OREGON SUPPLEMENTAL FOOTBALL MANUAL2010 NFHS Football Rule Change Highlights The NFHS made 11...

OREGON SUPPLEMENTAL

FOOTBALL MANUAL

Editor - Clark Sanders

OSAA State Football Rules Interpreter

OAOA State Football Committee

August 2010

Oregon Athletic Officials Association

Table of Contents

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................................... 1

2010 NFHS Football Rule Change Highlights ................................................................................................................................... 2

2010 NFHS Football Mechanics Changes ........................................................................................................................................ 3

Oregon High School Rule And Mechanics Modifications ................................................................................................................ 3

Referee............................................................................................................................................................................................ 5

Umpire ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 8

Wing Officials .................................................................................................................................................................................. 9

Linesman ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 10

Line Judge...................................................................................................................................................................................... 11

Back Judge..................................................................................................................................................................................... 11

All Officials .................................................................................................................................................................................... 13

Officiating Philosophies/ Guidelines/Interpretations ................................................................................................................... 14

Philosophy Of Legal And Illegal Blocking Techniques .......................................................................................................... 14

Offensive Holding................................................................................................................................................................. 14

Roughing The Passer (RPS)................................................................................................................................................... 15

Kick Catch Interference (KCI)................................................................................................................................................ 15

Illegal Contact With A Scrimmage Kicker / Holder............................................................................................................... 16

Pass Interference ................................................................................................................................................................. 16

Using The Bean Bag.............................................................................................................................................................. 17

Protection Of Defenseless Players ....................................................................................................................................... 17

Boxing In - The “Mobile Box” ............................................................................................................................................... 18

Dead Ball Officiating............................................................................................................................................................. 18

Forty Helpful Hints ............................................................................................................................................................... 19

Officials Certification And Education Program (OCEP) Summary ................................................................................................. 22

2010-11 OAOA Board Roster ........................................................................................................................................................ 23

Additional Resources .................................................................................................................................................................... 24

O:\OAOA\Sports\Football\Supplemental FB Manual\2010FBManual.doc Page 1 of 24

Introduction

The Oregon Supplemental Football Manual is designed to promote:

“One Rule - One Mechanic - One Interpretation”

The Manual is not a substitute for the NFHS Officials Manual, however, if there is a conflict between the Oregon Supplemental

Football Manual and the NFHS Officials Manual - the Oregon Supplemental Football Manual prevails.

The OSAA, the OAOA Executive Board and the OAOA State Football Committee have approved the Oregon Supplemental Football

Manual. It is to be followed by all football officials and local associations in Oregon.

This Manual also contains information regarding the various organizations relating to officiating in Oregon and the OAOA

Executive Board Roster.

Any questions should be referred to Clark Sanders, OSAA Football Rules Interpreter – [email protected].


2010 NFHS Football Rule Change Highlights

The NFHS made 11 football rules changes for 2010. The following seven changes, with Points of Emphasis are highlighted as

having major significance for officials.

1-5-3e Clarifies the padding rule for guards, casts, knee and ankle braces. Eliminates the need for a Dr.’s note to verify an

1-5-3f injury.

3-2-2 Not more than four captains from each team may be present at the coin toss. All other team personnel must remain

outside the field of play.

This change eliminates “honorary” captains and, for example, seniors playing their last home game from entering the

field and remaining at the inbounds lines during the coin toss ceremony.

3-5-10b Any player who shows signs, symptoms or behaviors associated with a concussion must be removed from the game

and shall not return to play until cleared by an appropriate health-care professional.

3-7-1 Changes the time frame for replaced players to leave from “immediately” to “within three seconds.

8-2-2 Refines existing rules and creates a new article regarding fouls on scoring plays that have succeeding spot

8-2-3 enforcement.

8-2-4

8-2-5 Beginning in 2010, unsportsmanlike or non-player fouls by either team may be enforced on either the try or

subsequent kickoff.

9-4-3k Changes the word “runner” to “opponent.” This allows a horse-collar foul to be called when the horse-collar occurs

inbounds but the tackle is completed out of bounds, in the end zone, or after player possession has been lost.

9-4-8 Unintentional contact by a non-player with an official in the restricted area while the ball is alive is now a 15-yard

penalty. For the second offense, 15-yards and disqualification of the head coach.

Prior to this change, any collision between a non-player and an official was a warning for the first offense, a 5-yard

penalty for the second offense and a 15-yard penalty for each subsequent offense. It was felt that a more severe

consequence was necessary for violating the restricted area when contact occurs between an official and a non-

player.

Non-contact violations of the restricted area continue to be penalized under the 2009 rule.

Points of Emphasis:

1. Concussion Management

2. Heat Illness and Hydration

3. Illegal Helmet Contact

4. Assisting the Runner

5. Sportsmanship of PA Announcers

Points of Emphasis (Mechanics)

1. Communication Between Officials and Head Coach

2. Enforcement of Uniform Adornment Rules

3. Enforcing that Legal Equipment is Worn Properly

4. Identifying Illegal Substitutions


2010 NFHS Football Mechanics Changes

1. By state association adoption, officials have the choice of wearing white or black officiating shorts. The entire crew shall be

dressed alike.

2. By state association adoption, foul weather, full length, lined black pants with a single 1-¼ inch white stripe down each leg

may be worn in place of the standard, all-white tapered knickers. The entire crew shall be dressed alike.

3. The Back Judge shall carry two different colored bean bags; one for marking the end of the kick and one for marking the spot

of first touching.

4. The Back Judge and Line Judge will bring an approved game ball from each team to the coin-toss if footballs are being run off

of both sidelines. (Not in Oregon.)

5. When marking the ball ready-for-play on scrimmage downs, the Referee’s normal starting position is moved to one that is

visible to the clock operator, approximately 10-yards deep and 5-yards wide of the huddle.

6. The Line Judge will temporarily move to the top of the numbers, (nine-yard marks) as the receiving team is lining up for a

free kick.

7. In a four-person crew, the Referee’s scrimmage kick position is adjusted to 3-5 yards outside the tight end and 2-3 yards

behind the kicker, on the Line Judge’s side of the field. (which may/may not be on the kicking leg side.)

8. In a five-person crew, the Referee’s scrimmage kick position is adjusted to 3-5 yards outside the tight end and 2-3 yards

behind the kicker, on the kicking-leg side.

9. If the football falls or blows off the tee just prior to a free kick, the Linesman or Back Judge will sound the whistle to prevent

action and move towards the kicker to give instructions.

10. When the ball becomes dead in a side zone, the Back Judge will assist with relaying the football from the wing official to

Umpire.

11. On scrimmage kicks, the Back Judge’s position is adjusted to 10-12 yards wider than and 2-3 yards behind the deepest

receiver on Linesman’s side of field. (In Oregon, the BJ will ALWAYS start on the wide side of the field.)

12. On field goal attempts or PAT’s by placekick, the Referee’s position is adjusted to 2-3 yards to the rear of and 3-5 yards to

the side of the kicker, facing holder and able to see holder receive the football.

Oregon High School Rule and Mechanics Modifications

Oregon HS Football games shall be played under NFHS rules with the following modifications and reminders:

Cleat Rule

NFHS Rule 1-5-1c5a (2010) is modified as follows: When illegal cleats are discovered, the Head Coach is charged with an

Unsportsmanlike Conduct penalty and the offending player is disqualified.

45 Point (Mercy) Rule

Each 6A, 5A, 4A, 3A, 2A and 1A classification shall report to the OSAA which option has been chosen to address football games in

which one team leads by 45 or more points at halftime or anytime thereafter. The selected option shall apply to all levels

(varsity, JV, sophomore or frosh.) The selected option shall remain constant from year to year until the classification notifies the

OSAA of a change.

• 6A – Alternative Plan

• All Other Classifications – Running Clock

Overtime

The NFHS recommended tiebreaker is utilized with the following modification

• The first two series of overtime shall begin 1st

and 10 on the 25-yard line.

• Third and/or subsequent overtime period(s) shall begin first and Goal at the ten-yard line. Note that in the third and/or

subsequent overtime period(s), the line-to-gain shall always be the goal line as per the NFHS recommended procedure.

