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Basic Principles and
Keys(Keys are based on a balanced formation)
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Referee
Basic Principles
Always work on
the throwing arm side of the QB in a position to
see the ball and all backs except flankers and
split ends. Count offensive players, confirming
count with umpire and defensive count with Back
Judge. Check all backs for illegal motion.
Assist with false starts
Ø
Referee
Keys
Quarterback
and left tackle, or right tackle if QB is left
handed
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Umpire
Basic Principles
Read the
offensive alignment and know the five
ineligibles. Count offensive players confirming
with referee. Rule on false starts and snap
infractions. Rule on defense using verbal signals
to confuse the offense Check for proper wear of
mouthpieces.
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Umpire Keys
Interior Lineman
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Linesman
and Line Judge Basic Principles
Count the players of the team whose
sideline you’re on. Read offensive formation and
know your eligible receivers. Watch for illegal
formations. Watch for encroachment and false
starts. Watch backs in motion going away from you
to insure motion is legal. Communicate
effectively with other officials concerning
formations. Immediately following snap observe
action by offensive tackle on your side.
Ø
Linesman
and Line Judge Keys
Eligible
receivers on your side. If more than one, the
widest receiver
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Back Judge
Basic Principles
Count the defense and give proper
signal to referee. Read your keys and know your
receivers. Watch for violations of the two yard
belt. Game timing is your responsibility (25
second clock, one minute time outs, one minute
intervals after score, etc).
Ø
Back Judge
Keys
In a balanced formation, strength
is always considered to be on the line judge’s
side. The back judge’s key is the strong-side
receiver on the line, in most cases the split end
on the line judge’s side. Your keys can change
with shift in offensive formation.
Scrimmage Play Basic Starting
Positions
Ø
Linesman
and Line Judge
The basic starting position shall
be on the line of scrimmage ON the sideline. If
the widest offensive player lines up on the hash
or closer to the sideline, then remain on the
sideline. If the widest offensive player lines up
inside the hash then you MAY (you don’t have to)
move on the field, but NEVER closer that 9 yards
(top of the numbers if the field is marked with
numbers). On short yardage and goal line plays,
you may move closer, but be prepared to retreat to
the sideline quickly in case of reverses, quick
passes, etc. Never retreat toward the goal line
of the offense. Always retreat to the sideline.
Never permit an offensive player to line up behind
you. Count players on field from team on your
sideline before snap.
Ø
Back Judge
The basic starting position is AT
LEAST 18 to 22 yards deep or deeper depending on
the deepest defensive back (at least 5 yards
deeper than the deepest defensive back).. Do not
allow a defensive back to line up behind you.
Favor the strong side of the field. Stay between
the hash marks before the snap. Count defensive
players before snap.
Ø
Umpire
Generally the basic starting
position is on the side opposite of the tight end
five to seven yards off the ball. This can vary
according to both offensive and defensive
formations, strength of the lines in relation to
the opponent, etc. Avoid interference with
linebackers/defensive backs and adjust position
according to the width of the offensive line
splits if necessary. In conjunction with referee,
count offensive players and check for compliance
of numbering for interior offensive lineman.
Take your basic position after spotting the ball.
When spotting the ball place the ball at the
forward progress spot, look at both the linesman
and line judge, insuring they have the correct
down, check the box, insuring they have the
correct down, and then go to your basic position.
By that time the referee should have given the
ready for play. Do not place the ball and go to
the basic position until you complete this
procedure. If the referee chooses to stand at
the ball when giving the RFP, spot the ball and go
to your position. Check with the wings and box at
that time. There should not be two officials at
the ball when the ready for play is given.
Ø
Referee
You may start at one of two
places. If you choose to start at the ball, face
the offense. Be aware of substitutions. If you
start from this position, release the umpire. Do
not have both of you standing by the ball. Give
the ready for play and hustle to your basic
position. You may wish to start from the basic
position which is on the THROWING ARM side of the
quarterback (not directly behind the huddle or
always on the wide side of the field) AT LEAST
as wide as the tight end and 10 to 12 yards
deep. You should be able to see the ball,
backs and the off side tackle.
