High School Football Officials are always aware of player safety. It is one of the most important aspects of the game.
But what about us? Officials can and do get hurt during games. In our local organization, several officials have been injured on the field in the last few seasons, including one badly broken arm last Friday night! In order to minimize your risk, keep these points in mind:
Be Observant
Stay focused! It’s not enough to be ready to officiate – always be prepared for different situations that could happen on the field or the sidelines in order to protect your own safety as an official. Here are some of the key areas to be aware of:
Hazardous field conditions, i.e. wet or icy grass surfaces:
- potentially causing cleats to become stuck when following plays
- potentially causing loose footing
- potentially causing sliding that could cause injury to you, other players, coaches
- potentially causing you to lose focus during plays
Side line interferences
- too many coaches or assistants on the sidelines - do not be afraid to throw a sideline warning in order to control this
- coaches or assistants moving past the appropriate team box
- Be polite but firm in the following situations
- statisticians roaming the sidelines
- photographers getting in the way of players or officials
- Be alert for plays that may carry beyond the sideline and into team benches, etc.
Middle of the field situations
- Pay special attention to the following:
- Plays developing around you
- Players or actions that may potentially continue through your area
- Possibility of getting stepped on in the playing area
- Getting run into by players
After game situations
- Leave the field as a group as soon as the game is over
- Travel together when leaving the field and when heading into the locker rooms
- No one expects to be accosted – but always be observant for any disgruntled fan
More than once I have had to ask statisticians or photographers to ‘get out of the way’ when running down the sideline. They want to be there – but the sideline is the area for the wings (linesman, line judge, coaches/assistants in their respective areas and the chain crew) to work. You must have the ability to follow plays without being concerned about running into someone. Yes you are looking out for player safety but also be cautious about your own safety during and after the game.
Till next time – here’s a five yard delay-of-game penalty for ya!