• PSK IS NOT APPLICABLE IN OVERTIME


25 Second Clock

The BJ shall raise his/her hand with 5 seconds remaining in the 25-second count. There is no visible countdown of the last 5

seconds. In contests officiated with less than five officials, no visible signal is given.

Shoes

Black shoes with Black laces are REQUIRED. Shoes should be shined before each game. NFHS 2010-2011 Officials Manual page 8.

Bean Bags

Bean bags may be either white or blue as long as all crew members use the same color. The Back Judge (five person)/Line

Judge (four person) shall carry two different colored bean bags; one for marking the end of the kick and one for marking the

spot of first touching. NFHS 2010-2011 Officials Manual page 8.

Touchback Signal

The proper touchback signal is Signal 7. It is the dead ball signal, given by raising the arm overhead and moving it side to side.

NFHS 2010-2011 Officials Manual page 84.

Field Goal Attempt – Mechanics Option

Several teams have been observed using a field-goal attempt as a scrimmage kick when there is no capable punter. The ball may,

or may not, be kicked towards the goal post. Under Oregon-only mechanics, two officials are required to be under the goal post

when a team attempts a field goal from any distance. This mechanic reduces effective coverage on plays where the ball may go

out-of-bounds near the goal line or other play situations where the goal post is never threatened. Therefore, Oregon-only

mechanics are modified, as follows:

On field-goal attempts where the ball is snapped from on or outside the 40 yard line, only ONE official is REQUIRED (BJ or HL/LJ)

to be under the goal post. In critical game situations where a field-goal attempt may be a genuine scoring attempt, two officials

MAY position themselves under the goal post to insure maximum coverage of each upright.

Coin Toss

NFHS Rule 3-2-2 and NFHS 2010-2011 Officials Manual page 13 shall be modified as follows: Unless otherwise directed by game

management, the coin toss ceremony shall begin with the officials escorting the field captains (maximum of 4) to mid-field at 15

minutes prior to the scheduled kickoff. It is not necessary to clear the field of “other” team personnel as stated in Rule 3-2-2.

Coin Toss Ceremony Mechanics are as follows:

• R/LJ – Escort from sideline to midfield captains whose team box is opposite Line-to-Gain indicator sideline.

• U/BJ – Escort from sideline to midfield captains whose team box is on Line-to-Gain indicator sideline.

• HL – Meet with chain crew in 5-person crew. Assume responsibilities of BJ in 4-person crew.

• LJ/BJ – Stop at hash marks and continue to observe team members from your sideline not involved in coin toss.

Knee Pads

Exposed knees are becoming more and more commonplace in Oregon Football. The OSAA is working pro-actively with coaches,

athletic directors and officials to prevent and resolve these issues before they surface. By rule, each player shall wear mandatory

equipment prior to participating. A full description of mandatory equipment can be found in NFHS Rule 1-5. Coaches are

required to verify their players are properly equipped and in accordance with the rules at the pre-game meeting. While football

officials will observe players in their pre-game warm-ups and verbally notify the Head Coach of equipment violations, the onus

for insuring that players are properly equipped has always belonged to the coaching staff. The provisions of NFHS RULE 1-5 were

written with the safety of the players as an indisputable goal. Knowing and practicing the provisions of NFHS Rule 1-5 will help us

all achieve the OSAA’s goal of preventing and resolving any issues before they surface. Coaches should be advised the OSAA has

issued the following directive to Oregon football officials so they may properly interpret and enforce the NFHS rules as they are

written:

The Oregon Rule Interpretation shall be:

Prior to the initial Ready-for-Play to start the game

All officials shall observe players in their pre-game warm-ups. If an official observes any equipment violations, including but not

limited to an exposed knee, he shall verbally notify the Head Coach, and the player(s) shall not be allowed to participate in the

subsequent game until correction has been made. The Pre-Game is the only time verbal warnings shall be issued! HOWEVER,


officials are encouraged to use preventive officiating techniques and good communication skills to avoid unnecessary

penalties throughout the game.

After the initial Ready-for-Play to start the game

Dead Ball Violations

• If a player’s knees are not continuously covered when standing motionless, and this is the first occurrence of the game, the

player is in violation of Rule 3-6-2-d. (Failure to properly wear legal or required equipment when the ball is about to become

live, 5-yards – S7-21-23) The foul is charged to the offending player, the penalty is enforced from the succeeding spot, and

the player shall not be allowed to participate until correction has been made.

• Subsequent dead ball equipment violations shall be considered a violation of Rule 9-8-1h (Failure of a head coach, following

verification, to have his player(s) wear or use legal and/or required equipment, 15-yards – S27) The Unsportsmanlike

Conduct foul is charged to the Head Coach, the penalty is enforced from the succeeding spot, and the player shall not be

allowed to participate until correction has been made.

Live Ball Violations

If, during live ball action, a player’s knee continuously becomes exposed, the player is in violation of Rule 1-5-6. (Each player

shall wear the mandatory equipment while the ball is live, 5-yards - S27-23). The foul is charged to the offending player, the

penalty is enforced from the succeeding spot, and the player shall not be allowed to participate until correction has been made.

Referee

1. Pre Game Crew Conference A Pre-Game crew conference is mandatory at all levels of play. Decide who will move to

any position if an official is injured.

2. Meeting with Head Coaches If possible, the Referee and Umpire will meet with head coaches 45 minutes before kickoff.

Obtain captains, unusual formations and possible trick plays. Avoid conversations about “what the other team does.”

3. Coin Toss

a. Position your speaking captain nearest to you. It does not matter if you face the clock or not.

b. Show coin to the visiting captain and indicate which side is heads and tails. Announce the visiting captain’s

choice.

c. You may either catch the coin or let it hit the ground. If you catch the coin, DO NOT turn it over.

DEAD BALL

KNEES COVERED

NOT COVERED

NO ISSUE

1st

occurrence, 3-6-2d,

charged to the player /

Each subsequent

occurrence, 9-8-1h,

charged to the Head Coach.

1st

occurrence, 5 yards,

Each subsequent

occurrence, 15 yards,

Succeeding Spot

LIVE BALL

KNEES COVERED

NOT COVERED

NO ISSUE

All violations are Non-

contact fouls, 1-5-6, and are

charged to the player.

5 yards,

Succeeding Spot


d. If the winning captain defers his choice to the second half, step out and give the choice deferred (incomplete

pass) signal to the press box before getting the other captain’s choice.

e. Only signal which team will receive the opening kickoff.

f. Second Half. Referee and the Umpire are at midfield. Line Judge and Back Judge send the captains to midfield

and remain at the inbounds lines.

4. Free Kicks

a. The goal line is your responsibility. You MUST be on the goal line BEFORE it becomes involved with the play. If

you anticipate an onside kick, or a penalty has moved the ball a substantial distance, set up deep enough so

you do not have to retreat - avoid retreating at all costs.

b. You are primary, with help from the Umpire and Linesman, regarding action around the goal line pylon. Move

towards the pylon if threatened.

5. Ready for Play Signal

a. Before making the ball ready-for-play, make sure all officials are ready. Remember, on scrimmage kicks, the

Back Judge travels a long distance to retrieve his bean bag. Give your Linesman time to make sure the chain

crew is ready.

b. Do not go to the line of scrimmage to give the ready-for-play. Four or five yards back allows for a better view

of action close to the ball. Do not turn your back to the ball when going to your initial position. A crisp ready-

for-play signal shows confident leadership.

c. Allow all offensive players to return to their side of the ball before making the ball ready-for-play.

d. Be consistent. To ensure a consistent tempo, count a few seconds to yourself after the Umpire spots the ball.

Teams will adjust to your pace, you do not have to adjust to their’s.

e. Unless time is crucial, try not to mark the ball ready-for-play with 26 or 27 seconds left on the game clock. Let

it run down to below 25. You do not want a delay penalty with 1-2 seconds left. Common sense – preventive

officiating!

6. Coach Conferences

a. If a coach wants to talk with you at halftime or after the game, hold the conference off the field or in the locker

room, not on the sideline or field. Do not give the coach any opportunity to play to the crowd. Do not let a

coach rag on a younger, less experienced official. If necessary, tell the coach you will talk to the crew, but

bottom line, you are the spokesperson for and the leader of the crew.

b. If an official coach-referee conference is requested, take the wing official on that coaches’ side with you.

