Calls that Matter
and Calls That Don’t
To Throw or Not to Throw……
Purpose for the Hour….
1-Make us all THINK about our own
philosophy on when to throw a flag and
when not to
2-Answer questions and discuss anything
related to fouls and/or football officiating
Agreement
Be OPEN to a CHANGING YOUR
THINKING
Avoid “Well, what I do is…………”
Learn at least ONE thing to better your
game
No magic bullets
This ISN’T a FOUL….just
bad mechanics…..
Universal Truths about
Calling Fouls
1. Players, coaches, fans and media didn’t
come to see us or be impressed by our
ability to throw flags.
2. More problems come from flags thrown
that AREN’T fouls than NO CALLS
3. The MORE YOU THROW, THE
LOWER YOU GO
4. No one likes a KNOW IT ALL……..
Considerations
1. Impact on the GAME
2. Impact on the PLAY
3. Safety Fouls: Can someone get
injured?
4. Will it SHOW UP?
5. Did you see it ALL?
6. Game Situation…
ALWAYS A FOUL…..
1. Safety Fouls: Clip, Chop, PF
2. OH: Takedowns at POA, Zone 1
3. DPI: Obvious
4. FST: Obvious
5. Late Hits: Obvious
6. KCI Contact
7. RPS/R. Kicker: Obvious
SOMETIMES A FOUL:
1. OH: Twist/Turn, Zone 2
2. FST: Flinches
3. ILF: No man’s land, post warning
4. DPI: Close timing, incidental contact,
OPI
5. KCI: Non Contact
RARELY A FOUL…..
1. FST: Small flinches
2. ILF: Blowouts, First Quarter, less than
yard off
3. OH: Behind Play, Good Feet, Zone 3
4. Side blocks that look like IBW
5. Weird fouls: DH, Aiding Runner,
Equipment
Questions to ASK
1. Did I see it ALL?
2. Does it impact the GAME?
3. If you DIDN’T call it, would anyone
notice?
4. Would you call it on the last play of the
6A State Finals in a tie ball game?
MANTRAS
1. That’s a Hold, That’s a Hold, IT’S A HOLD.
2. If I hesitate, I don’t throw it
3. It’s rarely as bad as it looks
4. Make the picture look right
5. Never insert yourself in the GAME
6. Don’t Trouble Trouble
7. Common Sense Always Prevails
8. BS spoken with authority is often better than
the truth
FILM DISCUSSION