Rule 1-1-7...The game officials shall assume authority for the contest, including penalizing unsportsmanlike acts, 30 minutes prior to the scheduled game time or as soon thereafter as they are able to be present.

 

During those 30 minutes officials will...

1. Meet with both head coaches to confirm all players are legally equipped, answer questions from coaches, discuss any game relavant topics, such as weather, field conditions, pre-gam and halftime ceremonies, and more.

2. Meet with ball boys to review ball handling procedures, and confirm balls meet rules requirements.

3. Meet with chain crew to review procedures

4. Meet with clock operator to review timing procedures and penalty signals

5. Inspect field conditions, markings, pylons and protective padding where required

6. Confirm if trainers, medical staff or EMT's present if needed.

7. Coin toss procedure

 

Prior to coming onto the field the crew will spend an hour in the locker room dressing, and reviewing all official duties for game situations, inlcuding rules and mechanics for covering all types of plays and situations that may occur during the game.

Rule 1-1-7...The game officials shall assume authority for the contest, including penalizing unsportsmanlike acts, 30 minutes prior to the scheduled game time or as soon thereafter as they are able to be present.

 

During those 30 minutes officials will...

1. Meet with both head coaches to confirm all players are legally equipped, answer questions from coaches, discuss any game relavant topics, such as weather, field conditions, pre-gam and halftime ceremonies, and more.

2. Meet with ball boys to review ball handling procedures, and confirm balls meet rules requirements.

3. Meet with chain crew to review procedures

4. Meet with clock operator to review timing procedures and penalty signals

5. Inspect field conditions, markings, pylons and protective padding where required

6. Confirm if trainers, medical staff or EMT's present if needed.

7. Coin toss procedure

 

Prior to coming onto the field the crew will spend an hour in the locker room dressing, and reviewing all official duties for game situations, inlcuding rules and mechanics for covering all types of plays and situations that may occur during the game.

 

How early do you have to arrive at a field before a game? Do you came to the games dressed already? Does each official have a certain duty that he has to fullfill in the 30 minutes? Who does what? :confused:

We arrive at game site 90 minutes prior to kick off. Wear business casual, and change into uniform at the site locker room.

 

1. Meet with both head coaches to confirm all players are legally equipped, answer questions from coaches, discuss any game relavant topics, such as weather, field conditions, pre-gam and halftime ceremonies, and more.(Referee and Umpire)

2. Meet with ball boys to review ball handling procedures, and confirm balls meet rules requirements. (Line Judge and Linesman)

3. Meet with chain crew to review procedures (Linesman)

4. Meet with clock operator to review timing procedures and penalty signals ( Back Judge)

5. Inspect field conditions, markings, pylons and protective padding where required (Whole crew)

6. Confirm if trainers, medical staff or EMT's present if needed. (Referee)

7. Coin toss procedure (Referee and Umpire)

 

All officials remain observant of what players are doing and wearing. We can have players remove/change/adjust illegal uniforms and equipment. Also, we want to see what skill level the passers and kickers have, in order to be prepared for game situations.

Rule 1-1-7...The game officials shall assume authority for the contest, including penalizing unsportsmanlike acts, 30 minutes prior to the scheduled game time or as soon thereafter as they are able to be present.

 

During those 30 minutes officials will...

1. Meet with both head coaches to confirm all players are legally equipped, answer questions from coaches, discuss any game relavant topics, such as weather, field conditions, pre-gam and halftime ceremonies, and more.

2. Meet with ball boys to review ball handling procedures, and confirm balls meet rules requirements.

3. Meet with chain crew to review procedures

4. Meet with clock operator to review timing procedures and penalty signals

5. Inspect field conditions, markings, pylons and protective padding where required

6. Confirm if trainers, medical staff or EMT's present if needed.

7. Coin toss procedure

 

Prior to coming onto the field the crew will spend an hour in the locker room dressing, and reviewing all official duties for game situations, inlcuding rules and mechanics for covering all types of plays and situations that may occur during the game.

 

Hey Ref, great job. Our crew tries to arrive 90 minutes before kickoff as well. We normally drive together, and do pre-game on the drive as well.

Hey Ref, great job. Our crew tries to arrive 90 minutes before kickoff as well. We normally drive together, and do pre-game on the drive as well.

 

It would be nice if they all did that. I have seen them arrive just in time for kickoff, not even knowing who the captains are.

It would be nice if they all did that. I have seen them arrive just in time for kickoff, not even knowing who the captains are.

 

They should all be doing this, but there are circumstances that can get in the way, such as traffic and weather delays, job requirements, etc. Most officials have full-time jobs and must be able to negotiate with the employer to make conscessions for officiating duties. Officials work in all fields of the public and private sectors.

 

Officials also get evaluated, and the evaluation is partly on punctuality. Officials who are late for assignments generally hear about it from someone, either other officials or the assignor or evaluator. They certainly hear about from the coaches.

 

Officials need to be prepared for all contingencies when accepting a game assignment. This is why the referee calls the home school AD or head coach prior to each game to confirm logistics.

Also, this '90 minutes prior to kick off' rule applies generally only to Varsity games. Since Freshmand an JV games take place at times not so convenient for officials, 90 minutes is not realistic for those games. Generally speaking, officials arrive dressed for Freshman and JV games in uniform, and usually about 20-30 minutes prior to game time.