Zebra Zone Article #8 – May 1 2008

By Terry J. Eiter

Zebra Zone is taking a slightly different approach this issue.  I thought it might be interesting to visit a bit with an individual who has experienced officiating and athletics from different perspectives and certainly from different levels.  We’ll be doing a Question / Answer session with former NFL player and current MSHSL football and basketball official Phil Hansen.  After 3 National Championships at NDSU, Hansen was a 11 year starter for the Buffalo Bills where he still is the 2^nd all time sack leader for the Bills.  With 3 Super Bowl appearances under his belt Hansen retired in 2002.  He currently is an analyst and host of NDSU’s Craig Bohl football show and a host of NFL sponsored youth sportsmanship and fitness camps.  Phil now resides in Detroit Lakes and officiates basketball and football.

Hansen brings a unique perspective to the high school game.  Here are Hansen’s 10 Questions in the Zebra Zone.  I hope you enjoy.

Zebra Zone:   What has been the biggest challenge going from NFL player to high school official?   Hansen:  In NFL play I concentrated on one thing, the person with the ball.  With officiating you must have broader vision and see the entire field, and usually that involves knowing where the ball is but not watching the ball.

Zebra Zone:   What sport do you enjoy officiating more – basketball or football?  Why?  Hansen: Football.  It’s in my blood, and I like being out in the elements.  I also enjoy the challenges of basketball officiating.

Zebra Zone:   Were you a student of the rules when you played in the NFL?

 Hansen: No, I knew the rules that affected me, but didn’t care much about how they applied to others on the field.

Zebra Zone:   What do you find as the biggest challenge in preparing yourself to officiate high school sports?  Hansen: In the beginning I studied and learned the rules as they were written in the book, but recalling and applying them on the field my first few years was difficult at times.  However,  with more repetitions you get the better.

Zebra Zone:   What has been the most enjoyable aspect of officiating?

 Hansen: When late summer comes around and the air gets a little brisk at night, I start to get excited for another season.  I guess it’s a product of playing 23 years of organized football.  To pick a single aspect is hard for me, but I’d have to say the start of the season, and the first game leading up to the nervous anticipation of the first kickoff.  Yes, I still get nervous

Zebra Zone:   What is more of a challenge – battling offensive linemen in the NFL or an irate mother who believes you just missed a call on her child?  Hansen: At least with the offensive lineman, I can look forward to the next play.  With an irate mother who doesn’t know the rules and won’t listen, you just can’t win. (with a smile)

Zebra Zone:   If you were able to change one high school football rule what would it be?  Hansen: Mercy rule.  When the point spread is too great it is only an opportunity for someone to get hurt or to show some poor coaching or sportsmanship.   (Zebra Zone Note:  The “Mercy Rule” will be intact for the 2008 season – stay tuned for details)

Zebra Zone:   All officials find themselves in tough situations, tell us about one of your tougher moments in officiating.  Hansen: I’m the Line Judge on our football crew.  Championship game in the Metrodome and the game was televised.  The runner breaks free at opponents 40 yard line and is running along sideline for a possible TD.  I’m running along sideline, but bump into a cameraman and am behind the play and out of position.  Runner gets forced out at about the 3 yard line, but reaches for the pylon airborne as he goes out or bounds.  The pylon moves, but I’m not sure if the runner moved it or if 1 of 2 defenders knocked it over.  I’m approaching the spot about where he intersected the sideline and I mark the spot, but am very unsure.  Turns out (the replay showed later), he stepped on the sideline before he even went airborne which I didn’t see, but luckily I got it right.  Sometimes it’s better to be lucky, than good.

Zebra Zone:   As an official, what has been the biggest surprise since you have begun?  Hansen: The coaching today is much better than I expected and has improved drastically in 25 years since I played high school football.

Zebra Zone:   What advice would you give to someone who is not currently an official, but is considering it?  Hansen: Don’t do it for the money, because you’ll be disappointed.  Seek out a mentor who knows the rules and cares about the officiating mechanics, rules of the game and quality of the game.

Phil approaches each officiating season the way he did his professional football career – fully prepared and giving 110 percent. On a personal note I can tell you that Hansen is a class act.  Phil and his wife, Dianna, are very humble and giving members of the community.

Until next time….remember to keep the game fun.

Terry J. Eiter is a high school teacher and baseball coach in Detroit Lakes, MN.  He currently officiates football and basketball and is a former baseball and softball umpire.  He can be contacted at dlref@hotmail.com.