10. UMPIRE
10.1 – Free kicks
10.1.a –
Priorities
Prior to the kick:
-
Being aware of whether the Referee has instructed the crew to switch to
onside-kick positions, and moving position (if appropriate) if they
have.
-
If the free kick takes place after a score, timing the one-minute
intermission, starting from when the Referee signals the score to the
press box
(Rule 3-3-7-f).
-
Counting Team A players and signalling the count [one of Sup3, Sup4 or
Sup24] to colleagues. Noting count signals from colleagues.
Recounting if your count differs from that of colleagues.
-
Reminding the players to count their number if the team you are
responsible for counting does not have precisely 11 players on the
field.
-
Handing the ball to the kicker (or leaving it in the middle of the field on
Team A's restraining line if the kicker delays setting up for the kick).
-
Briefing the kicker, including:
-
Cautioning the kicker not to kick the ball if it falls off the tee.
-
Reminding the kicker that other kicking team players must be no more
than 5 yards behind their restraining line.
-
Being sure that they
understand
that they must not kick the ball until the
Referee sounds their whistle.
-
Reminding the kicker that they
have
25 seconds to put the ball into play after the Referee sounds their
whistle.
-
Reminding them that they
are
responsible for removing the kicking tee from the
field at the end of the play.
You may skip the briefing if you're sure the kicker remembers it all from
previous briefings, or if the kicker is not around to be briefed.
-
Checking readiness for play:
-
[IN F4 FORMATION (CREW OF 4)]
Checking
side
areas to ensure that all non-players are out of the restricted
areas, that non-participants are off the field of play, and that all
team personnel are within the team area.
-
Ensuring that the chain crew
(and the alternate down box and line-to-gain marker operators, where
provided)
have moved themselves and their equipment well out of the way and that
the equipment has been placed on the ground outside the team areas and
behind the limit lines
at the receiving team's end of the field.
§
Checking that the ball persons are in position.
-
Checking that the kicking team has at least 4 players on either side
of the
kicker, and reminding them to count if they do not.
-
Reminding colleagues on the restraining lines to get into position and get ready
if they have not already done so.
-
Noting
(when satisfied that all is ready) the
readiness
of the officials on the restraining lines, then holding your arm aloft
until the ready signal is given by the Referee.
-
Getting the ball ready for play as quickly as possible.
Reminding the Referee to declare the ball ready promptly when all
officials are in position.
Doing this even if Team A is not ready.
§
-
[IN F5-8 FORMATION (CREW OF 5/6/7/8)]
Staying between the kicker and the ball until the Referee gives the
ready for play signal.
-
Being alert always for short kicks.
During the kick play:
-
[IN F4 FORMATION (CREW OF 4)]
Observing whether a free kick goes out of bounds nearest
to
you
without being touched by the receiving team.
Ruling whether a Team B player near the sideline touches the ball while
out of bounds.
-
Watching players for a fair catch signal, and being prepared to rule on any
interference with the opportunity to catch the kick.
-
If you are on a restraining line and the kick is short:
-
Knowing whether the kicked ball has touched the ground and whether it
was driven directly into the ground or goes a short distance and then
touches the ground.
-
Knowing where and by whom the ball was first touched.
-
Observing illegal blocks by Team A (Rule 6-1-12).
-
Marking any spot of illegal touching with a bean bag.
-
[IN F4 FORMATION (CREW OF 4)]
Marking the dead-ball spot if you are the nearest official and there is
little or no return run.
-
Giving the start the clock signal [S2] only if the ball is first legally
touched in the field of play in your area of responsibility.
-
[IN F4 FORMATION (CREW OF 4)]
Marking the dead-ball spot
if you are the nearest official when the ball carrier is tackled or goes
out of bounds.
-
Ruling a touchdown at Team A's goal line.
-
Observing
fouls/violations
§
by all players generally in your area,
but particularly:
-
all actions against the kicker until a roughing the kicker foul
is no longer possible by rule
-
illegal touching of a short kick
-
infractions of your restraining line
-
kicking team players (other than the kicker) more than 5 yards behind
their restraining line after the ready for play
-
[IN F4 FORMATION (CREW OF 4)]
blocks made by the three players from Team B who were nearest you at
the kick
-
[OTHERWISE]
blocks made by the middle player on Team B's front line at the kick
-
illegal blocks in the back
and holding fouls at the point of attack
-
illegal
blocks below the waist
×
-
contacting an opponent with the crown of the helmet or targeting a
defenseless opponent above the shoulders
-
safety-related fouls such as face masking, tripping,
chop blocks, illegal wedges or illegal blind-side blocks
-
late hits by any player after the ball is dead
-
any player of the kicking team who enters the field of play after the
kick or who voluntarily goes out of bounds during the kick
and returns inbounds
§
-
[IN F5-8 FORMATION (CREW OF 5/6/7/8)]
Directing the nearest official to the out of bounds spot if the kicked
ball goes out of bounds in flight.