Running Play Coverage
Ø
Linesman
and Line Judge
Your basic position should prevent
you from getting caught inside. If, however, you
get caught, retreat to the sideline and
DOWNFIELD. Never retreat toward the offensive
goal line. The referee is following the play and
is responsible for that area. Never turn your back
on a play coming toward you and keep your eyes on
the players in front of the runner. Once the
runner is released to you then follow the play as
you normally would. At the snap, observe your
keys. Pick up coverage of the runner when he comes
into your area. Cover the run by running parallel
to the sideline. When the run ends on the field
of play, hustle to the forward progress spot
remaining parallel to the sideline, square off and
hustle in for the spot. Place your downfield
foot on the spot (or the ball on the spot if the
situation calls for it). If runner goes out of
bounds, go to spot and place downfield foot on the
sideline at the forward progress spot. Face out
of bounds and watch for problems. If no problems
occur, and the opposing team’s players have
cleared the sideline, turn toward field keeping a
downfield foot on the spot. Hold spot until ball
is spotted. Always be aware of forward progress
if runner is thrown back. Always hustle. Always
square off and hustle in for spot if situation
dictates it. If the play goes away from you,
observe action behind the runner. If option,
assist with action on the pitch man after the
pitch. Always maintain a position in relation to
the runner’s progress even though he is not in
your area. Try to maintain a position in relation
to the runner between the umpire, who should be
following the play from the middle of the field,
and the back judge, who should be keeping
separation downfield on a running play. Be alert,
the runner may return to your area.
Ø
Back Judge
From your basic spot at the snap
watch your keys. When you determine it is a run,
bracket the runner between you and either the
linesman or line judge depending on the side zone
where the play is occurring. Keep the play
boxed in. Never allow the runner to get behind
you. If you start out 22 yards deep and recognize
that it is a running play, you should never get
beat to the goal line. Remember, you do not have
forward progress at any time during a running
play. There is no reason to get caught too close
to the play. When run ends, go to dead ball
area, especially out of bounds, and assist with
clean up and ball retrieval. On long runs, the
responsibility for the runner crossing the goal
line is shared by you and the wing. You should
get to the goal line in time to set up, facing the
side zone of the runner. When the runner crosses
the goal line, wait to give the signal for the
wing to get to the goal line, however blow your
whistle to stop the action. Give the signal with
the wing. Remember, the wing may have had the
runner going out of bounds. Always be prepared to
recover the ball after the play becomes dead.
Ø
Umpire
At the snap, watch your keys.
Follow the action around the runner. On sweeps,
move toward the flow and observe action in the
side zone between the hash marks and nine yard
marks (top of numbers). When ball becomes dead,
proceed to the ball and assist the wing in placing
the ball. Once forward progress is established,
retreat to position and spot ball. Remember, the
hash marks are NOT placed on the field as a
barrier for umpires. GO TO THE BALL AND ASSIST.
On short, quick runs between the tackles, you will
generally only blow your whistle when the runners
forward progress stops at your feet. DO NOT BLOW
YOUR WHISTLE AT ANY OTHER TIME TO INDICATE FORWARD
PROGRESS IS STOPPED.
Ø
Referee
At the snap observe your keys. If
the direction of the running play is not toward
you, move toward action parallel to the line of
scrimmage and maintaining position in line with
the runner’s progress. Keep the play boxed in
with the wings and umpire. If the run is toward
you, retreat far enough to remain out of the
play. Be aware of the runner reversing direction
and coming back toward you, sometimes deeper. Try
to keep that 10 to 12 yard separation. If the run
turns upfield, follow the action, keeping the play
boxed in as above. Close on the ball when it
becomes dead. In most cases you are responsible
for forward progress and out of bounds spots
behind the line of scrimmage. Be prepared to
rule. Always assist on out of bounds plays,
observing after action antics. Always be prepared
to assist with recovering and/or spotting the ball
after play becomes dead. If forward progress is
not your responsibility, DO NOT BLOW YOUR WHISTLE.
Forward Pass Coverage
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Linesman
and Line Judge
By observing your keys, you should
be able to determine if the play is a forward
pass. The blockers on your side will either fire
out and stop or drop back to block. The tight end
on your side may go straight out or block and then
release. The linebacker on your side should read
pass and retreat. After you read pass, observe
the nearest ineligible lineman until the ball is
thrown or the eligible receiver closest to you
becomes a possible receiver. The line judge
remains on the LOS until the ball leaves the
area. The linesman moves five yards downfield
while still observing the blockers on his side.
Both wings are responsible for covering pass
receptions on your sideline and in the area
between you and the back judge. If the pass is
thrown out of your area, observe action of players
other than the pass receiver. Assist with
momentum on interceptions near goal line.
