History Archives | Football Zebras

Alternate officials, like playoffs, have expanded over time

by Mark Schultz - February 3, 2017February 3, 2017 2

They're happy but not satisfied. They'd rather be on the field, but don't want the circumstances happen that put them on the field. Who are they? The alternates. They are the three to five people assigned, ready to go into a playoff game should an on-field official get hurt or

Photo album: Super Bowls past

by Mark Schultz - February 6, 2016February 5, 2016 3

In honor of the golden anniversary of the Super Bowl, here are photos from Super Bowls past - courtesy of Getty Images. Terry McAulay, Super Bowl XXXIX. Embed from Getty Images Jerry Seeman, Super Bowl XXIII. Embed from Getty Images Scott Green, Super Bowl XLIV. Embed from Getty Images Roy Ellison and Derek Bowers, Super Bowl XLIII. Embed

The coin toss: What could go wrong?

by Mark Schultz - January 21, 2016January 22, 2016 3

It is a simple procedure. The game can't begin without it. Before any football game starts the referee has to decide who gets the ball first. For generations, that question has been decided by the coin toss. The procedure is the same from pee-wee games to the NFL.First of all,

Football officials in danger every time debris flies

by Mark Schultz - December 13, 2015December 12, 2015 2

A photo this past week from the Dallas Morning News (cover photo) illustrates the dangers of being an official. In Washington, a fan threw a full drink can on the field and it barely missed field judge Eugene Hall.There have been many stories and accounts of fans throwing debris on

We’ve seen this before: Lack of experience part of the problem in 2015

by Mark Schultz - November 28, 2015November 27, 2015 15

View image | gettyimages.com Too many new(er) officials can make for a rocky season The 1990s were a time of upheaval for NFL officiating. Art McNally retired after a long career as the NFL officiating boss. Jerry Seeman succeeded McNally. Seeman was ready build on McNally's work and that work included making

Golden anniversary of the gold penalty flag

History

by Mark Schultz - August 2, 2015August 2, 2015 3

The most controversial piece of cloth in all of sports wasn't always yellow It won't get a cake or open house. It won't get cheered. In fact it's mere presence will illicit foul language and boos. Be that as it may, the gold penalty flag celebrates a big milestone this season.

Fun with flags, NFL style

by Mark Schultz - August 19, 2014July 20, 2017 3

Believe it or not, there is a science to making, throwing penalty flags Last week, back judge Todd Prukop became a mini-celebrity by throwing his penalty flag a whopping 31-yards, impressing announcers and social media all across the country (video). Besides having a great arm, how can officials make their penalty