10.1.b –
Initial positioning
Normal kicks:
-
[IN F4 FORMATION (CREW OF 4)]
After briefing the kicker and handing them the ball, move to position F
(see 26.1) outside the sideline on the press box side on
Team A's restraining line.
-
[OTHERWISE]
Until the referee declares the ball ready for play, stand between the
kicker and the ball to prevent them from kicking it.
Once the ball is ready for play, move to position H (see 26.1)
slightly to one side of the kicker (to their kicking foot side if possible),
making sure that you do not impede their actions and are in position to
see kicking team players who are more than 5 yards behind their
restraining line.
Onside-kicks:
-
Until the referee declares the ball ready for play, stand between the
kicker and the ball to prevent them from kicking it.
Once the ball is ready for play, move to position H (see
26.1) slightly to one
side of the kicker (to their kicking foot side if possible), making sure
that you do not impede their actions.
Free kicks after a penalty or safety:
-
When a free kick is taken following a penalty or a safety, the same
relative positions should be taken, moving up or down the field as
appropriate.
10.1.c –
Response to what happens (movement and signals)
Prior to the kick:
-
Watch the ball prior to the kick and blow your whistle if it starts to
fall off the tee before it is kicked.
After the ball has been blown or fallen off the tee twice, insist that
the kicking team use a holder.
-
If anything happens that should prevent the kick taking place (e.g. a
non-player
enters or approaches the field of play), toot your whistle, give the
timeout signal [S3] and deal with the problem.
During any kick play:
-
If you see any player of the kicking team voluntarily go out of bounds
during the kick, drop your bean bag or hat to mark their exit, and your
flag if they
return.
-
If the clock should start when the ball is first legally touched in the
field of play, give the start
the
clock signal [S2] if you are the nearest official or the one with the
best view.
During a kick play that goes deep:
-
[IN F5-8 FORMATION (CREW OF 5/6/7/8)]
If the ball goes out of bounds in flight, after the ball is kicked, go
to the spot of the kick and assist other officials to locate the out of
bounds spot using signals [Sup17, Sup18 & Sup19].
-
[IN F4 FORMATION (CREW OF 4)]
Move
downfield along the sideline while the kick is in the air.
During the return, stay ahead of the ball carrier, keeping them bracketed
between you and the downfield
official.
On a long run, be at Team A's goal line before the ball carrier.
Mark the dead-ball spot if you are the nearest official when the ball
carrier is tackled or is out of bounds.
-
[IN F5-8 FORMATION (CREW OF 5/6/7/8)]
Move downfield slowly after the players.
Keep all the players in front of you (with the exception of an
unthreatened kicker).
-
[IN F7-8 FORMATION (CREW OF 7/8)]
On a long run, keep out of the way of the players, let the ball carrier go
past you and continue to officiate from the inside out.
-
[IN F5-6 FORMATION (CREW OF 5/6)]
On a long run, stay ahead of the players and get to the goal line ahead
of the ball carrier.
You have responsibility for the end line should that be threatened
(e.g. after a fumble near Team A's goal line).
When you are sharing responsibility for a line (or pair of lines) with
other officials, adjust so that you get a complementary view of the
play.
-
[IN F4 FORMATION (CREW OF 4)]
If the ball goes out of bounds in your area go to and hold the spot,
dropping your flag if appropriate.
×
During a kick play where the kick is short:
-
Maintain a position where you can see the ball and the blocks by Team A
players.
-
If the ball is immediately driven into the ground and goes into the air,
when the ball becomes dead inform colleagues of that fact, especially
if kick catch interference may be an issue.
§
-
Particularly watch the blocks made by Team A players before they are
eligible to touch the ball
(Rule 6-1-12).
-
Know where and by whom the ball was first touched.
Be particularly alert for a second touch by the kicker.
§
Mark any spot of illegal touching with your bean bag
(Rule 6-1-3).
-
[IN F4 FORMATION (CREW OF 4)]
If you are the nearest official when the ball becomes dead, signal
timeout [S3] and mark the dead-ball spot.
10.1.d –
Advanced techniques
-
If the kick goes deep:
-
[IN F7 FORMATION (CREW OF 7)]
Angle across to
favour
the Side Judge/Linesman's side of the field as you move down the field.
You and the Back Judge each take responsibility for
half of the middle of the field.
-
[IN F8 FORMATION (CREW OF 8)]
Stay in the middle of the field as you move down the field.
