REFEREE

As the Game Administrator, you must have the crew ready to work the game.  A solid pre-game conference is essential to a smooth flow of the game.  It is essential that the crew have confidence in you and you have confidence in the crew.  Go over the basics, basics and more basics.  Ninety-nine per-cent of what will happen on the field today will be just that - BASIC.  As the season progresses you can cover additional items that might have occurred the previous week either with your crew or with someone else’s crew.

 Leadership and control are critical to the successful administration of the game.  This begins when you and the umpire visit with the opposing coaches before the game.  Some coaches may ask you about a specific situation with regard to this game or will question something that happened to them last week.  Answer the question that pertains to this game.  If you were not officiating for that coach the previous week politely tell him that you had no knowledge of what happened and it would be unfair to comment unless you observed the specific play in question.

 Once on the field remember one thing – “No one has a better job on this particular day then you –and- the crew that will be working this game with you today.”  Enjoy the next 2.0 to 2.5 hours.

 SCRIMMAGE PLAYS

§  Make sure your initial position is 12-14 yards deep, deeper than the deepest back and on the QB’s throwing arm.  Be on the outside shoulder of and as much as one yard wider than the tackle position on your side.  This position should allow you an excellent peripheral view of the action.

§  Count the offensive formation and count the offensive players.

§  Using a demonstrative signal, blow your whistle forcefully and declare the ball ready for play while standing still in the vicinity of the ball.  Kill plays that end deep in the offensive backfield.  Look to your wingmen to assist you with forward progress on sacks.

§  If you are facing the clock make sure it starts when you wind it.  If it is supposed to start on the snap make sure it does!!  On penalty situations make sure it is stopped if you are facing it.

§  Always check with HL on down and distance before each down.  If  there is any doubt stop the game and verify it with the official statistician before moving on to the next down.

 KICKS

§  Favor center of field between goal line and 10 yard line.  This will vary depending on kicker.

§  On obvious free kick situations direct crew to take their proper positions.  Move up slightly but be ready to retreat should the kicker kick it long.

 PUNTS

§  Protect the kicker (and holder) on all scrimmage kick plays.  The HL and LJ will assist with their respective duties if a kick is blocked and doesn’t cross the LOS.

§  Stand on the kicking foot side, 5-6 yards in front and 7-8 yards wide or wider than tight end.  This position will give you a good look at the infraction if there is one. 

§  Once the ball is kicked watch flight of kick if kicked toward sideline.  Be ready to line up covering official to OOB spot if ball leaves field on the fly. 

§  Move slowly downfield watching for illegal action.

 FIELD GOAL & TRY PLAYS

§  Position yourself on a 45 degree at least 5-6 yards to the side of the potential kicker facing the holder (or wider then the widest offensive player on you side).

 RUNS

§  Between the ends, be aware of blocking at the POA and officiate around the area of the ball carrier. 

§  You are responsible for the tackle on your side immediately following the snap. 

§  Be the opposite bookend of the umpire.  Keep the play boxed in between U and you. 

§  The HL and LJ will kill most runs and give forward progress. 

§  Assist in ball retrieval and spotting as required. 

§  On wide runs, move toward the side zone behind the action, continuing to observe action around the ball carrier and be ready to assist if any OOB activity occurs.

 PASSES

§  The QB is your #1 priority, and must be protected from all illegal actions by defensive players.  Stay with him as long as he is in any danger.  Do not allow the defender more than one step after the QB releases the ball prior to the defender contacting the QB.  Back pedal at an angle-not-straight back. 

§  While you are primarily responsible for the offensive tackle on your side, you may also help with the opposite side tackle. 

§  On both running and passing plays, look for fouls that have a large effect on the play, (e.g., the little pull that makes the play, the takedown or pull back (snatch) by the blocker for the QB). 

§  Officiate by the feet; if the defender is still able to move (he still has his feet) it is not a foul.  Do not call the “rip” effect which causes the blockers arm to go around the defenders neck-does the defender still have his feet?

 PENALTY ENFORCEMENT

§  Give preliminary signal to press box on fouls as soon as it is reported.  DO NOT LET ANY PLAYER OR OFFICIAL DISTRACT YOU WHILE YOU ARE DOING THIS.

§  Do not move any distance before doing this, but step out in the open and give it.  Maintain a stationary base, be firm on signals-no loose signals. 

§  Gather information and direct U to proceed with enforcement once option is obvious or after consulting with offended team. 

§  If there is a disagreement or uncertainty on a call or penalty enforcement, do not hesitate to conference with specific officials involved in the call. 

§  It is not how we look that is important; it is of utmost importance to GET THE CALL RIGHT.

For the Rest of the positions (U, LJ, HL, BJ), please open this document - Mechanics, Philosophy and Things to Remember.pdf