Ask the ref: Adding seventh official ‘has been a success’

Q: The GHSA went to seven officials for the playoffs last year. How well did that work, and what's the big advantage in having an additional official on the field? - Al Dawson, Gainesville

A: "The GHSA adopted the seventh official, and its use has not only included playoff games, but some teams opt to employ the practice in selected regular-season games or for their full schedules. In the past two seasons, playoff crews (who begin working in Week 11 of the regular season) utilize the seven-man crews and mechanics in preparation for the postseason. This brings a heightened opportunity for crews to familiarize with the mechanics and the keys each official focuses on each play. The game of football has evolved tremendously in the past 20-plus years with spread offenses and pass-centric teams often ruling the landscape. Adding a seventh official has been a comparable evolution to cover these types of offenses and the accompanying plays they run. But even teams that employ predominant running offenses benefit from the looks that a seventh official provides because of the keys each official reads as each play unfolds. It is my opinion and is shared by many others that the seventh official has been a success since its adoption by the GHSA.

"On a side note, the seventh official means there are present and future needs for more football officials. Anyone with an interest in officiating football should contact the GHSA, and they will put them in touch with officiating associations in their area. It is a great avocation, and the rewards go far beyond any monetary impact, as the kids participating deserve to have their games worked with full crews every time they take the field on Friday night." - Keith Hammond, Georgia Football Officials Association