You, the Back Judge and the Centre Judge each take responsibility for a
third of the middle of the field.
You should stay deepest of the three.
-
[IF USING ONSIDE-KICK POSITIONS]
If an expected onside kick is kicked deep:
-
[IN F4 FORMATION (CREW OF 4)]
Stay in the centre of the field.
You, the Linesman and Line Judge each take responsibility for one third
of the field (Figure
26.1.C).
-
[IN F5 FORMATION (CREW OF 5)]
Angle across to the Linesman's side.
You and the
Back Judge
each take responsibility for half of the middle of the field (Figure
26.1.E).
-
[IN F6-8 FORMATION (CREW OF 6/7/8)]
Stay in the
centre
of the field.
You and the other two officials on Team A's restraining line
each take responsibility for
one third of the middle of the field (Figures
26.1.G,
26.1.I
and
26.1.J).
-
In all cases, observe action ahead of the ball carrier in your portion of
the field.
-
Leave the kicking tee alone but, after the ball is dead and all action
has ceased, make sure that it has been removed from the field.
10.2 – Basic scrimmage plays
10.2.a –
Priorities
-
Knowing the down and distance, and signalling the down to your colleagues.
Noting the down signals given by colleagues.
Checking that the down box displays the correct number.
Not allowing play to start if there is a dispute about the down number.
-
Counting Team A players and signalling the count [one of Sup3, Sup4 or
Sup24] to your colleagues.
Noting count signals from colleagues.
Recounting if your count differs from that of colleagues.
-
Observing false starts in general and,
in particular,
by
interior linemen.
-
Observing line of scrimmage infractions by Team B that involve contact
with or a reaction by a Team A player.
-
Observing the legality of the snap.
-
If there is a pre-snap foul, stopping all action by tooting on your
whistle and giving the timeout signal [S3].
-
Anticipating
whether the play is a run or a pass by reading the initial action of
the interior linemen.
If they move backwards it is likely that a
pass
play will develop.
If they charge forwards or pull, it is likely that a running play will
develop.
-
Being aware of where the line to gain is in relation to the line of
scrimmage so that you don't have to look at the chain to know if the
dead-ball spot is close to the line to gain.
×
-
Observing substitution infractions by
Team A,
For example:
-
replaced players not leaving the huddle within 3 seconds of an incoming
substitute entering it
-
breaking the huddle with more than 11 players
-
keeping more than 11 players in the huddle/formation for more than
three seconds
-
substitutes coming on to the field, communicating, and then leaving the
field
-
Observing that defensive players do not use words or signals that
disconcert opponents when they are trying to put the ball in play.
-
Noting
any ineligible
receivers in the backfield between the tackles, because of the potential for
illegal touching and ineligible receiver downfield fouls.
-
Observing the legality of the formation, in particular
the requirement for 5 players numbered 50-79.
-
Spot checking players' equipment, and reminding them to check their
chinstrap and mouthpiece if necessary.
10.2.b –
Initial positioning
-
Be where you can see the ball at the snap and all interior linemen.
-
Normal scrimmage down position is in the defensive backfield approximately
5 to 7 yards deep from the line of scrimmage
and between the offensive tackles.
-
The position must be varied to prevent teams being able to take advantage
of it.
-
Be in a position from which you can officiate without obstructing players.
10.2.c –
Response to what happens (movement and signals)
-
If defensive players move their position, ensure you can still see the
ball and the interior linemen.
-
Keep out of the way of defensive players.
-
If Team A is in a scrimmage kick formation, verbally remind Team B
players not to rough the snapper.
-
If there is a foul before the snap, blow your whistle, throw your flag
and signal timeout [S3].
Confer with the wing officials about the call (unless there is
absolutely no doubt what it is) and then inform the Referee.
-
If a lineman moves before the snap, and they may have been threatened by
movement of a defensive player, confer with the Linesman and Line Judge
near the succeeding spot.
10.2.d –
Advanced techniques
Reasons for varying (or not) your initial position:
-
Generally, the higher the standard of play and the faster the players, the
deeper and wider you need to stand.
[IN xx2/xx3 FORMATION (CREW OF 6D/7/8)]
You can
be 10 yards off the line of scrimmage if you are comfortable there
(except in goal line situations, where you must be able to get to the
line of scrimmage to rule on the legality of a pass).
-
Be deeper and wider if your mobility is hindered either by your condition
or ground conditions (e.g. mud or uneven surface).
-
There is no need to coordinate
your position to the position of the
Referee.
Signalling the player count:
-
The latest time to make the player count signal is when the offensive team
breaks its huddle (but it can and should be done earlier if possible).
[IN 3xx FORMATION (CREW OF 6C/8)]
You do not need to count and signal if you don't have time to do so
because you have spotted the ball.