7. Penalty Enforcement

a. Take whatever time is necessary to get penalty enforcement right. Make sure you have all the necessary

information.

b. Do not consult the offended captain on obvious choices such as false start, dead ball fouls, delay of game,

etc. Make your options as simple as possible.

c. Turn captain towards his bench so he can see what his coach wants to do. Do not allow captain to make

incorrect choice if coach is communicating what he wants. On complicated choices, it is permissible to move

toward sideline and allow the coach to make the decision.

d. Do not give any preliminary signal when you are not going to consult a captain. Give the final signal while the

Umpire walks off the penalty yardage.

e. Final Signal. Clear yourself from the players only as far as necessary. Do not come all the way across the field.

Only signal to the press box side. Do not signal while moving.

8. Scrimmage Plays

a. Start 12-14 yards back about 4-5 yards outside the tight end (approximately at a 45 degree angle). Adjust your

position when game situations dictate a change. Start with your hands on your knees or stand straight up.

b. Count the offense and signal while they are in the huddle. Wing Officials appreciate seeing your count as early

as possible. Hold your signal until the offense reaches the line of scrimmage.


c. Get to the sideline and help your Wing Official with action out-of-bounds. Help escort players out of

opponent’s bench area..

d. You are the sole guardian and protector of the passer, kicker and holder. Do not release your eyes from these

players until they are out of jeopardy. DO NOT follow ball when released by passer – continue to focus on

passer until he is not threatened.

e. Help spot the ball when the Umpire has gone into the side zone and help relay the ball whenever needed.

f. Help on-rushing defenders by yelling “Pass is away!” or “It’s gone!”

g. You are responsible for action around the runner until he crosses the neutral zone.

9. Intentional Grounding

a. Referee’s call ONLY – in unusual circumstances Wing Officials may initiate conversation with Referee and

provide helpful information.

b. Ask for and be receptive to information from Wing Official when necessary. Throw the flag first and then pick it

up if information from Wing Official dictates. If you must throw a late flag, “soft toss” the flag to the spot of

the pass.

10. Illegal Forward Pass

a. Referee’s primary responsibility. Move to passer’s footsteps to judge whether beyond LOS. Be receptive to

input from Umpire. Throw the flag if you believe you have a penalty; pick up your flag if the play is judged to

be legal.

11. Scrimmage Kicks

a. Do not watch the ball as it travels from the snapper to the punter – it will get there! Focus on seeing the ball

into the punter’s hands to rule on muff vs. fumble.

b. Move with kicker as he moves forward to kick the ball. Stay focused on the kicker until all threat of harm has

passed. In a 5-person crew, you must line up on the kicking leg side, 3-5 yards outside the tight end and 2-3

yards deep.

c. Raise your hand to line up kick that has gone out-of-bounds on the fly. The covering official will move up the

sideline and stop when you drop your hand.

d. Alert the defenders when the kick is away --“ball’s away, ball’s away.”

e. Do not move too quickly downfield after the scrimmage kick. Stay focused on the kicker until all threat of harm

has passed.

f. On field-goal attempts or PAT’s by placekick, line up facing the holder so you can see the holder receive the

ball. Be ready to assist with sideline coverage if a run or pass develops to your side.

12. Team’s Last Time Out

a. Personally inform the head coach when he has used his last time-out.

b. Communicate with all crew members when a team is out of time-outs.

13. Measurements

a. If clock is stopped because the ball is close to the line-to-gain, you must either measure or award a first down.

b. If a series starts on the 20 yard line following a touchback, never measure at the 30-yard line. The ball is either

short of or in advance of the 30! Make sure your Wing Officials and Umpire understand this philosophy.

c. If a new series starts near the 10 yard line, spot the ball at the 10 ½ or at the 9 ½ yard line to avoid measuring

near the goal line.

14. Clock Adjustments

a. With 2 minutes or less in the 2nd

/4th

quarter, all elapsed time will be restored on the game clock. At all other

times, the game clock will not be adjusted unless 5 seconds or more have elapsed. This procedure should be

modified in “blow out” ball games.


Umpire

1. General

a. Umpires must have good rules knowledge. You may have to assist a less experienced Referee with a

complicated enforcement situation.

b. Keep the Referee informed at all times. Clock status following penalty enforcement is one example.

c. Control the line of scrimmage and keep peace in the trenches.

d. Do not allow the defense to interfere with the QB’s signal calling. Warn if possible.

e. You are the sole judge of player equipment. Know the equipment rules.

f. Use two elastic bands…one for keeping track of downs and the other to track ball position.

g. Bring a towel to use on the field if necessary. Do not expect the host school to provide one. If you cradle the

ball in your towel to keep it dry, spot it when the offense breaks their huddle.

2. Free Kicks

a. If free kick threatens the goal line pylon on your side, retreat to the goal line and assist the Referee with action

around the pylon.

b. If an onside free kick is anticipated, move to the 50-yard line. You have ball responsibility if the kick comes

your way. If the kick goes to the other side, watch for action away from the ball.

3. Scrimmage Plays

a. Stay over the ball until the Referee releases you – either at the ready-for-play, or when the offense breaks their

huddle. Either is OK, Referee’s choice.

b. Basic position is 5 to 7 yards behind the defensive line. Adjust to see what you need to see. Do not become

predictable; offensive players will key off you if you are always in the same place. While preferred you do not

always have to be diagonal to the referee.

c. Umpires shall not rule on forward progress during scrimmage downs. That is the Wing Official’s job! Use your

voice, not your whistle, to let players know when the play is over. Rarely do you need to blow your whistle.

d. Never give the touchdown signal. That is the Wing Official’s job as they have the best look at forward progress

and any penetration of the goal line. On fumbles at the goal line, get to the pile quickly and be the “digger.” If

you find the ball, communicate to the Referee whether the ball is or is not in the end zone.

4. Passing Plays

a. You must get to the line of scrimmage when you read “pass.” Be ready to assist the Referee when the passer

crosses the LOS. Avoid interfering with a receiver who is running a short pattern over the middle.

b. Spin on quick passes over the middle. If you have positive knowledge, rule on catch/no catch on low passes

across middle.

5. Running Plays

a. Do not watch the runner - watch action AROUND the runner! Move towards the play and cover the point of

attack. Runs into the side zone - stay on the defensive side of the ball and observe the play looking at action

around the runner.

b. Do not anchor yourself at or inside the hash marks. Go into the side zones to help retrieve or relay the ball.

Make your presence known to prevent extracurricular activity.

c. Unlike Wing Officials, the Umpire’s job is to officiate from the “inside out.” You have outside support from

both Wing Officials and the Referee.

d. You are responsible for spotting the ball after every play. Communicate with the Wing Officials so they do not

move until you have their spot. Before releasing the Wing Official turn and face him. Confirm, verbally or

through hand signals, that you have the spot. The best spot may be from the crossfield Wing Official.


6. Scrimmage Kicks

a. Deeper is better on scrimmage kicks. Start 7-10 yards off the line of scrimmage.

b. You must be in a position to rule whether a scrimmage kick was touched near the LOS.

c. After the ball is kicked, pivot to the side opposite the Referee before starting slowly downfield. The Referee

will go downfield opposite you.

7. Penalty Enforcement

a. Assist the Referee in locating captains for penalty options. Stand with the Referee as he explains the options.

Do not leave Referee until you are 100% certain of the enforcement.

b. Enforce spot fouls in the side zone from the flag, step off the appropriate yardage, then square up to the

inbounds line. Do not “eyeball” the spot from the hash mark and then move up or down the inbounds line.

Set the ball down at the new spot after confirming correctness with the Linesman, who will be walking off the

yardage with you.

Wing Officials

1. General

a. You direct and manage more non-player personnel than any other official. You must be an effective communicator

with sideline personnel.

b. If a team is using a no-huddle or hurry-up offense, do not allow ball persons on the field. Assist with ball exchange

if wet, muddy conditions warrant changing balls. The Line Judge is responsible for instructing ball persons in their

duties.

c. Determine which coach will be responsible for sideline control and who will receive penalty information.

d. After stopping, the clock when a time-out is requested from your team bench or by any player give a subtle signal

to the Referee as to which team called the time-out. The Referee will then give the “official” time-out signal.

e. During time-outs, you are responsible for monitoring conferences near your sideline. Help get players promptly

back onto the field.

