a passion for the game – otherwise the hard work is too hard. We must support each other and work hard on behalf of our fellow officials and our crew. It’s all about the 2 hours on the field. Be prepared…then enjoy it!
HUDL Video – New officials, we are extensive users of video and have chosen the HUDL software for this purpose. The HUDL video can be found at www.hudl.com. If you are new to HUDL, you will be sent an email message from HUDL which will allow you to log in and then will direct you to change the temporary password. You will be receiving a weekly instructional video with 12-20 plays. It is expected that you watch and study each weekly instructional video.