10.3 – Running plays
10.3.a –
Priorities
-
Observing the action around and ahead of the ball carrier.
-
Observing any fumble where you are the nearest official or have the best
view, and marking the spot with a bean bag.
-
Observing fouls by all players generally in your area, but particularly:
-
illegal block in the back
and holding fouls at the point of attack,
especially those made by interior linemen
-
safety-related fouls such as face masking, tripping,
illegal blocks below the waist,
®
chop blocks or illegal blind-side blocks
-
late hits by any player after the ball is dead
10.3.b –
Response to what happens (movement and signals)
-
If the action comes towards you, move laterally to get out of the way and
allow the players to pass by you.
-
When the play develops between the tackles, your primary responsibility is
to cover the action of players at the point of attack,
then around the ball carrier and finally between you and the ball on longer runs.
-
When the ball carrier moves into a side zone, turn and move so that you keep the
ball carrier and their lead blockers in view.
Don't move towards the ball so far that you will get in the way if the
ball carrier cuts back infield, but also go far enough that you don't get left
behind if the play ultimately reaches the sideline.
-
[IN xx0 FORMATION (CREW OF 4)]
You will likely be the second nearest official
to the out-of-bounds spot after a long run.
Move laterally far enough that you can get to the sideline quickly if
action there demands it or your presence would serve to defuse
a difficult situation.
-
Only blow your whistle if the ball carrier's forward progress ends directly
in front of you and it is likely they
are
obscured from the
sideline
officials.
Take the exact forward progress from the
sideline
officials.
10.3.c –
Advanced techniques
-
Don't blow your whistle when the ball carrier's back is toward you or you are
obscured by other players (or officials) - they may have fumbled the
ball without you seeing it.
See leather!
Be certain that the ball is dead.
-
If a pile-up of players forms, give the timeout signal [S3], converge
on the
pile, determine who has possession
(Mechanic
5.11)
and encourage players to unpile safely.
-
If you're not the nearest official to the dead-ball spot, observe for
late hits and other illegal acts.
It is particularly your responsibility to observe action close to the
wing officials as they are concentrating on the forward progress spot.
Particular types of run play:
-
On plays into the line, if the ball carrier is driven back after their forward
progress is stopped, discourage players from joining the pile.
-
If the run ends near to the line to gain, assist the wing official by
handing
a ball to them so that they can mark the exact dead-ball spot.
10.4 – Pass plays
10.4.a –
Priorities
-
Keeping out of the way of the players, particularly eligible receivers
crossing the field in your vicinity.
-
Ruling whether passes are caught or incomplete when the receiver is
facing you.
-
Observing fouls by all players generally in your area, but particularly:
-
ineligible receivers downfield
-
[IN xx0/xx1 FORMATION (CREW OF 4/5/6C) OR IN A GOAL LINE SITUATION]
illegal passes because the ball carrier has crossed the neutral zone
-
illegal block in the back
and holding fouls by linemen and backs protecting
the passer, especially the centre and guards,
and
[IN 2xx FORMATION (NO C)]
the tackle on the
side of the formation
opposite the Referee
-
safety-related fouls such as face masking, tripping,
illegal blocks below the waist,
®
chop blocks or illegal blind-side blocks
-
late hits by any player after the ball is dead
-
clear pass interference fouls, but only if you see all the action
-
[IN xx0/xx1 FORMATION (CREW OF 4/5/6C) OR IN A GOAL LINE SITUATION]
Knowing whether or not a forward pass first touches anything in or
behind the neutral zone, and giving the ball touched signal [S11]
if it happens.
-
Advising the Referee if the pass was thrown into an area not occupied by
an eligible receiver, or the pass clearly did not reach the neutral zone.
Once the pass is complete, apply the same priorities as on a running
play (above).
10.4.b –
Response to what happens (movement and signals)
-
Move towards the line of scrimmage.
-
[IN xx0/xx1 FORMATION (CREW OF 4/5/6C) OR IN A GOAL LINE SITUATION]
Move quickly all the way up to the line of scrimmage.
Except on quick passes or when you are obstructed by players, you should
be on the line of scrimmage before the pass is thrown.
-
[IN xx2/xx3 FORMATION (CREW OF 6D/7/8) AND NOT IN A GOAL LINE SITUATION]
Move some way towards the line of scrimmage, but it is not essential
for you to get all the way there.
-
This movement removes you as a target, opens up your area for shallow
passes and allows you to observe linemen illegally downfield.
-
When the ball is thrown, turn and observe the end of the pass.
Signal incomplete pass [S10] if you see the ball touch the ground before
the receiver has control of it.
