Benson53

Next year we are mandated to go to black shorts with a white stripe - all standardized. Looks ridiculous and more uniforms we have to purchase. Very few chapters enforce the dress code either - I just think they are glad to have the bodies on the field. Its really gotten that bad - officials are quitting in droves. Tired of all the BS, low pay, chapter politics, time away from family, etc... Now is the time to join a chapter if you are interested.

You are right. This should not happen. But the rule or "conflict policy" for TASO is rarely enforced.

I couldn't agree more. The problem is that we don't have anyone to take their place - games have to be covered.

Yes - the refs are paid by the home team site based on $45 per game and a percentage of the gate proceeds. The pay for the vast majority of the referees is less than $100 per varsity contest. To me, who pays the refs is not near as problematic as the draft system used by coaches to get crews.

True - although I'm not aware of a specific rule addressing "a player intentionally engaging a helmetless player" I would classify this as targeting a defenseless player type call. You would really have to know if the offending player intentionally went after the helmetless player.

This is probably the only situation I can think of where the player actually Personal Fouls himself. If, after losing a helmet, the player continues to participate in the play, we are told to flag - 15 yards against the helmetless player. I wouldn't flag a player for trying to protect himself - no one should. But if he was running to make a tackle without a helmet - you have to shut that down. The situation you described is a hard one to officiate to say the least.

Thanks for the post Billy Clyde - you mention several things I would appreciate the opportunity to expound on: First and foremost is that we have a lot of trouble keeping young officials. Pay is a factor, but more times than not - they no longer want to put up with the abuse from coaches, fans, administrators, even stadium security gets into the act sometimes. These young folks don't think it's worth the hassel - many are right. Second is that you mention how long it takes to get a game check - you said it sometimes takes a month - I would LOVE for a game check to arrive within a month! Most checks arrive around 6-8 weeks after the contest. About 20% don't arrive at all because the coach left your pay sheet in his pocket when his pants were laundered. Then you have to call the ADs Secretary and beg for payment - add another 6-8 weeks. We were actually going to get a pay raise but the lawsuit between UIL and TASO put everything on hold. You are absolutely correct in that only one official gets mileage. We pile all five of our big butts into one vehicle and drive for hours just so someone can afford the gas. I'm not whining - I chose to do this and can quit anytime. Just providing my dialogue about some issues raised.

A lot of criticism from smaller schools - I agree. What happens is that there is a draft held each year by the coaches - they "draft" the officiating crews they want for their games. Higher classifications draft first - smaller classifications get whats left over. Sometimes the crews are good - sometimes they are relatively new and need more experience. I also officiate basketball and we hear the same criticism. As far as cheating by officials goes - not saying it does not happen - I can honestly say I've never seen it happen. But the draft situation does cause some concern - as I previously stated, if a coach drafts me for a 5A game - and I want him to draft me for the playoffs - do i give him a questionable call?? Do I try to keep him happy? Or do I call the game as I see it and let the chips fall where they may. For me and my crew - we call it as we see it. I wish TASO would take the draft away and pull crews from a hat or something. My biggest complaint for my fellow officials - and one that has been mentioned here several times - is that we are out of shape. The preception is that we cant move - cant keep up with the hurry-up offenses. I agree. A lot of us are fat. BUT - there are many that are in great shape. It is what it is.

My largest game check this year has been for $85. That includes gas mileage. Base pay is $45 per game for varsity with a cut of the gate receipts if the home field decides to calculate this correctly. Not saying $85 isn't good - but I usually have to take off a few hours early on Friday using my vacation leave - then equipment, mandatory clinics, etc...I promise you I don't do it for the money - But I love the game and enjoy being on the field.

No offense taken Coach - I asked and I appreciate your answer.

I've noticed a relatively lack of referee bashing on these threads since football has started (JT game in Dallas excluded - that was a bad call). Has anyone noticed an improvement in officials this year? In full disclosure - I am a football official and am interested in how TASO chapters in East Texas are doing in the eyes of coaches/fans. Fire away.

+1 EXACTLY - throw out a bunch of suspicion of deep/dark secrets that Coach Mc has in his life - get people to think that there must be more - let people think you KNOW there is more - then hide behind the Enter button.

Can you name a 4A coach in Texas that has not rubbed "some" people the wrong way? Can you name a large school coach that has not rubbed the School Board the wrong way at some point in his career? This business of running coaches off in East Texas because some board member is upset Junior or nephew Junior didn't get to play has got to stop. Look at the School Boards in Nac, Lindale, Troup, Whitehouse...all the same - parents getting on the board because they think it will intimidate the coach into playing Junior. When that doesn't happen - he gets run off. Coach Mc has done EVERYTHING in Whitehouse a head coach/AD is supposed to do - got kids involved in ALL programs - established the frame work for success in ALL sports - and won in football. Maybe "some" don't like his personality - a lot DO. If anyone knows of ONE thing Coach Mc has done worthy of being terminated - speak up. It doesn't exist.

Name one.

I have no doubt that Coach Alexander will put the best 11 on the field. He also will not be intimidated by the School Board nor idiot parents nor cowardly assistant coaches. Unfortunately, coaches like this seem to be getting run off around East Texas. The Old School as you describe it is admirable - but not tolerated with these parents/school boards.