2. Scrimmage Plays

a. Line up on sideline straddling the LOS even when the ball is on the opposite hash mark. It is easier to move in than

to retreat backward when the play comes towards you.

b. Use an extended foot to advise the widest offensive player of the line of scrimmage. Do not coach them about

where they need/want to be. If you cause a player to move and then penalize for a false start or an illegal

formation, it is your fault. Do everything you can to make the formation legal. Use common sense and

preventive officiating.

c. Give “punching” signal to indicate that your widest eligible receiver is off the line. Acknowledge your partner’s

“punching” signal by pointing at him.

d. Place the ball at your foot on all plays that end outside the numbers towards the sidelines. Leave the ball on the

ground until the Umpire spots a new ball at the hash mark.

e. If the ball carrier goes out of bounds into the opposing team’s bench area, mark the out-of-bounds spot with your

bean bag and follow the play into the bench area. Escort the runner back onto the field, especially through

opposing territory.

f. Give some latitude to receivers who may get inside the 9-yard marks and then move to a wide out position prior to

the Referee blowing the ready-for-play. As long as these players are covered “man up” by the defense, there is no

foul.

3. Running Plays

a. Do not watch the runner unless he is threatened or near the sideline. You are responsible for action around the

runner.


b. On runs towards you, stay on the line of scrimmage until the ball carrier crosses the line or step into the offensive

backfield and trail the play.

c. On runs away from you, do not come in too far, too fast and do not cross the near inbounds mark. Be alert for

reverses.

d. Use “crossfield mechanics” for help on forward progress after long gains. Your partner may have an uncluttered

look so look at him before deciding on a progress spot.

4. Passing Plays

a. Use “crossfield mechanics” on longer pass plays especially when a receiver is coming back towards you - look to the

opposite Wing Official for a crossfield spot. Conversely, be prepared to give a crossfield spot by coming out to the

numbers on your side.

b. When you read pass, do not be too quick to release downfield.

c. You must know if a quick pass was forward or backwards towards you. When in question, it is a forward pass.

d. Do not hurry touchdown signal on a completed pass in the corner of the end zone. Make eye contact with the

Back Judge before you both signal.

e. Assist Referee with intentional grounding if he asks for help or you have information to share. Any flag for

intentional grounding is the Referee’s decision.

f. Look off-ball for action by a second or third defender on passes over the middle where the Back Judge has primary

coverage. Be alert for action against a defenseless receiver.

5. Scrimmage Kicks

a. Do not always expect the Referee to help line up a scrimmage kick that has gone out-of-bounds in the air. If the

Referee has a hand up, that means he can help. You may have to create a spot, but once you choose a spot, sell it!

b. If you are looking at the front of the holder, your position is behind the upright opposite the Back Judge. Both you

and the Back Judge signal score or no score.

c. If you are looking at the back of the holder, your position is on the line of scrimmage.

d. Signaling on kick try or FG – If you rule successful or unsuccessful, immediately signal while moving forward. Do not

look at your partner before signaling. If you do not rule on the kick, simply mirror your partner’s signal.

6. Goal Line

a. When the ball is snapped inside the 15-yard line, begin side-stepping towards the goal line.

b. When the ball is snapped on or inside the 5-yard line, you must move immediately to the goal line pylon. If the play

moves toward you back up as wide as needed.

c. When the ball breaks the goal line plane in player possession, make eye contact with the opposite Wing Official

before signaling the touchdown. There is no reason to rush this signal.

d. On close plays in the middle of the field do not stay on sideline - move rapidly in toward ball as you signal (either TD

or pointing down at the DB spot) so that everyone knows what you have. Sell your call!

e. If not sure, move in slowly in the field of play. If you come in on the goal line or in the end zone, everyone will

think the ball has crossed the goal line.

f. You also have reverse goal line responsibilities. If the ball is snapped from the goal line to the 5-yard line going out,

your first move will back be to the goal line. Your key will be a running back positioned in the end zone. Officiate

the ball as it is advanced into the field of play, but be ready to rule on a possible safety.

Linesman

1. Chain Management.

a. If members of the chain crew are unable/unwilling to perform their duties, inform Referee and home team coach/AD.

b. Tape chain at the 5-yard interval.


c. Carry a plastic zip tie to repair chain breaks.

d. Clip the chain along the sideline before moving the chain off the sideline. Do not “eyeball” the intersecting yard

line from two yards off the sideline.

e. Provide two clips for the clip man.

f. End of Period: To insure that the chains are reversed, stand with your back to the field of play when first grasping

the clip. When placing the clip at the new spot, stand facing the field.

g. Measurement: If the chain is incorrectly clipped, reset the clip correctly before any measurement.

2. If a kickoff threatens goal line pylon on your side, retreat to the goal line and assist Referee with action around the pylon.

3. If an onside free kick is anticipated, move up to the 50-yard line. You have ball responsibility if it comes your way. If kick

goes to the other side, watch action away from the ball.

4. Stay on LOS until kick crosses. You must know if a scrimmage kick has crossed the neutral zone.

5. Walk off penalty yardage with the Umpire. Make eye contact with the Umpire before he spots the ball at the succeeding

spot.

6. If a period ends on 2nd

, 3rd

or 4th down, meet Referee and Umpire and record down, distance and clip position.

Line Judge

1. Assist receiving team with their free kick line. Do not go out to the center of the field – the hash mark is far enough.

2. If onside free kick is anticipated, move up to Kicker’s free kick line. Rule on encroachment by Kickers on your side of the

ball.

3. Count receivers and verify with the BJ

4. You have the best look at the forward stake. Stop the clock when a first down is made. Give an inconspicuous signal to the

Referee. In “blowout” ball games, the Referee may want to stop the clock himself.

5. Signal “double stakes” if yardage to the line-to-gain exceeds 10 yards.

6. Release downfield on scrimmage kicks when the ball is kicked.

7. On short scrimmage kicks, watch action involving short receiver(s) until the Back Judge can release from the deep

receiver(s).

8. Hold the enforcement spot while the Umpire and Linesman are walking off penalty yardage. Check correctness of the

succeeding spot.

9. The Referee will be looking in your direction when giving penalty signals. Give him a signal regarding clock status before he

moves back into position.

10. Between the 1st

/ 2nd

and 3rd

/ 4th

quarters, confirm the correct ball position with the Umpire before he spots the ball.

11. The Linesman will place the chain clip on your foot for measurements. Step on the chain to prevent any movement when

the Umpire stretches the chain.

Back Judge

1. Clock Management

a. Carry a watch that times both the 25-second count and game time. You must know the clock status and time

remaining in the game on every play.

b. You are responsible for the 25-second count. Make eye contact with Referee. Raise hand with 5 seconds left in the

25-second count. If you choose to give a team 26-27 seconds, remember, once your hand goes up, you are locked

into the last 5 seconds.

c. When the 25 second clock hits 0:00, look at the ball before throwing flag. If the snap is in process, do not call

delay of game.


d. Do not come in to report a delay penalty to the Referee. Just give “delay” signal from your downfield position.

e. With less than 3 minutes remaining in the 2nd

and 4th

quarters, write down the game time when the ball was made

ready-for-play. Doing so could be a crew saver!

f. Hold a pre-game conference with the clock operator even if he/she is in the press box.

g. Instruct clock operator to shut off the automatic horn to avoid it going off during the last play of any quarter.

2. Free Kicks

a. Go to the center of the field, hand ball to the kicker and instruct kicker to wait for Referee’s signal. If the kicker is

not ready, place the ball on the ground, count kicking team players and move to the sideline.

b. After every score, go up the sideline of the scoring team. That way you can obtain the ball that will be kicked.

c. If an onside free kick is anticipated, you are responsible for encroachment by any K player on your side of the ball.

d. The Back Judge is the center fielder. Do not allow any player to get behind you!

e. Administer any penalties enforced on free kicks. Give final signal to press box.