-
If there is a run after the catch, respond
as you would on a running play (above).
10.4.c –
Advanced techniques
-
Once the pass is thrown, your number one priority is to see the end of the
pass.
There is no further need to watch the pass blocking: the Referee
(or Centre Judge)
will hopefully spot any personal
fouls.
Holding
in the backfield after the pass is thrown does not normally affect
the play.
-
If the pass is incomplete
in your area:
-
If there is no eligible receiver in the area,
and/or the pass clearly does not reach the neutral zone,
move quickly towards the Referee to inform them of this.
If
the ball crossed the neutral zone, give signal [Sup42] by pointing to
the ground beyond the neutral zone.
If the ball did not cross the neutral zone, move towards the Referee
while pointing to the ground behind the neutral zone.
§
-
If there
is
a receiver in the area, and you believe the Referee may not be aware of
that fact, move towards the Referee while pointing towards the eligible
receiver.
Calling out "Number
34 was in the area of the pass" (for example) is also permissible.
-
[USING CREW RADIO]
Transmitting this information is also an option
@.
-
If you observe the pass
being tipped, give the
ball touched
signal [S11].
The signal should normally be used on passes tipped in the offensive
backfield, but inconspicuous
(to the spectators) touching downfield could be signified in
this way too.
It is not necessary to give it when the pass is obviously touched
(e.g. when a defensive lineman bats it into the ground).
-
If you see the pass caught, move towards the receiver, but give no signal.
If unsure, move towards the receiver but look to other officials who may
have had a view.
If they signal incomplete pass [S10], repeat the signal once to confirm
you've seen it.
-
If the pass ends near to the line to gain, assist the wing official by
handing
a ball to them at the exact dead-ball spot, so that they can mark it.
10.5 – Goal line plays
10.5.a –
Priorities
Same priorities as on other scrimmage plays, plus:
-
Being prepared to assist the wing officials with forward progress, fumbles
or goal line penetration if their view is obstructed.
-
Observing fouls such as illegal passes
(Mechanic
10.4.a.3.b)
and knowing whether a forward pass first touches anything in or behind
the neutral zone
(Mechanic
10.4.a.4).
10.5.b –
Initial positioning
-
Take a position slightly closer to the neutral zone than normal,
providing that you do not get in the way of players.
Be careful not to line up on the goal line or obstruct the view of the
wing officials.
10.5.c –
Response to what happens (movement and signals)
-
On a pass
play, move quickly all the way up to the line of scrimmage
(Mechanic
10.4.b.1.a).
Except on quick passes or when you are obstructed by players, you should
be on the line of scrimmage before the pass is thrown.
-
If the wing officials' view is obstructed, and you are absolutely
sure, you may give an unobtrusive
signal to communicate what you saw.
Before giving any signal, establish eye contact with the wing officials
to ensure that they are not going to give a signal contradictory to yours.
Give the touchdown-conditions signal [Sup25]
to the appropriate wing
official(s) only if you believe all the conditions for a touchdown have
been met.
Don't try to do the wing officials' job for them.
10.5.d –
Advanced techniques
-
It is convention that the Umpire never gives the touchdown signal [S5].
Possible exceptions to this might include:
-
if a wing official falls down, or is otherwise well out of position,
and not able to make the call
-
on free kick returns
-
Should any doubt exist about a score, be part of the consultation among
members of the crew.
It is likely that you have some relevant information to offer.
-
In 3rd and 4th down short yardage situations, treat the line to gain
as you would the goal line.
10.6 – Returns
10.6.a –
Priorities
-
Observing the ball carrier and action around them while you are the nearest
official.
-
Observing any fumble where you are the nearest official or have the best
view, and marking the spot with a bean bag.
×
-
Observing blocks by players in your area of responsibility ahead of and
around the ball carrier, particularly:
-
illegal block in the back and holding fouls at the point of attack
-
illegal block below the waist fouls anywhere
-
safety-related fouls such as face masking, tripping,
chop blocks or illegal blind-side blocks
-
assisting the runner
§
-
contacting an opponent with the crown of the helmet or targeting a
defenseless
opponent above the shoulders
-
late hits by any player after the ball is dead
-
Observing any hand-off or pass where
you are the nearest official or have the best view, and marking the spot
with a bean bag.
-
Observing any
illegal
forward pass or forward handing, especially if you have a view that is
level or nearly level with the ball carrier.
10.6.b –
Response to what happens (movement and signals)
-
Keep out of the players' way.
-
Move
towards Team A's goal line
keeping out of the way of
the play.
Allow the ball carrier to pass you but continue to observe action around
them.
-
If you are watching a block develop, stay with it before switching to
the ball carrier or another block.
