Intramurals 2007: The people in charge
Referees are integral part of flag football
Andy Kelly, Staff Writer
Issue date: 9/14/07 Section: Sports
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As teams start competing, the games can get intense. One of the most important and underappreciated aspects of flag football is the referee.
Referee teams of three officiate each game, two on the side and one referee in the middle.
Jennifer Arroyo, graduate assistant of intramurals and one of the referee coordinators, explains the process behind becoming a referee.
“We have a three day training program which includes at least one day of practice with actual teams on the field,” Arroyo said.
The staff for the flag football intramurals includes: 12 referees, 12 scorekeepers, and six supervisors.
According to Arroyo, six of the referees are also playing flag football this year, and all but three are new to the program.
Adam Gillhouse, Chris Russell and Douglas Eggers make up one of the several referee teams on payroll.
Gillhouse explained what drove him to become a referee.
“I needed a job and I enjoy football,” Gillhouse said. “I might as well be doing something I love outside.”
Out of the three, Russell is the only one who has refereed other games before.
“I’ve refereed several other sports in the intramural program,” said Russell. “This is my first year in football.”
Eggers started refereeing after watching his friend do the job and deciding he could referee himself.
“My favorite part of being a ref is telling people what to do,” Eggers said.
All three of them agree that the foul committed the most is flag guarding.
“Just keep the football out away from the flags and you should be fine,” Gillhouse said. “The biggest mistake is when players run with the ball tucked in by their side.”
Arroyo encourages anyone that wants to take part in the intramural staff to come by the office.
“We are always looking for new people,” Arroyo said. “Just come by our office on the third floor of the SAC and sign up.”
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