Ø
Back Judge
Observe your keys. Your
responsibility is on that receiver from the time
the ball is snapped until it becomes necessary to
cover action in your area. Be prepared to rule on
complete/incomplete if the pass is in your area of
responsibility, normally more than 15 yards from
the LOS and jointly with the wings on deep
sideline passes. Always keep an eye on the
deepest receiver. Never let a receiver get behind
you. Goal line responsibility on long pass plays
is jointly shared by you and the wings, the same
as a run. The only exception would be a deep
pass, not near the sidelines where it is apparent
that the receiver did not go out of bounds. Be on
the goal line when the receiver crosses and give
TD signal. Assist with momentum on interceptions
near goal line.
Ø
Umpire
Observe your keys and when a
forward pass is read move toward the LOS. It is
your responsibility whether or not the forward
pass crosses the neutral zone. Be prepared to
pivot quickly on low trajectory and short passes
and to assist on trapped passes over the middle.
Continue to cover your area of responsibility
after the pass. Responsibility the same for
running play after the receiver becomes a runner.
Watch for ineligibles downfield.
Ø
Referee
Observe your keys at the snap,
especially the tackle opposite your side. You are
responsible for the passer until there is no
threat of a foul. After pass has been released,
verbalize that “The pass is away”. Rule on the
legality of a forward pass thrown behind or beyond
the neutral zone or out of bounds. Rule on
intentional grounding. Be prepared to consult
with other officials on the position of eligible
receivers. Be prepared to assist with spotting of
the ball if the umpire is assisting with
retrieval.
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All
Officials
All officials should be alert for
eligible receivers out of bounds and for an
illegal pass. Observe touching or catching by an
ineligible receiver. Watch for holding which
affects the play. When ruling on incomplete pass
only give the “incomplete” signal, not the
incomplete signal followed by the stop clock
signal.
Goal Line Plays
Ø
Linesman
and Line Judge
Basic position
is same for scrimmage play. When snap comes from
5 yard line in, move to the goal line at the
snap. In order to rule on a score you MUST be on
the goal line. Work back for run not reaching the
goal line. Be alert for a pass in your
direction. When formation is tight and it has
been determined it is a run up the middle, go to
goal line and start to pinch in. When you
determine that there is a score hustle toward the
ball and give TD signal. Unless the off side wing
sees the score, DO NOT ECHO THE SIGNAL. SEE THE
BALL BEFORE SIGNALING TD OR DETERMINING IF RUN WAS
STOPPED SHORT.
Ø
Back Judge
If ball is snapped from the 10 yard
line in, your starting position is on the end
line. If the play starts from between the 20 and
10, your position should be EITHER the goal line
or end line, never in the middle of the end zone.
You are responsible for the end line from sideline
to sideline. You should only give the TD signal
if it is a complete pass in the end zone and in
your area of responsibility.
Ø
Umpire
Your starting position needn’t be
as deep as scrimmage plays. When the ball is
snapped on or inside the 5 yard line you are
primarily responsible for the line of scrimmage in
determining whether or not the passer was beyond
the line. Also may assist the wings in
determining whether ball crossed goal line (NOT
WHERE FORWARD PROGRESS WAS STOPPED). NEVER GIVE A
TD SIGNAL NOR BLOW YOUR WHISTLE INDICATING A TD.
THERE IS NO WAY YOU KNOW WHETHER OR NOT FORWARD
PROGRESS WAS STOPPED BEFORE THE BALL CROSSED THE
GOAL LINE.
Ø
Referee
Starting position is same for any
scrimmage play. Signal score ONLY if you’re
positive all requirements have been met. Don’t be
in a hurry. You may see a wing signal score only
to have had another official have a flag on the
play. Face the press box when giving the signal.
Scrimmage Kicks (Punts)
Ø
Linesman
and Line Judge
Linesman: Start from basic
position. After snap, hold your position until
ball crosses neutral zone. Be prepared to signal
if ball was tipped. Move slowly downfield
covering the runner if he enters your area. Clean
up behind play if the line judge has the runner.
Line Judge: Start from the basic
position. Release on the snap. Cover runner if
he enters your area of responsibility. Clean up
behind play if the linesman has the runner.
Ø
Back Judge
Starting position is 5 yards deeper
than the deepest receiver 5 to 7 yards wide,
cheating toward the linesman’s side of the field.
Remind receiver of the requirements of a valid and
legal fair catch signal. If kick is short to
either sideline, the wings have responsibility for
the ball. On all other kicks, cover the receiver,
moving to a position where you can observe first
touching and interference and action by and on the
receivers. You are responsible for all kicks on
the ground or in the air that travel more than 25
yards. If you cannot determine where a long kick
went out of bounds, raise your hand on the
sideline and the referee will assist you. Rule on
momentum on kick receptions near goal line.