Even if you expect another official to take responsibility for it,
stay with the block until you are confident it is legal.
-
If the ball becomes dead in your area of responsibility, blow your
whistle, give the timeout signal [S3], and then signal first down [S8]
to show which team is in possession.
Hold the signal until you know the Referee has seen it.
10.6.c –
Advanced techniques
-
Do not get too close to the play - move away from it if necessary to
maintain a safe
position on the field.
10.7 – Punts
10.7.a –
Priorities
Before and during the kick, applying the same priorities as on basic
scrimmage plays (above), plus:
-
Noting players with numbering exceptions
and, during the down,
observing whether they
go downfield if a legal forward pass crosses the neutral zone.
-
Observing fouls by all players generally in your area, but particularly:
-
any action against the snapper that might be roughing
-
before the kick, illegal block in the back
and holding fouls by linemen
and backs protecting the kicker, especially the
tight end and/or wing back on the side opposite the Referee
-
during the kick, illegal block in the back
and holding fouls against Team
A players trying to get down the field
-
illegal blocks
below the waist
-
contacting an opponent with the crown of the helmet or targeting a
defenseless opponent above the shoulders
-
safety-related fouls such as face masking, tripping,
chop blocks or illegal blind-side blocks
-
unnecessary roughness fouls away from the ball
-
late hits by any player after the ball is dead
-
illegal formation
-
Responding to bad snaps or blocked kicks by adopting run, pass or
return priorities, as appropriate.
-
Knowing whether a short kick touches the ground, a player or official
beyond the neutral zone.
During a punt return, applying the same priorities as on returns (above).
10.7.b –
Initial positioning
-
Take
normal scrimmage down position,
ensuring that you have a clear view of the snapper.
10.7.c –
Response to what happens (movement and signals)
-
Maintain a position where you can watch the initial charge by both teams,
blocking by the offense, and action by defensive players.
-
Pay particular attention to actions by and against the snapper and also
holding and tripping by the defense which prevents offensive players
getting downfield.
-
[IN xx0/xx1 FORMATION (CREW OF 4/5/6C)]
On short kicks or kicks that are partially blocked and in front of you,
be prepared to rule on any interference with the opportunity to catch,
and watch for fair catch signals.
-
Do not turn round to watch a long kick.
Stay focused on players in your area.
-
As players start to go past your position, turn and move quickly in the
same direction.
-
If the play turns into a run or pass, respond
as you would do normally for that type of play.
10.7.d –
Advanced techniques
-
Particularly check for the correct number of players on Team A.
Teams get mixed up more often on punt plays than any other.
-
If you can, help the Referee determine whether the player who contacted
the kicker was also the one who blocked the kick.
10.8 – Field goal & try attempts
10.8.a –
Priorities
Before and during the kick, applying the same priorities as on basic
scrimmage plays (above), plus:
-
Noting players with numbering exceptions
and, during the down,
observing whether they go downfield if a legal
forward pass crosses the neutral zone.
§
-
Observing fouls by all players generally in your area, but particularly:
-
any action against the snapper that might be roughing
-
illegal block in the back
and holding fouls by linemen and backs protecting
the kicker, especially the
tight end and/or wing back on the side opposite the Referee
or
[IN xx3 FORMATION (CREW OF 7/8)]
the press box side of the formation
-
defensive players illegally attempting to block the kick (defensive
restrictions)
-
illegal blocks
below the waist
-
contacting an opponent with the crown of the helmet or targeting a
defenseless opponent above the shoulders
-
safety-related fouls such as face masking, tripping,
chop blocks or illegal blind-side blocks
-
players meeting opponents with a knee
-
late hits by any player after the ball is dead
-
illegal formation
-
After the ball is kicked, continuing to observe players until they are
totally separated.
Never turning around to see whether the kick is successful or not, never
echoing the success/failure signals made by the official(s) ruling on
the kick, never writing down the score, never getting a new ball, never
doing anything other than observing the players until there is no possible
threat of trouble.
-
Responding to bad snaps or blocked kicks by adopting run, pass or
return priorities, as appropriate.
During a field goal return, applying the same priorities as on returns
(above).
10.8.b –
Initial positioning
-
Take normal scrimmage down position, ensuring you have a clear view of
the snapper.
10.8.c –
Response to what happens (movement and signals)
-
Maintain a position where you can watch the initial charge, check blocking
by the offense and action by defensive players.
-
Pay particular attention to actions by and against the snapper.
-
Be vocal to avoid cheap shots.
-
[IN xx0/xx1 FORMATION (CREW OF 4/5/6C)]
Move to the goal line if a run or pass develops to the Line Judge's side
of the field and they
are
not in position there.
-
When the attempt is over, start timing the one-minute intermission to
the kickoff
(Rule 3-3-7-f).
