A Tribute to Art McNally

Posted on September 20, 2021 by Jim Tunney Ed.D

Art McNally GameDay CentralOn the TunneySide of Sports September 20, 2021 #866 Up next… A Tribute to Art McNally

After further review… Art McNally, a longtime National Football League official, has been nominated for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2022. This is the first time an NFL official’s nomination has been moved forward for final consideration — save for Shorty Ray, the NFL supervisor who was inducted in 1966 but was never an on-field NFL official. Ray helped organize NFL rules in the 1950s era. The Pro Football Hall of Fame has welcomed NFL players, coaches, and contributors for induction.

McNally has been a friend for 61 years. He was selected as an NFL official in 1959 and I was fortunate to follow in 1960. McNally was first assigned to be a field judge (now called back judge) and then promoted to the position of Referee — a position he held for eight years. Following that he was selected to be the supervisor of NFL officials (now called senior vice-president of officiating). In that role, he was my boss for 23 years from 1968 to 1990 — the year we both retired from the NFL.

McNally was an outstanding supervisor. His integrity and work ethic were second-to-none. Every official trusted his knowledge and interpretation of the rules. He led the Competition Committee, the body that creates rule changes, throughout more than two decades as the NFL game changed in the 1970s and 1980s. McNally instituted the NFL’s replay system. The NFL recognized his leadership in that role by establishing the Art McNally Command Center, which oversees the video replay of all NFL games. He recruited top-notch officials, many for the referee position, and led them in enforcing rule changes.

“I would play poker over the phone with Art McNally,” I have often said. He and I may have disagreed on a rule change a time or two, but I knew he was honest. He was a taskmaster when he needed to be and an understanding boss when necessary. He was there for all officials when needed. His leadership was important as the rules and mechanics (positioning on the field) adjusted to the changes in the game. He created professionalism among officials and helped owners, coaches and fans appreciate their role.

McNally created a solid reputation with the NCAA. In the early 1960s, the NCAA felt that the NFL was taking all their best officials. McNally broke that barrier by meeting with their officials and supervisors explaining NFL rules and interpretations thereby creating a partnership for consistency.

I was so pleased when CEO David Baker and the Pro Football Hall of Fame selected my friend Art McNally as a finalist for induction into the 2022 Class of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He will represent them well.

Will you log in your opinion about game officials being inducted into sports halls of fame?

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Jim’s books include many messages about rules and regulations (remember he was a referee). His bobblehead on your desk or shelf will be a treasure in your office or home. A special July 4th offer (I know it’s over) Bobblehead for $30. (tax and shipping included) and one book of your choice.

To contact Jim, go to www.jimtunney.com  or email jim@jimtunney.com.

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Shortages!

Posted on September 12, 2021 by Jim Tunney Ed.D

referee shortage in youth sportsOn the TunneySide of Sports September 13, 2021 #865 Up next… Shortages!

After further review… For several weeks now our local newspapers have run an ad “Officials Needed!” What they are asking for is able-bodied men and women to sign-up to officiate high school sports. There just aren’t enough to cover all the games to be played.

With schools starting it brings about “Friday Night Lights” with the kids excited to be in the stadiums to watch their favorite team. However, most states are having to move their usual Friday games to Thursdays and some to Saturdays. It’s been the plan that colleges would allow Fridays to high schools and schedule theirs on Saturdays. That’s being invaded.

All states are now reporting this dilemma. The state of Wisconsin, which is typical of many states, is reporting a 39% drop in the number of officials in the last two years. This is a far cry when I began officiating, of course, that was many years ago. Those days might have been the best of times for me. After finishing my daily teaching/coaching duties, I would head off to a Thursday night high school football game, then repeat that on Friday and Saturday earning $12.50 per game — a $37.50 weekend!

Today’s game fees are much higher, and officials can earn a great deal more (game fees vary in states so I will avoid citing). Many are saying they can find other extra work for far more than officiating pays. However, the number one reason we hear most often is the abuse that officials are subject to in our society today. Did I have to endure fan abuse in those earlier days? Of course! But for me, it was not only the love of the game but a service to young players for their activity. Further, it was needed.

However, I’m sure you recognize how badly our society has broken down due to a lack of respect. The National Association of Sports Officials reports that more than two dozen states have enacted criminal justice laws to arrest and punish assaults on game officials. Today’s officials are reporting an increase in physical attacks — mostly from fans, although there are numerous reports that attacks do come from coaches and even a few from players.

You have seen on television the physical confrontations that police officers face and further observed the lack of respect of authority in general. On that topic, cities are reporting the shortages of candidates for police officers as well.  While some tend to support “defunding the police”, I strongly disagree. Question: if an attack happens, who do I call when an emergency arises in my neighborhood? Do I really want to hear “Sorry, but we don’t have anyone to help you!” That’s what is happening in sports!

Will you log-in on how we can solve the problem of the shortage of game officials?

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Jim’s books include many messages about rules and regulations (remember he was a referee). His bobblehead on your desk or shelf will be a treasure in your office or home. A special July 4th offer (I know it’s over) Bobblehead for $30. (tax and shipping included) and one book of your choice.

To contact Jim, go to www.jimtunney.com  or email jim@jimtunney.com.

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How can we help?

Posted on September 6, 2021 by Jim Tunney Ed.D

On the TunneySide of Sports September 6, 2021 #864 Up next…How can we help?

After further review… Today is Labor Day,  which I have always interpreted to mean we take time to celebrate those who labor i.e., “physical or mental effort.”

I would hope that includes all of us. We should all possess either or both of those traits. As Socrates said, “An unexamined life is not worth living.” Then, how is it that we find some who seemingly have lost their way?

My goal in life as a coach/teacher/principal/superintendent has been to help, educationally and emotionally, those whose paths crossed mine and may need my help in finding a way to improve their lives.

For 31 years it was my privilege to work for the National Football League. While my role was to officiate NFL games keeping the play on the field honest and fair, I have watched many players fall by the wayside either during their life on the field or after they retired. I have been disheartened with those who seem to have lost their way and I have been frustrated not being able to help.

It seems peculiar that when a batter has trouble hitting or a basketball player has trouble with free throws or, well, you get the point, the coach often steps up to provide extra or special attention or seeks outside help to correct that player’s problem. But when it comes to personal problems, they either don’t know or maybe feel it’s too “personal” to help. Many do step up to help.

I don’t understand nor agree with athletes who use performance-enhancing drugs (PED) attempting to improve their God-given abilities. It is shameful to watch talented athletes use these and other drugs, e.g., alcohol, heroin, cocaine, thinking there will be no harm.

Please don’t try to tell me that “until you walk in their shoes, you don’t understand the pressures I’m under to perform at this level.” I’m reminded of the words of an athlete who said: “Pressure? You don’t know pressure until you find you are unable to put food on the table to feed your family!”

At the end of this week is 9/11. While tragic, with all the lives lost we – as a country – pulled together to help each other as we continued to move forward. Do we still have that ability?

Will you log-in your thoughts on the subject of helping others?

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Jim’s books include many messages about rules and regulations (remember he was a referee). His bobblehead on your desk or shelf will be a treasure in your office or home. A special July 4th offer (I know it’s over) Bobblehead for $30. (tax and shipping included) and one book of your choice.

To contact Jim, go to www.jimtunney.com  or email jim@jimtunney.com.

Posted in NFL, Tunney Side of Sports Columns | Tagged | Leave a comment