3. Scrimmage Plays

a. Start 22-25 deep depending on player/game situations - deeper on obvious passing downs. Your first move should

be backwards.

b. Start on end line when ball is snapped on or inside the 20-yard line. Communicate to both Wing Officials when

you release to the end line. Do not give up the end line if there is any chance it will be threatened.

c. Do not “creep” towards the line of scrimmage if you feel uninvolved in a conservative running game. About that

time, a pass will be thrown over the middle – 15 yards behind you.

d. Do not start a play outside the hash marks. Rotate to the middle of the field so that you are always looking inside

out.

e. Count the defense and verify with the Line Judge.

f. Be active moving toward sideline and assist Wing Officials with dead ball officiating, especially in the team box area.

g. Help relay and exchange game balls, but make sure all dead ball action is complete. Do not miss extracurricular

activity because you are relaying a ball.

h. When a pass or scrimmage kick is in the air, move towards the ball. Do not watch the flight of the ball. The ball

will get to a spot on the field. Keep your focus on action involving the receiver and defender. Look off-ball for

action by a second or third defender on passes in the side zones where the wing officials have primary coverage. Be

alert for action against a defenseless receiver. Remember that pass interference and kick catch interference

generally occurs from the “waist up.”

i. Carry two bean bags…..one to mark the end of the scrimmage kick and the other for possible first touching or

fumbles on the runback. The bean bags shall be of different colors.

j. If a new ball is to be spotted at the inbounds mark, cover the old ball until the new ball is in place.

k. On long plays, do not come back to the end of the run to mark forward progress. The Wing Officials will come

down and spot the ball. Stay deep and wide to watch dead ball action.

l. Never concentrate on the ball carrier. You rarely have forward progress so officiate the action around the ball

carrier!

m. You are the designated crew-saver. Always watch for late hits and illegal conduct well away from the ball,

especially dead-ball situations.

4. Scrimmage Kicks

a. Observe the punter during warm ups to see how far he kicks the ball.

b. Your starting position is 7-9 yards lateral and a couple of yards deep from the receiver ALWAYS on the wide side

of the field.

c. When ball is kicked, move with the receiver and put yourself in position to rule on catch vs. muff.

d. Once the receiver catches the kick, move your attention away and to other players. Do not watch ball carrier!


e. Start on the goal line for scrimmage kicks snapped from the 40-yard line in. Do not move off the goal line unless

you’re positive it will not be threatened.

f. When kick goes out of bounds, rule on dead ball spot from your inside position moving slowly towards sideline but

do not go farther than hash marks. Observing field action is more important than obtaining a precise dead ball

spot.

g. If a scrimmage kick comes to rest or is downed inside the 1-yard line, place the ball at the 1-yard line. Common

sense and preventive officiating dictate no new series should start from the 6-inch line!

5. Field Goals and Kick Trys

a. You are behind the end line aligned with an upright on either the Linesman’s or the Line Judge’s side of the field. If

you rule successful or unsuccessful, immediately signal while moving forward. Do not look at partner before

signaling. If you do not rule on the kick, simply mirror your partner’s signal.

b. Blow your whistle when a successful kick goes over the crossbar or an unsuccessful kick breaks the goal line plane.

c. You have sole responsibility for the end line if there is a fake kick or a broken play.

6. General

a. Assume a position near defensive team’s huddle during time-outs. Assist with breaking up any coach/team

conference at the appropriate time.

b. Cover the spot of the foul or the dead ball spot while the calling official is reporting a foul to the Referee.

c. Help keep players away from conferring officials.

d. Communicate clock status to the Umpire and Referee.

e. When tending the ball for a measurement, position yourself outside of the forward stake with your rear end

towards the goal line to which the offense is advancing. Never let go of the ball until the measurement is totally

finished.

All Officials

1. Whistle/Signal Mechanics

a. Officiate with the whistle out of your mouth. While not recommended, Wing Officials may have whistle in prior to

the snap but should drop the whistle at the snap. If you have an inadvertent whistle, do not attempt to conceal it.

Someone will have heard it, and you will loose respect and credibility if you deny blowing one.

b. Do not mirror whistles. Only the covering official should blow whistle. Getting the attention of another official is

the only exception. Use your voice, not your whistle, to prevent or break up extracurricular activity.

c. Blow whistle several times if you have a foul to get Referee’s attention.

d. Do not mirror touchdown signals. Only the covering official should signal. Other officials should look at action

away from the ball carrier.

e. Only the covering official should signal incomplete pass. Other officials should signal time-out, and look at the clock

to make sure it has been stopped. Do not signal “time-out” after giving the “incomplete pass” signal.

f. Give the “wind the clock” signal 2-3 times when runner is down within 2 yards of the sideline, followed by the time-

out signal if a 1st

down.

2. Dead Ball Officiating

a. Be a good Dead Ball Official. Maintain your focus and concentration until all action has ceased. Use the

“accordion” principle to come into the numbers and in from center field (Back Judge) and then back out to your

normal starting position. When moving out, do not turn your back on the field of play. If you do, you will miss

something!

b. Keep your head up when coming in to a spot and watch action around that spot. If you miss a spot by 6 inches or

even a foot, it’s not that big a deal, especially if you observe (and flag) a late hit or an unsportsmanlike act.

c. Keep your head up when covering an out of bounds spot. Move down sideline, stop and pivot towards out of

bounds and observe all action.


3. Do not throw the ball to a Wing Official or place the ball on the Wing Official’s foot when a measurement is possible. Hand

the ball to the Wing Official who will place the ball at the dead ball spot.

4. Do not let a ball person place a football on the ground near the goal post during a PAT/FG. Obtain a new ball after the play

is completed.

5. Always change your down indicator at the same time - when the Referee declares the ball ready-for-play. Then it becomes a

habit and you will never loose a down!

6. Wing Officials drop a flag on the first sideline warning. Although no penalty yardage is assessed, throwing the flag indicates

you are serious about maintaining sideline control.

7. Keep a diary of your officiating experiences, things that you do well and areas that you need to work on. Refer to your diary

before each ball game and update it on a regular basis.

OFFICIATING PHILOSOPHIES/ GUIDELINES/INTERPRETATIONS

Philosophy of Legal and Illegal Blocking Techniques

Holding - Everybody grabs, but when does grabbing become holding?

1. All takedowns or plays where a defensive player has his feet taken out from under him should be flagged regardless of

the position of the player on the field or whether or not the action occurs at the point of attack.

2. If a blocker’s hand(s) initially, or at any subsequent time during the block, contacts an opponent outside the opponent’s

frame, the blocker must immediately work to bring his hand(s) on or inside the frame of his opponent.

3. During a block, as the play develops, a blocker is permitted to work for and maintain a position on an opponent.

4. The hand(s) cannot be thrust forward above the opponent’s frame to contact an opponent on the neck or face area.

5. If there is an act of offensive holding and the opponent being blocked is in the process of tackling the runner, the

blocking act remains illegal and should be flagged. If another defensive player is away from the spot of the illegal act is

tackling the runner, the flag should not be thrown, as the holding has not had an effect on the play.

6. If there is an act of offensive holding, but the action occurs after a pass has been thrown, then a flag should not be

thrown, as the holding had no effect on the play.

7. If there is an act of offensive holding, but the action occurs away from the point of attack and has no effect on the play,

then a flag should not be thrown.

8. If there appears to be offensive holding as a part of a double team block, no flag should be thrown unless the defender

is pulled to the ground by one of the blockers or clearly separates himself from one of the blockers and the other

blocker commits an illegal act.

Illegal Blocks in the Back

1. The angle of attack by the blocker must be from the rear, not from the side. The greater the angle of attack, the more

suspect the block.

2. When blocked in the back, a player will fall or move in the same direction as his initial momentum. When blocked from

the side, the player’s directions changes.

3. For side blocks, with only one hand on the back, look for which hand guides the player. If the player being blocked

moves sideways, the block is legal. If he moves forward, the block may be illegal.

Offensive Holding

Defensive players are strong and quick with an arsenal of moves such as “swim techniques” to avoid an offensive blocker so they

can pursue the ball carrier or quarterback. As such, an Umpire or other covering official must exercise good judgment to

determine what acts of holding should be called and what acts of holding should not be called.