10.8.d –
Advanced techniques
-
Be alert for blocked kicks and their recovery and advance.
On fake kicks switch to normal run or pass coverage.
-
If the play turns into a run or pass, respond
as you would do normally for that type of play.
-
[IN 2x0/2x1 FORMATION (CREW OF 4/5)]
Get to the goal line ahead of the ball carrier, especially on a play to the
Line Judge's side of the field.
-
Be aware of the jersey numbers of the eligible receivers.
-
Give the
ball touched
signal [S11] ONLY if the kick is touched (but not forced
touched) by Team B BEYOND the neutral zone.
10.9 – After each down
10.9.a –
Priorities
-
Observing dead-ball action by players of both teams.
-
Encouraging the players to unpile safely, and either return the ball to an
official or leave it near the dead-ball spot, as appropriate.
-
Checking whether the line to gain has been reached or is close, and
signalling appropriately.
-
Checking whether any penalty flags have been thrown, and, if so:
-
Giving the timeout signal [S3].
-
Reporting any fouls you have called to the Referee.
-
Knowing what fouls have been called by any colleagues.
-
Assisting the Referee with penalty enforcement, ensuring that they
give
appropriate options (where necessary) or makes an appropriate decision
that the option is "obvious".
-
Ensuring that all penalties are enforced correctly.
-
Keeping the wing officials informed of the penalty and its enforcement.
-
Checking for injured players or other occurrences
that may delay play.
-
Allowing legitimate
requests for timeouts.
Checking that a request coming from the coaching box or team area was
made by the Head Coach.
-
Timing the duration of a timeout.
-
Echoing all
timeout signals [S3] of your colleagues.
-
Assisting in relaying the dead
ball or a new ball to the succeeding spot.
-
Spotting the ball at the succeeding spot, or relaying it to the Referee
or Centre Judge
to spot it there.
-
Noting the lateral placement of the ball using elastic bands or some
other device.
The system for denoting lateral position is described in paragraph
5.7.10.
-
Standing over the ball if
any of the conditions of Mechanic
10.9.c.14
apply.
[IN 3xx FORMATION (CREW OF 6C/8)]
This should primarily be the Centre Judge's responsibility, but you need
to do it if they
do
not.
10.9.b –
Initial positioning
-
Shortly after the end of the previous down, you should be in a position
where you can observe the dead-ball spot and the action around it.
The precise position will depend on what happened on the previous play.
10.9.c –
Response to what happens (movement and signals)
-
×
If you are the Coverer, signal that the ball is dead.
This will be using the dead-ball signal [S7] unless the
timeout signal
[S3]
wind the clock signal [S2]
or incomplete pass/unsuccessful
field-goal signal [S10] is appropriate instead.
Give only
one
signal.
-
If a penalty flag has been thrown, follow the procedure
in chapter 19.
If a team or injury timeout has been called, follow the procedure in
chapter 17.
If a period has ended, follow the procedure in chapter 20.
-
As a play ends, move into position to assist other officials and to
observe players in potentially explosive situations.
-
If the play ends in bounds, move rapidly (but with regard to your own
safety) towards the dead-ball spot to assist the Coverer.
-
If the play ends out of bounds, move quickly towards the sideline to
assist other officials either in supervising players or in obtaining a
ball.
-
On an incomplete pass, ensure that all action around the end of the
pass is over (move quickly to cover it if necessary), then quickly move
to retrieve, relay or spot the ball as appropriate.
Spotting the ball for the next down:
-
Help separate players congregated around the dead-ball spot.
-
Co-ordinate with the other officials to get a ball to the succeeding
spot
(Mechanic
5.8).
-
In hurry-up situations, when the clock is running, go get the ball
wherever it is (unless the Referee or Centre Judge
is clearly nearer).
(See also Mechanic
5.3.10.)
-
If there is a penalty that requires options to be given to one or both
captains, get the captain(s)
and approach the Referee.
Listen to the Referee explain the options.
-
While a penalty is being enforced, keep the ball in your hands rather
than putting it at the dead-ball spot.
-
If you are spotting the ball:
-
Face the Coverer, not the goal line, when spotting the ball.
Take the forward progress from the Coverer and place the ball at the
succeeding spot.
Following an incomplete forward pass, penalty, etc., verify that the
lateral placement
of the ball is correct.
-
Place the ball laces down if there is any risk of it rolling away from
its position.
×
Getting ready for the next down:
-
If you spotted the ball, before backing away from it:
-
Set your lateral placement marker
(Mechanic
5.7.10).
-
Set your down counter.
-
Check that the Line Judge is in position and facing infield.
-
Check that the Linesman is in position and facing infield.
