I've sat on this thought since the Minnesota game, but had a fun conversation with a fellow from Wisconsin this weekend (at the Packer game) so thought I'd share a perspective.
This fellow and I are long time baseball umpires. We've both been to pro school, have done camps, and have made it up to AAA ball.
The most critical thing you are taught as an umpire (official) is to NOT insert yourself into the game. Be as invisible as possible. Let the players play and the game play itself out.
So this fella and I were talking about the De Jean illegal fair catch call, and both quickly and immediately agreed on the following:
On a parting note, my Wisconsin guy knows the guy in the booth who made that call and told me flat out that NO ONE wants to work with him. Also said the guy writes books and pontificates at clinics, but is really shunned when it comes to putting together field crews. He's just full of himself.
On Iowa. Beat the Vols!
Take all of that for what it's worth.
This fellow and I are long time baseball umpires. We've both been to pro school, have done camps, and have made it up to AAA ball.
The most critical thing you are taught as an umpire (official) is to NOT insert yourself into the game. Be as invisible as possible. Let the players play and the game play itself out.
So this fella and I were talking about the De Jean illegal fair catch call, and both quickly and immediately agreed on the following:
- It's really a judgement call that should have remained on the field. That was a live play where everyone reacted accordingly.
- Replay was never intended to afford rules experts to show how technically smart they are. And NEVER to overturn judgements.
- Rule books are very complex. It's the job of the ON-FIELD officials, who have to manage the game, to interpret and deliver good or bad news throughout the game.
- The guys in the booth often make these Wizard of Oz calls that put on-field officials in impossible positions.They are simply the man behind the curtain at some of the most crucial times.
- Football needs to learn from baseball from an officiating standpoint. Be in position, stay out of the way, call strikes and outs, keep the game moving and BE CONSISTENT.
On a parting note, my Wisconsin guy knows the guy in the booth who made that call and told me flat out that NO ONE wants to work with him. Also said the guy writes books and pontificates at clinics, but is really shunned when it comes to putting together field crews. He's just full of himself.
On Iowa. Beat the Vols!
Take all of that for what it's worth.