You Make The Call – The Ransom Report – Special Edition

Tagged under: Coaches Corner, News

Kevin Ransom | September 19, 2023

EDITION – 5.1

Week 5 of the PIAA football season is approaching, which means the regular season is half over.  It is a very exciting time to be a fan of high school football.

This weekly article has caught the attention of a couple readers.  One of those readers has asked me to take a closer look at officiating; specifically, the language that is used on the field.  He explained that he was on the chain crew for a couple years at his local high school and heard phrases that intrigued him.

So, at his request, lets take a closer look at some of the language that is used by officials before, during and after the game.

BEFORE THE GAME:

“Make Sure We Get the Big Ones” – The “big ones” are typically fouls that directly affect the outcome of the play or influence the safety of players.  When officials say they need to get the “big ones” it is just their way of reminding each other of the need to focus on fouls that give a true unfair advantage or are a risk to safety.

“Take it Slow as Fast as You Can.” – This sounds like a country song, but it is nothing more than a reminder to all officials to slow the game down in your mind but hustle so you are always in position to make the correct call.  When you officiate, the game can be incredibly fast. Mentally slowing the game down allows you to see the play clearer.

“Hustle, Have Fun and Don’t Mess Up” – Crews will often share this fun little antidote right before kick-off.  It is just a reminder that we need to respect the job and hustle; we need to have a little fun and we need to not error to the point of effecting the game.

DURING THE GAME:

“Five Will Get You One” – This is a common phrase used between the Referee (Guy wearing the white hat) and the Head Linesman (Guy working with the chain crew).  The Head Linesman is simply telling the referee that a 5-yard penalty by the defense will result in a first down.  Knowing this prevents lengthening the game by having to measure for a first down.

“Shut it Down” – This is a very common term that is used throughout football.  It simply means that a foul has occurred prior to the snap and the officials need to blow the play dead; in other words, they need to “shut the play down.”

“Start it on a Tick” – Officials do somethings during a game that many fans do not even notice, one of those things is to try to start all new offensive series on a yard line (or a “tick”).  This allows the officiating crew to know with more clarity if a first down has been successfully reached.  The 5-yard lines on a football field are typically referred to as “big ones” and the 4 yards between each 5-yard line are often referred to as a “tick.”  For a variety of reasons, this is not always possible.

“Make Him Right” – When a receiver comes out wide and sets up they might need some help getting set in the proper position (especially on a poorly lined field).  The official that is set up near him will give him input on if he is on the line or off the line.  Ultimately, the official will help to “make him right.”

AFTER THE GAME:

“Kicked That One” – This is a common way of saying that an official missed a call.  Although the goal of the official is to be perfect that does not always happen.  When mistakes are made they are often referred to as “kicked calls.”  These are discovered during the game and after the game during crew discussion.

“Show Me the Chair” – Most crews have routines that they follow.  Crews from my chapter will routinely look for a restaurant (of sorts) for after the game.  My crew looked for a chair and a TV.  This was a place to unwind, discuss the game, laugh a bit and enjoy each other’s company.

These are just some of the many things that you might hear on the field.  If there are any officials out there that want to add to the list please feel free to drop me a line.  Additionally, if anyone out there has a suggestion for future columns, feel free to share.

Look for our normal “You Make the Call” this Friday.

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