1. Did the hold occur at the point of attack? What effect does the hold have on the play?


If the ball carrier sweeps to the right with pulling guards, a hold by the left tackle should not be called because it has no effect on

the play. In addition, a hold should not be called if the runner has passed the point where the hold occurred because, once

again, the hold has no effect on the play. Warn the player so he knows the official saw the hold.

2. Did the hold significantly restrict the movement that the defender was trying to make?

The hold must restrict the defender’s ability to participate in the play. The hold must turn him; take his feet; and/or change the

direction of his path at the point of attack. Players “dancing” with one another when no advantage has been gained are not

guilty of holding. If an offensive blocker’s hands are inside the frame of the defender’s body, and he has not turned the defender

or changed the direction of the defender’s path of travel, then the hold should not be called even if that offensive lineman has

grasped the defender’s shirt. Additionally, if the offensive player’s hands grasp the shirt of his opponent outside the frame of the

defender’s body, and the defender has not turned or spun, or his path to the ball carrier has not changed, then a hold should not

be called. The official must judge whether the defender was still able to get up the field to the quarterback or ball carrier, or

whether the defender can still participate in the play. If so, a hold should not be called.

On the other hand, if an offensive lineman takes out the feet of a defensive player by tackling him, pulling or taking him to the

ground, then a holding penalty should be called.

In short, if the hold is at the point of attack and significantly restricts the defender’s ability to move and participate in the play, by

taking his feet or turning him from his intended path to the ball, then a hold should be called. But, make the hold big!

An Umpire can make his job easier by talking early and often to the offensive and defensive players about holding. Sharing

information with both lines lets the players know what to expect and what will and will not be called. In that way, much of the

holding, and virtually most of the resultant complaining can be avoided.

Roughing the Passer (RPS)

Protecting the passer is one of the Referee’s main jobs. If there is any question whether the action on the passer is a foul, lean to

the side of protection and call roughing the passer (RPS). Remember, the passer may not always be the QB.

GUIDELINES

1. RPS rules only apply on legal forward passes, thrown from in or behind the neutral zone. (Rule 9-4-4) If the passer is hit

late after he releases the ball when he is beyond the line of scrimmage, it may be a personal foul.

2. The defense may only take one-step and then hit the passer after he has released the ball. However, if after the ball has

clearly been thrown, the defender is within one-step and puts his hands on the passer, and flexes his arms, pushing the

passer to the ground, then RPS should be called.

3. Do not allow a defender to commit punishing acts such as “stuffing” a passer into the ground or unnecessarily wrestling

or driving him down after he has thrown the ball.

4. When a defender goes high near the passer’s head to punish him, RPS should be called especially if he launches. The

only acceptable contact with a passer is a normal tackling motion.

5. RPS should be called if the defense contacts the head, face, or neck area of the passer with the helmet, hand or arm

after the ball has been released. If the passer is sacked and an arm is around his head, it is not a foul unless it was a

personal foul.

6. A defensive player may not hit the passer with his mask in the passer’s head or mask, nor may he drive the crown of his

helmet into any part of the passer’s body. If the passer ducks as he sees the defender coming and is hit in the head it is

RPS. The defender is responsible to avoid the head of the passer.

7. If the passer tucks the ball away and runs, he can be hit legally like any other runner.

8. There is no foul for RPS if a defender is blocked by an offensive player with such force that he cannot avoid contacting

the passer. This does not relieve the defensive player of responsibility for personal fouls.

Kick Catch Interference (KCI)

While a free kick is in flight in or beyond the neutral zone or a scrimmage kick is in flight beyond the neutral zone, no player of

the kicking team may touch the ball or a receiver, unless blocked into the ball or into the receiver, or remain in the path between

a receiver and the place where the ball is coming down.


It is not a foul if the kickers catch, bat, muff or touch a scrimmage kick in flight beyond the neutral zone, if no receiver is in

position to catch the ball.

GUIDELINES

1. The kicking team is responsible to know the location of the kicked ball. If a receiver has to run around a kicking team

player while moving toward the ball and attempting to catch it, it is KCI even if there is no contact. The receiver has a

right to an unimpeded path to the ball and an unhindered opportunity to catch the kick.

2. It is KCI if the kicking team contacts the receiver before or simultaneous with his first touching of the ball.

3. A kick receiver is defenseless and most vulnerable when (1) his attention is on the downward flight of the ball or (2) he

has just touched the ball.

4. KCI can also include a kicking team member standing close to a receiver, running in front of him, waving his arms at him,

or yelling, shouting, or screaming at him. This means you do not have to have contact to have a foul.

5. A receiver need not give a fair catch signal to gain this protection.

6. When in question, call the foul for kick catch interference.

Illegal Contact with a Scrimmage Kicker / Holder

GUIDELINES

1. Running into the kicker / holder is when the kicker / holder is displaced from his position but not roughed.

2. The signal for roughing the kicker/holder is the personal foul signal plus the roughing signal.

3. Officials need to differentiate between contact on the kicker’s plant leg vs. the kicking leg. Since there is a higher

probability of injury on the plant leg than on the free leg, contact on the plant leg is probably roughing.

4. A punter is not fair game because the snapper failed to execute a good snap.

5. Protection begins when the player becomes a kicker. A player becomes a kicker when his knee, lower leg or foot makes

contact with the ball.

6. If a kick is reasonably certain or obvious, the defense must make an effort to avoid contact.

7. If the contact is caused by a Team K block, there is no foul.

8. In most cases, there is no foul if contact is by the defense and that player blocks the ball.

9. It is still a foul if one player blocks the ball and another player roughs or runs into the kicker / holder.

10. A kicker looses protection as a kicker when he has had a reasonable time to regain his balance.

11. Call running into the kicker, not roughing, when the kicker comes down on top of a grounded defensive player who slid

underneath him. However, if the kicker comes to the ground and then falls over a grounded defender, there is no foul.

12. When in doubt, the foul is for roughing. Use the severity of the contact as your guideline.

Pass Interference

The following language is intended to assist in classifying and clarifying generally accepted guidelines for pass interference.

1. Contact by a defender who is not playing the ball and such contact restricts the receiver’s opportunity to make the

catch. A player must be looking for the ball prior to any contact. Failure to turn to look for the ball is a clear indication

of playing the opponent and not the ball.

2. Playing through an eligible receiver who has established his position in an attempt to make a play on the ball.

3. Grabbing a receiver’s arm(s) in such a manner that restricts his opportunity to catch a pass.

4. Extending an arm across the body of a receiver hindering his path, thus restricting his ability to catch a pass, regardless

of the fact of whether or not the defender is playing the ball. Often called the “arm bar.”

5. Cutting off the path of the receiver either by being in front of him and by slowing down or by being side by side with a

receiver and “riding” him off his path to the ball.


6. Hooking a receiver in an attempt to get the ball in such a manner that it causes the receiver’s body to turn prior to the

ball arriving.

7. Shoving or pushing off, creating separation.

8. Blocking downfield before a pass that crosses the LOS has been touched. This act applies exclusively to an offensive

player and can take the form of an illegal “pick” or a straight-ahead block by which the offensive player makes contact

or pushes off in order to run his pass route.

Acts that generally WOULD NOT be considered pass interference include:

1. Inadvertent tangling of feet when both players are playing the ball or neither player is playing the ball.

2. Incidental contact by any player while in position to get to the ball in an equal position with his opponent. Example:

the “jump ball” situation.

Using the Bean Bag

Situations in Which You Would Use the Bean Bag

1. Marking the spot where a ball carrier went out of bounds.

2. Marking the spot the ball carrier lost possession of the ball on a fumble.

3. Marking the spot where a kick returner or defensive back gained control of the ball and his momentum carries him into

his own end zone.

4. Marking the spot where possession of a scrimmage kick is gained by the receiving team on a kick that has crossed the

expanded neutral zone.

5. Marking the forward progress of a ball carrier when he has been pushed back and there is continuing action on him.

Wing Officials should use crossfield mechanics in this situation.

