Behind the Football Stripes forum- [MLB] 2014 baseball observations April 16, 2014
- Archive of Officials' Numbers April 16, 2014
- Video: Future/former NFL officials in USFL debut? April 16, 2014
- History of Officials Uniforms April 15, 2014
- In honor of Jackie Robinson day, NFL salutes their firsts April 15, 2014
- Stanley Cup Officials - First Round April 15, 2014
- [MLB] Condolences to John Hirschbeck April 12, 2014
- 2014 MLB CREW ASSIGNMENTS April 11, 2014
- Report: So much for refs getting a retirement trip to Hawaii April 11, 2014
- Walt Coleman interview from 2004 April 10, 2014
Category Archives: Outside the Stripes
Several NFL officials have ties to the NCAA basketball tournament
At least three have worked the Final Four Several officials work multiple sports from Pop Warner to the pros. There is quite a history of NFL officials working major college basketball. Currently, Gene Steratore (pictured) and Bill Vinovich work major college … Continue reading
Keeping cool when getting an earful
If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you … If—, Rudyard Kipling Kipling was never a professional or amateur football official, but … Continue reading
Former official explains new hires’ orientation
How does the NFL get their new officials up to speed? Larry Upson knows what it is like to be hired into the NFL. Upson was an NFL official from 1993-98 before moving into the front office to become Mike … Continue reading
Former NFL line judge Phares enjoying ‘normal’ weekends
Ron Phares completes first season of retirement For 43 years Ron Phares chased football players on fields all over the country. This past season Phares, 69, enjoyed watching football games instead of officiating the contests. Phares, along with Tom Barnes, … Continue reading
Live blog: Packers at 49ers
NFC Divisional Playoff We will be live blogging the calls and rules interpretations from the Packers-49ers game. (If you see continue reading below, click it to see the entire feed.) If you have any questions or comments, use the comments … Continue reading
Playoff assignments a stressful time
Officials used to worry about job security around playoffs When the regular season is over, the NFL officials wait to see whether they pack their gear away after Week 17 or if they will be awarded a playoff assignment. The … Continue reading
The final push to the playoffs
What crews look good to extend their season? The last quarter of the NFL regular season has started (didn’t training camps open two weeks ago?). As teams make a final push to secure a coveted post season berth the officials … Continue reading
Whistle while you work, NFL referee style
This season has seen three inadvertent whistles (IW) being blown by the officials, with the latest being this past week in the game between the Raiders and Bengals. NFL officials, and officials at all levels, have various tricks of the … Continue reading
HL, chain gang use special equipment to keep chains accurate on the field
You’ve seen it before; a sweep comes to the sideline and the ball carrier and several other players go crashing out of bounds while the chain gang drops their equipment and runs for their lives. With the advent of instant … Continue reading