Football Zebras

Did a parent influence an Illinois high school crew? Booster club alleges so in a lawsuit

High School Football

by Mark Schultz - November 20, 2018November 21, 2018 1

The booster club for Simeon High School is suing the Illinois High School Association accusing the parent of another team, who is a football referee, of unduly influencing the outcome of the game by swaying the officiating crew to make calls against Simeon. The story appeared in the Chicago Tribune. Nazareth

Championship weekend remainders: Pereira interview and Riveron status

by Mark Schultz - January 26, 2018January 26, 2018 0

Embed from Getty Images We have just a few things to note from the Conference Championship weekend. Former vice president of officiating, Mike Pereira weighed in on playoff football and the NFL updated the status of current senior vice president of Officiating, Al Riveron. Pereira: Playoff teams use more discipline Pereira spoke on

Divisional playoffs photo gallery, 2017

by Mark Schultz - January 17, 2017January 17, 2017 0

The officials had a big weekend and get into the frame of many photos. Here are photos of the official in action courtesy of team photographers and Getty Images. From team photographers (click on a photo to begin the gallery): From Getty Images (click on a photo to begin gallery): Embed from Getty

Parry playoff crew displays shock and awe in calling a strict game

by Mark Schultz - January 10, 2016January 10, 2016 59

Embed from Getty Images John Parry's crew set the tone in the pregame warm-ups: There would not be a repeat of the Week 14 nonsense between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals. That game featured several altercations that later drew league fines.Parry's crew put on a visible display in the pregame.

5 observations from Wild Card weekend

by Ben Austro - January 7, 2014January 7, 2014 1

After wild card weekend, it always strikes me -- only seven more meaningful football games this year. In an attempt not to get too maudlin, here are five things that stuck out to me in regard to the officiating this past Wild Card weekend. Jeff Triplette's crew called an awesome game Triplette,

Playoff assignments a stressful time

by Mark Schultz - January 5, 2013January 6, 2013 1

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 NFL officiating department has several criteria on how they grade officials

The final push to the playoffs

Outside the Stripes

by Mark Schultz - December 8, 2012December 10, 2012 7

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 also are making a push to nail down a prestigious playoff