Last time out, I touched on game management and enforcing the proper rules of the game, especially in terms of player safety.

Isn’t that a primary reason that officials work games?

While some of the rules seek to "level the playing field" in terms of eliminating things like hide-out plays and fumblerooskie derivatives, the intent of many of today’s rules focuses on protecting the participants from injury. The role of officials includes game management and doing the necessary inspection of the field or court to ensure the playing surface is free of hazards. You may recall one of my examples in Part II did deal literally with "leveling the playing field" when our crew had discovered a major divot near a goal line!

There are more than enough challenges to meet while officiating sports contests. Take care of the easy ones before the game even begins.

Now, I promised you that Husker-Buff recap.

Continued...