How to Use the Bean Bag

1. Since the bean bag is always used to mark a precise spot, it should be carried to that spot and dropped, or at least

dropped on that yard line extended if you are not near the exact spot.

2. Keep the bean bag in your belt on the opposite side of your flag.

3. Do not mark the spot of a change of possession.

4. Referees may find it helpful to mark forward progress of a passer who is being sacked. The progress spot is where the

defensive player first contacts the passer. Wing Officials are generally downfield and cannot help with forward progress

behind the LOS. The Referee must keep his attention on action on the passer. Dropping the bean bag and then moving

to cover that action is an easy process.

5. It is not a good idea to drop the bean bag on the out-of-bounds spot and then leave to retrieve the ball. Hold the spot,

drop the bean bag and continue to officiate any dead ball action. If you have to retrieve the ball, make sure all action

has ceased.

Protection of Defenseless Players

Due to the combative nature of the game, players are usually alert and aware of legal contacts by opponents. Therefore, injuries

are minimized.

However, certain aspects of the play require a higher level of concentration. The resulting vulnerability places players involved in

these aspects in an unprotected (defenseless) status.

The following are situations in which defenseless players are susceptible to serious injury.

• The quarterback moving down the line of scrimmage who has handed or pitched the ball to a teammate, and then

makes no attempt to participate in the play.

• The kicker who is in the act of kicking the ball, or who has not had a reasonable length of time to regain his balance

following the kick.


• The passer who is in the act of passing the ball, or who has not had a reasonable length of time to participate in the play

after releasing the ball.

• The pass receiver whose concentration is on the ball.

• The pass receiver who has clearly relaxed when his position on the field is away from the direction of the pass.

• The kick receiver whose attention is on the downward flight of the ball.

• The kick receiver who has just touched the ball.

• The player who has relaxed once the ball has become dead.

• The player who is obviously out of the play.

Boxing In - The “Mobile Box”

From the earliest days of officiating, football officials have been taught to “box in” the play. That was a difficult task with two or

three officials and was made easier when schools opted to use four officials. Now that officiating has graduated to five officials,

the task might seem even easier, but that is not the case.

Many officials believe (or have been taught) that more officials mean less movement, but that is not necessarily true. It will

always be important to keep plays boxed in. The idea of boxing is quite evident before the snap in pre-play positioning. Once

the play begins, adjustments start to happen. The “mobile box” for officials should move down the field as the players and the

ball move down the field. The “mobile box” may also have to move laterally when the action goes into the side zones.

Here are some examples of game action. Imagine how the “mobile box” may need to move on:

• Running plays (short and long gainers up the middle, into the side zones)

• Passing plays (short, deep, down the middle, to the sidelines)

• Turnovers (interceptions, fumble returns, blocked kicks)

• Free kicks, scrimmage kicks and their returns

• Goal line plays

The “mobile box” will have officials who are responsible for observing the action around the point of attack. Other officials will

be responsible for observing off-ball action, “cleaning up” in front of, to the side of and behind the play.

Officials need to be close enough to accurately see the action, but wide enough to have an adequate field of vision without

having to turn their head.

Dead Ball Officiating

Most of a football game occurs during the interval between downs. Therefore, to be a great official, you have to be a great Dead

Ball Official.

1. Three things ruin a football game…..fights, excessive penalties and injuries.

2. Do whatever it takes to prevent problems from occurring. Preventative officiating is the key to being a great Dead Ball

Official (hustle, presence, voice, whistle).

3. Your primary responsibility is player safety. Personal fouls cause injuries and provoke other problems. All personal

(player safety) fouls must be enforced (zero tolerance).

4. Do not tolerate taunting, baiting and unsportsmanlike acts. Unsportsmanlike acts lead to more problems during the

game (zero tolerance).

5. Set standards early and be consistent. Active prevention starts with the first play of the game.

6. Be firm, but fair. Warn, but do not threaten.

7. No pain = no gain = no foul. Remember the advantage / disadvantage principle.

8. Maintain your poise at all times, even when those around you are losing their composure.

9. Get into a flow and maintain a consistent tempo. Follow a routine. Help move the game along.


10. Continue to officiate after you have thrown your flag.

11. Keep your eyes on the players. Do not look down at your progress spot (feet.) Keep your head up. Continue to observe

action around the ball carrier.

12. Work as a unit. Dead ball officiating is a team effort. Box-in players. Do not let players get behind you (accordion

effect.) Communicate and cooperate with each other.

13. Clean up the out-of-bounds. Get there quickly (usually straight down the sideline and then out of bounds.) If you are

covering a dead ball spot, drop your bean bag at the spot and move into the bench area or stay at the spot, look out of

bounds and follow the action. Avoid being obstructed by folks in the team bench area. Bring opponents out of the

team area, visually and / or physically.

14. Play wide, pinch in as necessary, but do not lose your field of vision. Hustle, but do not hurry. Make your presence

known when needed. Follow your keys (do not ball hawk), and see the big picture (soft eyes.) Officiate on-ball and off-

ball fringe areas (hot spots) and behind the play as dictated by your keys and how the play develops.

15. Continue to officiate until players separate and the potential for problems no longer exists.

16. Do not be in a hurry to get to the ball.

17. Sense trouble and take the necessary steps to prevent it. Be proactive. Expect the unexpected. Anticipate problems

before they happen.

18. Maintain your concentration throughout the entire game. Do not let up! Focus totally on the game and your tasks.

Remember, fatigue effects your concentration, effort and judgment.

19. When all else fails, step back and take numbers.

20. Take pride in being a great Dead Ball Official.

Forty Helpful Hints

A QUICK REFERENCE

1. Be in the right position. Follow the manual, but be prepared to adapt for weather conditions, game dynamics, etc.

2. Body language says more than you think.

3. An official moving hesitantly towards a spot is a sign that they are unsure of the call and need or are looking for help.

4. The angle is sometimes more important than your closeness to the play. At times, it is better to move laterally instead

of towards the play.

5. Keep your head up and your eyes on the players. Do not look down at the forward progress spot.

6. Good Dead Ball Officials follow the accordion principle. Pinch in-back out.

7. If you are in the right position, coaches will be less inclined to challenge your judgment.

8. Call every foul that affects the result of the play, player safety, or the discipline of the game.

9. Use preventive officiating when talking to players and coaches regarding their conduct. Do something about every foul

even if you do not throw the flag.

10. Throw as few flags as possible to maintain game control. Officials are not ranked or rated on the number of fouls they

call.

11. You get into more trouble for the calls you make than for the ones you do not.

12. Do not look for fouls. Let them jump out at you.

13. Adjust your style of calling fouls to the style of play. The game will dictate what needs to be called and what can be

overlooked.

14. A good official will always acknowledge complaints from players or coaches.

15. Be a good listener. Talking too much can get you into trouble. Silence cannot be misquoted.

16. Handle adverse situations in a professional manner. Do not add fuel to the fire.

17. Do not get into arguments. Maintain your own poise. Radiate confidence.

18. Try not to be, or give the appearance of being antagonistic, militaristic, or over-bearing to players or coaches.


19. Never throw your flag at a player. Throwing the flag should not be confrontational nor convey your emotions.

20. Reaching for your flag in your belt is less innocuous than reaching into your back pocket for your flag.

21. Tuck your flags in. Do not give the impression of being a “gunslinger” or looking for trouble.

22. Do not throw a courtesy flag. Too many flags usually mean someone is looking in the wrong place.

23. Continue to officiate after throwing the flag.

24. Pick up your flag if you realize the foul was not there.

25. If you think you were wrong or mistaken or may have made a bad call, do not go into the tank. Put that call behind you

and get ready to make the next call.

26. All officials should check on down and distance on every play. Do not miss a down.

27. If the number of the down is in doubt, call an official’s time-out, consult and get it right.

28. Be alert to clock status and player actions that involve timing.

29. Remember the four “W’s” in reporting fouls (who, what, where, when).

30. All officials should review penalty enforcement in their own minds as a check on the Referee’s enforcement of a

penalty. Get it right before the next snap.

