High School State Championship's Pivotal Onside Kick Attempt: A Referee's Perspective

[@mthompson1111]

Great job on that play, Tim. Very professional work getting to the spot, killing the clock, finding the ball, and matter-of-factly signaling possession. And good job blocking out the shrill screaming of a high school game in a pressure moment. That's why you're there! -Mark

[@MakeItBeThere]

Thanks!

[@WithTwoFlakes]

Mmm, a bunch of things going through my mind watching this... That *&^%$!? logo in the middle of the field might make it a little tougher to judge 10yds if the kid kicks it straight forward. Does the Big Ten allow that sort of interference with the lines on the field because the rules seem to say otherwise. NCAA Rule 1.2.1.f.1 The entirety of all yard lines, goal lines and sidelines must be clearly visible. No portion of any such line may be obscured by decorative markings. Luckily, it didn't matter on this play. After a bit of googling, I stumbled across the box score on the IHSA website archive which answered my other two questions. How did the game end? It remained 31-v-25. How come you are all alone back there? It was only a crew of 5 which was a bit of a shocker. I expected for the top game of the season, they would put out a crew of 7. It was great to see you at our convention in the UK earlier this year, all the best.

[@MakeItBeThere]

Interesting observations... Yes, many states only use 5 officials in their playoffs and finals because they use 5 officials all year and now in the biggest game, we add 2 more officials who have probably very little experience working those positions or the crew as a whole have very little experience with the added officials. So, yes, in this case with an expected onside kick, back there all alone. Thanks for the taking the time and the research!

[@Motorfuzz]

In a crew of 7 with an anticipated onside, the R is still all alone back there. The extra two guys are also in the box midway.

[@WithTwoFlakes]

@@Motorfuzz I know CCA mechs would do that. Would NFHS mechs do the same on a crew of 7 ? Haven't worked any High School since my last trip over in 2013. I'm in Europe which uses the IAFOA mechs. They differ - on a 7 they keep U near the kicker, R and L on G/L pylons, H,B,F,S form the box.

[@Motorfuzz]

@@WithTwoFlakes even for a anticipated onside? Our state’s 7 man mechanics for HS essentially copied the CCA manual, which is 6 in the box. What you described is what we do for “normal” kickoffs.

[@WithTwoFlakes]

@@Motorfuzz Yes. Even for anticipated onside. I can't recall if putting folks in the box midway has been considered as a change.

[@auzmo]

Good call.

[@MakeItBeThere]

Thanks!