-
Check that the down box is at least moving into position and showing the
correct down.
(It is also a good time to check where the line to gain is
and if you need to give signal [Sup6].)
-
Finally, look at the Referee who may be signalling [Sup36] to keep you
over the ball.
-
If
you
spotted the ball, move away from it to your pre-snap position
unless:
-
The down box is not yet at or near the succeeding spot.
-
After a stoppage (e.g. change of possession, timeout or change of
quarter), the
§
defense is clearly not ready (i.e. not roughly in a formation).
-
Defensive substitutions (in response to Team A substitutions) are still
in progress (that ends when the last substitute gets to their place in
the formation, or gives up doing so).
-
Other officials are not in or near
position for the next down and facing or clearly about to face the ball.
-
In
a situation where the Referee must declare the ready for play, they
do
not
look
ready to do so.
(If they
are
not but should be, make eye contact and/or say "we're ready".)
-
If the 40-second play clock is already running, step away from the ball
to make it ready for play.
If the 40-second play clock is not running, wait over the ball until the
Referee indicates that the ball is ready for play, then step away from it.
-
If you did not spot the ball,
there is no need to go to stand over it unless there is a problem.
However, if there is a problem, move to stand over the ball until it
is resolved.
-
[IN 3xx FORMATION (CREW OF 6C/8)]
Whether you or the Centre Judge spotted the ball, if someone needs to
return to stand over it to prevent play, normally this would be the
Centre Judge.
§
-
If there is a stoppage in play, stand over the ball (facing the offense)
until the reason for the stoppage has ended, e.g.:
-
the one minute of the timeout has ended (or both teams are obviously
ready);
-
the Referee has completed their penalty announcements;
-
the injured player is clear of the field;
-
the chains are back at the sideline after a measurement;
-
any other stoppage in play has ended.
-
If Team A is in or approaching its formation,
do not turn your back to the ball in case the play starts while you are
not looking.
-
Make sure you know the status of the game clock and make sure the Referee
does too.
If the previous play was an incomplete pass, confirm this to the
Referee in case they did not see the outcome of the play.
-
There is no need to stand holding the ball to keep it dry in wet or
muddy conditions.
Placing it
with the lace down hill or down wind should normally be enough
to prevent it blowing or rolling away.
-
Verify that players' equipment complies with the rules.
Visually check players entering the game.
10.9.d –
Advanced techniques
-
The priority at the end of a play is to get into position ready for the
next one.
Only if a serious incident occurs (such as a foul or misconduct, an
injury, or a breakage of the chain) should your routine be interrupted.
-
[IN 2xx FORMATION (NO C)]
If Team A makes substitutions
while the snapper is at, near or moving towards
their
position at the line of scrimmage:
-
Any official should be prepared to step in and shut down a play that
violates the substitution rule.
-
Take a position over the ball to prevent Team A from snapping it
until Team B has had an opportunity to
place its substitutes into position and its replaced players have left
the field of play.
-
While standing over the ball, plan the route you will take to get away from the
players before the ball is snapped.
-
When Team B has completed its substitutions (or does not make any),
inform the snapper/QB
not to snap the ball until they receive
verbal approval from you.
If they snap
the ball before they are
given verbal approval, Team A will be assessed a Delay of Game foul
after a warning for the first offence
(Mechanic
3.4.1.f).
-
[IN 2xx FORMATION (NO C)]
If Team A attempts a hurry-up play,
leave the ball as soon as you have spotted it, unless there is a
matching substitutes situation (see also Mechanic
5.3.10).
§
-
[IN 3xx FORMATION (CREW OF 6C/8)]
Remain in your normal position unless the Centre Judge does not react,
in which case do as you would on a smaller crew.
-
If the Referee does not signal the ready for play when
they should
do so,
remind
them
immediately.
-
If the Referee declares the ball ready for play while Team A is at the
line of scrimmage
and you are still standing over it, remind
them
discretely to give you
time to get into your proper position before
they do
so.
-
[IN xx0 FORMATION (CREW OF 4)]
If there are stadium game and/or play clocks, check to see that they
have started correctly.
-
If you want to speak to a player on the field (e.g. to warn
them
that
they are
close to fouling), it often saves time to relay the message via
the Referee
or Centre Judge
§
(for a Team A
player).
Don't delay the game unnecessarily by entering either team's huddle,
unless a timeout is still in progress.
Never attempt to speak to a player during a hurry-up or no-huddle
offense.
§
-
Maintain your concentration, and think about the next play.
Next chapter (wing45)
Back to index
Editor: Jim Briggs, Editor, IAFOA Manual of Football Officiating
jim.briggs@acm.org
Generated: 5/3/2023, 1800