31. Wing Officials communicate fouls to coaches.

32. If you look like an official, you will perform like one.

33. Correct obvious errors.

34. Call what you see but see what you call.

35. Let the mind digest what the eye has seen.

36. Never stand still during an entire down. People will think you are lazy.

37. It is more important to get it right than to look good.

38. Do not dilly-dally. If you are going to get it wrong, it is better to get it wrong quickly than it is to get it wrong slowly.

39. False pride has no place in officiating.

40. You are only as good as your next call.


Oregon Schools Activities Association - OSAA

The Oregon Schools Activities Association (OSAA) is the governing body of high school athletics in Oregon. It is an association of

over 285 high schools throughout the state. Its organizational structure consists of the Delegate Assembly and the Executive

Board (which includes a non-voting representative from OAOA). All rules, regulations, policies and matters relating to officiating

are established by the OSAA. The OSAA is responsible for:

1. Certifying officials and chartering local associations.

2. Establishing officiating fees (game fees, commissioners fees, check writing fees, etc.)

3. Providing rule books and annual written examinations.

4. Providing accident and liability insurance through the NFHS.

5. Assigning associations to provide post-season officials.

6. The Athletic Officials Handbook (AOH).

7. All other matters pertaining to officiating.

National Federation of High Schools – NFHS

The National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) is an association of state associations such as the OSAA. In addition to working

with state associations relative to participation, eligibility, athletic director/coaching issues and problems, it publishes playing

rules and mechanics in multiple sports, addresses officiating issues at the national level and provides insurance for officials

throughout the country. OSAA’s membership in the NFHS allows Oregon officiating leaders have the opportunity to serve on

various NFHS committees.

Oregon Athletic Officials Association

The Oregon Athletic Officials Association (OAOA) is an association of all high school officials and associations whose mission is to

promote and advance officiating in Oregon. Its primary functions consist of:

1. Developing and coordinating statewide training state to advance:

“One Rule, One Mechanic, One Interpretation”

2. Managing the Officials Certification and Education Program (OCEP).

3. Representing officials and associations to the OSAA, Oregon Athletic Directors Association (OADA) and the Oregon

Athletic Coaches Association (OACA).

4. Providing opportunities for officials and association to be recognized for their achievements.

OAOA Governance

The OAOA is governed by an Executive Board consisting of seven elected Commissioners and seven Regional Representatives.

OAOA activities are managed by an Executive Director and Associate Executive Director selected by the Board. There are seven

OAOA Sport Committees consisting of representatives from each local association.

OAOA State Football Committee

The OAOA State Football Committee manages football officiating in Oregon. Each local football officiating association has a

representative on the Committee. Other committee members include the State Rules Interpreter for football, the OAOA

Executive Director, and the OSAA staff director in charge of football. The current committee chair is Ken Woods, Salem Football

Officials Commissioner. You can contact Ken at 503.871.0056 or at [email protected].

JACK FOLLIARD EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 503.975.4488 [email protected]

CLARK SANDERS ASSOC. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 503.682.6722 EXT 242 [email protected]


Officials Certification and Education Program (OCEP) Summary

The OSAA/OAOA Officials Certification and Education Program (OCEP) is designed to ensure that Oregon officials statewide are

trained in a consistent and standardized manner. There are two certifications: Playoff and Principles of Officiating. Playoff

certification is sport specific covering rules, interpretations and mechanics. Principles of Officiating will assist new officials in

more general concepts such as officiating philosophy, conflict management, officiating ethics and personal development.

Idaho and Washington associations who service Oregon schools are exempt from OCEP as they must comply with their

respective states' training and certification requirements.

OSAA Requirements

1. New officials shall complete, within their first three years of officiating, a course or clinic approved by the OAOA

Executive Board on basic Principles of Officiating. Officials certified by the OSAA during or prior to the 2005-06 school

year are exempt from the requirement. Transfer officials previously licensed or certified by a State High School

governing body are also exempt. Each local association conducts periodic certifying Principles of Officiating classes.

2. Beginning in school year 2009-10 officials selected to officiate any OSAA State Championship or Playoff event shall have

completed an OCEP Playoff Certification Clinic, or other substantially equivalent camp, clinic or certifying procedure

approved by the Executive Board of the OAOA in the applicable sport.

3. Soccer officials who obtain USSF Level 8 certification have met the OCEP Playoff eligibility requirement.

It’s important to note that officials have until 2009-10 to satisfy the OCEP Playoff certification requirement.

OCEP Playoff Certification Clinics

Several OCEP clinics have been conducted throughout the state in all sports. Visit www.oreofficials.org for a list of past and

future OCEP Playoff Certification clinics.

Substantially equivalent alternatives may include camps or other recognized officiating certification procedures meeting the

following criteria:

a. standardized instruction following NFHS rules/mechanics/interpretations.

b. generally available to all officials statewide.

c. verifiable completion/participation.

d. approval by the applicable OAOA State Sport Committee and the OAOA Executive Board.

OSAA Gold Card Available

Officials completing either the Principles or Playoff requirement can purchase an OSAA Gold Card allowing free admission to all

OSAA Championship events (not regular season) at the same price as offered to certified OSAA coaches – currently $15. Order

form available on OAOA website – www.oreofficials.org.


2010-11 OAOA BOARD ROSTER

Regional Representatives

Portland Metro Coastal

Tom Simshaw Mike Robison

503.490.4502 541.404.7845

[email protected] [email protected]

Salem/Mid Valley Emerald

Randall Goree Todd Wagner

503.947.1545 541.741.2417


Southern Central

Erick Watson Dave White

541.301.4599 541.610.2157


Eastern

TBA

Commissioner Representatives

Soccer – Janet Irigoyen Volleyball – Debi Hanson Football – Ken Woods

503.617.0205 503.702.2360 503.871.0056

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Basketball – Vern Loy Wrestling – Masa Miyake Baseball – John Whittemore

541.941.4045 971.570.3025 503.931.7282

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Softball – John Graham

541.776.3493

[email protected]


Additional Resources

Athletic Officials Handbook

The OSAA maintains the OSAA Athletic Officials Handbook (AOH) containing all the rules, regulations and policies relating to

officials and associations. The AOH is extremely important as it details the requirements regarding certification, training,

playoff eligibility, prohibited conduct, ejections and various administrative responsibilities.

The AOH is found at www.osaa.org/officials/. Below is the table of contents:

Rule 1 – Local Constitution

Rule 2 – Charter Requirements

Rule 3 – Annual Local Association Requirements

Rule 4 – Certification Requirements of Officials

Rule 5 – Prohibited and Unethical Conduct

Rule 6 – Procedures for Reporting Violations

Rule 7 – Commissioners

Rule 8 – State Championship Officiating Criteria

Rule 9 – Fees

Rule 10 – Reciprocation Formula

Rule 11 – Declining/Trading of Assignments

Rule 12 – Dual Membership

Rule 13 – Working Commissioners

Officials Fee Schedule

Supplemental Fees

OSAA State Championship Reimbursement Policy

Rules Books and Required Uniform

OSAA Patch

Health and Welfare

Reciprocity

Assignments

State Championship Contest Assignment Procedures

OSAA Executive Board Policies

Concussion Management

Ejection Policies – Coach Ejected; Contest Forfeited

Ejection Policies – Ejected Player or Coach

Ejection Policy – Fines

Ejection Policies – Multiple Ejections of Individual

Ejection Policies – Physical Contact with Official

Fall Practice Sports Model

Football – Artificial Limbs

Football – Cleats

Football – 45-Point Rule / Alternative Plan / Running Clock

Football – League Playoff Prohibition

Inclement Weather

Interrupted Contests

Lightning Safety Guidelines

Non-Discrimination Policy

Officials – Background Checks

Officials – Certified Requirement

Officials – Host School Responsibilities

Sportsmanship – Criticism of School Representatives or Officials

State Championships – Adopted Ball

State Championships – Baseball Tiebreaker

State Championships – Softball Tiebreaker

Taunting Policy

Tobacco Use By Coaches and Officials

OREGON SUPPLEMENTAL FOOTBALL MANUAL2010 NFHS Football Rule Change Highlights The NFHS made 11...

Documents

Transcript of OREGON SUPPLEMENTAL FOOTBALL MANUAL2010 NFHS Football Rule Change Highlights The NFHS made 11...