MIBT.org Podcast

This week we break down a tight catch/no-catch play near the goal line and ask whether the receiver completed the catch or merely controlled the ball before losing it. We discuss why slow motion can mislead officials, how to judge possession in real time, and why “owning it vs. borrowing it” is a helpful way to think through catch/fumble versus incomplete pass decisions. We also cover:  Catch vs....

We break down a tricky high school football pre-snap play and ask whether it should be ruled a false start, illegal motion, illegal shift, illegal formation, or legal play. We discuss ready-for-play, neutral zone restrictions, encroachment, false start rules, shifts, motion, and the requirement that all offensive players be set for at least one second. The play also opens up a deeper conversation...

Defensive Pass Interference plays and we break down a tricky high school football penalty enforcement play involving a completed pass, a foul near the line of scrimmage, and a run that ends beyond the line to gain. The key question: is this a loose-ball play or a running play? We walk through when the status changes, why the foul is enforced from the previous spot, and how the clock and play clock...

We break down one of those rare high school football plays that sends everyone straight to the definitions section of the rule book. An airborne player touches a pass near the sideline and redirects it to a teammate. Is it a catch? A bat? A muff? A second pass? Legal? Incomplete? Illegal participation? We walk through the key definitions and why precise rule language matters. We also cover:  Catch...

In this episode, we break down a post-play extracurricular situation and ask: is this unsportsmanlike conduct, unnecessary roughness, offsetting fouls, or just a strong talk-to? The discussion focuses on a key high school football distinction: UNS is non-contact; UNR is contact. We look at how officials should process shoves, possible kicks, players standing over opponents, and late dead-ball acti...

Is this targeting at the high school level? In this segment, we break down a player-safety play involving forcible contact to the head and neck area and discuss why high school targeting rules must be judged differently than what officials may see on Saturdays or Sundays. The conversation focuses on strike zone, forcible contact, illegal helmet contact, spearing, and why “code creep” from college...

This quiz-style segment puts high school football officials to the test with several real-game situations that require rules knowledge, judgment, and clean penalty enforcement. We cover what to do when a player is missing a mouthpiece before the snap, whether electronic sideline signs are legal, how to handle a player celebrating toward a camera after a touchdown, and what happens when a fourth-do...

Is it defensive pass interference… or just good football? In this segment, we break down a bang-bang passing play that splits the room. One official sees incidental contact, another sees a clear extension and DPI — so who’s right? We dive into real-time vs. slow-motion judgment, what actually constitutes an advantage, and why “contact” alone isn’t enough to throw a flag. Then things take a turn. T...

In this episode, we break down a complex punt return from the MAC Championship Game and apply it through a high school football officiating lens. The play has a little bit of everything: a scrimmage kick, a return, a possible block in the back, a potential blindside block, a fumble, an inadvertent whistle, and tricky penalty enforcement. We walk through why this is not PSK , how the kick turns int...

In this episode, we dive deep into the intricacies of pass interference, breaking down its categories and how to make the correct call on the field. We’ll also cover a tricky situation: what happens when a receiver goes out of bounds on their own, returns, and illegally participates in the play. Tune in for essential insights to sharpen your officiating game and ensure you’re ready for every scena...

This week on the MIBT podcast, we dissect some of the most debated plays in high school football. From a scrimmage kick where the receiving team is blocked into the ball by the kicking team, to a controversial delay of game foul that shifted the outcome, we’ll cover it all. Plus, we break down a legal block below the waist when the player acts as a runner. Join us as we analyze the rules, mechanic...

In this week’s MIBT podcast, we dive into a wild kickoff where the kicking team returns the ball for a receiving team touchdown, unraveling the unusual turn of events. We also break down the complexities of disconcerting signals by the defense and explore the legality of blocks below the waist. Get expert analysis, rule interpretations, and officiating insights to sharpen your skills! #KickoffChao...

This week on the MIBT.org podcast, we break down key football officiating topics, including the nuances of scrimmage kicks and field goals, how to handle contact against defenseless receivers, and the rules surrounding intentional grounding in the end zone. Get ready for an in-depth discussion on mechanics, penalties, and how to make the right calls in these crucial moments. #ScrimmageKicks #Field...

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of illegal blocks in high school football. We analyze several key plays where blocks come into question and break down the penalties enforced. From blindside hits to crackback blocks, we cover the rulings and mechanics that every official needs to know to make the right call on the field. Tune in for expert insights and in-depth play analysis! #IllegalB...

This week on the MIBT podcast, we dive into the critical aspects of clock management at the end of the game, the importance of situational awareness in those final seconds, and how to prepare for trick plays that can turn the tide. We also tackle the complexities of onside kicks and penalty enforcement, all while discussing how to execute flawlessly on the biggest stage. Whether you’re on the fiel...

In this episode, we tackle the intricate mechanics of officiating high-stakes plays in high school football. We explore the goal line mechanics when the line of scrimmage is at the 7-yard line, focusing on the roles of the Head Line Judge, Referee, and possibly the Umpire. We also break down a goal line pylon play with the potential for a goal line extended ruling, emphasizing the Head Line Judge...

In this episode, we dive into some of the most challenging and exciting plays in high school football. We break down a thrilling long run that nearly crosses the goal line, a nail-biting 4th down play where the line to gain and the goal line are both in jeopardy, and a chaotic kickoff filled with potential infractions like encroachment, illegal touching, and more. Join us as we dissect the rulings...

In this episode of the MIBT podcast, we dive into strategies for handling conflict and navigating difficult situations during a high school football game. Learn how to manage heated moments, communicate effectively with coaches and players, and maintain control under pressure. This discussion is essential for any official looking to improve their game management skills and ensure fair play on the...

Tim, Bill, Mike & Robert discuss numerous plays from the week.

The MIBT gang discusses making spots and plays from the previous week.

Tim, Bill, Mike and Robert discuss player conduct.

Tim, Bill and Mike along with help from the viewers break down multiple plays through live polling and comments.

Tim and the gang talk high school football officiating for the last time before heading into the pre-season!  #mibtonline #mibt #referee #umpire #sportsofficiating #officiating #sports #game #highschoolfootball #football #newseason #fridaynightlights  https://mibtonline.com High School Football Best Practices Video, New Rules for 2023: https://mibtonline.com/course/2023-hs-football-officiating-bes...

Tim, Bill and Mike discuss kick catching interference and breakdown the plays of the week!

Tim Kiefer and Brian Hosken , Director of Student Services and Officiating for Alaska, will discuss ALL the new high school football rules you'll be officiating on the field this fall.