Friday Night Light's Rule Once Again - Time Out #313

You don't have to check your calendars to know what time of year it is.

One simply just drives thru any size town on a Friday evening, and you will be able to see the bright, shining football stadium lights from many miles away.

Friday night lights spell high school football in our great state; a tradition like no other, and as strong as ever.

COVID-19 couldn't chase away the smell of fresh popcorn, fully-uniformed bands loudly playing their traditional fight songs, and all the loyal fan supporters parking their cars. This is quickly followed by those folks filling the various size stadiums for a few hours of football competition on the high school gridirons.

I am no exception to this Friday night lights habit. Without me and my fellow athletic officials, there can be no game. We are as essential to the live action as the players and coaches.

Football officiating has been a major ingredient of my DNA since 1967. I had considered (?) retiring from it after our 5-person crew officiated the 5-A state championship in December, 2018. That was my 52nd year of blowing my whistle. This season is my 55th of running up and down the field in my black and white striped shirt, making sure the great game I love is officiated as smooth as possible.

Once again, my preparation began way back in March, when I paid a 2021 local association dues, financially committing myself to another season of working on Oklahoma's high school football fields. Four months later, I paid my second set of dues, and completed the necessary forms on-line, registering with our state organization, the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA). Other requirements were met when I drove to Shawnee to attend our annual state officials' meeting, followed by several trips to south Tulsa, and, also, to downtown Stillwater, attending our local officials' rules meetings. In addition, I viewed two extensive video presentations on-line, took a video test over them, along with taking a national rules on-line test. Later this month, our 6-person group will be taking a written crew test that is required for any high school football official in Oklahoma who wants to be considered for post-season playoff game assignments.

Other preparations?

Yes I have, consisting of hours and hours of reading various rule books, case books that present various play possibilities and questions about what are the correct answers officials should exercise at the time. Also, Wednesday night conference telephone calls, conducted by the OSSAA, and various on-line videos showing various play situations. In 54 seasons of officiating, I have always felt I could have never been over-prepared in my off-the-field activities in order to "get the call right". When confronted with a difficult situation during a real game, I want to absolutely know the rule.

So, how much longer will I do this labor-of-love involving officiating Friday night lights?

I truly cannot answer that question. It seems my crystal ball is in the dressing room.