Ø
Umpire
Watch for action on the snapper.
Watch for holding which affects the play. Watch
for tipped balls. After the players go past your
position, turn and move toward the return area.
If kick is short or partially blocked, assist in
determining if the ball crossed the neutral zone.
Ø
Referee
Take a position parallel or
slightly in front of and to the side of the
kicker, wider than the tight end and on the
kicking foot side. Watch the ball from snap to
kick while watching the blockers and kicker. Be
in a position to be even with the kicker when he
kicks the ball. If kick is from the end zone,
observe action around the end line. After the
kick move SLOWLY downfield. Remember, if there is
a long return, you become the back judge and have
goal line responsibility. There are 4 other
officials covering the kick. There is no hurry
for you to get there. Observe action on the
kicker after the kick. If the ball goes out of
bounds and the back judge raises his hand
indicating he needs assistance, stop. When the
back judge reaches the spot where you determined
it went out of bounds, give a chopping motion.
Ø
All
Officials
Be alert for blocked or fake kicks
and recovery of same.
Scrimmage Kicks (Tries and Field
Goal Attempts)
Ø
Linesman
and Line Judge
If referee has his back to you,
your position is under the upright not covered by
the back judge. If the play is a fake, you have
responsibility for the end line from the middle of
the field toward your sideline. You do not have
responsibility for the sideline. That is the
referee’s responsibility. If the referee is
facing you, the entire LOS is your
responsibility. Be prepared to rule on false
starts and encroachments on the entire LOS. If
you wish to cheat in, come in no farther than nine
yards. Remember, the sideline is still your
responsibility. Don’t get caught inside on a
fake. If a field goal attempt is short and does
not go into the end zone, it is a live ball. The
wing under the goal post should then cover his
sideline.
Ø
Back Judge
Starting position is under the
upright not occupied by a wing. Rules on kick and
has whistle responsibility when it is apparent the
kick is over. On fake has end line responsibility
from middle of field to sideline on his side of
field.
Ø
Umpire
Starting position is wide and to
the side of the wing under the goal post. Observe
action around the snapper. Watch for holding. On
tries, do not watch the ball after it crosses the
neutral zone. Watch the line for activity. On
field goals, when ball crosses the neutral zone,
pivot and assume the same responsibilities as a
punt.
Ø
Referee
Starting position is at least five
yards to the side of the potential kicker FACING
THE HOLDER. Watch backs, holder and kicker. If
it is a fake, or a run or pass develops, retreat
to the sideline behind you. You now have
sideline, and forward progress responsibilities.
Ø
All
Officials
Remember, it could be a fake or a
botched attempt which turns into a run or pass.
Keep the whistles out of your mouths especially on
a field goal attempt.
Free Kicks
Ø
Linesman
On the chain side of the field at
approximately the 20 yard line. You may adjust
based on the strength of the kicker. Responsible
for medium to deep kicks out of bounds and
assisting with deep kicks over the goal line at
the side line. Has responsibility for the runners
forward progress and OOB from the point of the
reception to the goal line. Assists with ruling
on momentum on receptions near goal line.
Ø
Back Judge
The back judge is responsible for
insuring the kicker is supplied a football. Back
judge lines up on the kickers restraining line on
the chain side of the field. Rules on off side by
kicking team, first touching, and illegal kicks.
Rules on short kicks going OOB. If kick is long,
and kicking team clears his area, goes to hash
mark on his side of field. Watches for fouls on
the return. When it becomes apparent that the
return may go for a score, retreats toward the
goal line. Should go to the goal line at the
middle of the field to rule on possible TD. Don’t
let the runner get behind you
Ø
Line Judge
Lines up on the non chain side of
the field on the receivers restraining line.
Rules on encroachment by receiving team, first
touching, and illegal kicks. Rules on short kicks
going OOB. If kick is long, once the kicking team
clears his area, goes to the hash mark on his side
of field. Watch for fouls on the return. If it
becomes apparent that the return may go for a
score, positions himself in middle of field. Once
play passes him, he then follows play.
Ø
Umpire
On the non chain side of the field
at approximately the 20 yard line. You may adjust
based on the strength of the kicker. Responsible
for kicks out of bounds and assisting with deep
kicks over the goal line at the side line. Has
responsibility for the runners forward progress
and OOB from the point of the reception to the
goal line. Assists with ruling on momentum on
receptions near goal line.
Ø
Referee
On the goal line in the middle of
the field. Rules on kicks crossing the goal
line. On return, follows play. Rules on momentum
on receptions near goal line.
Possible On-Sides Kick
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All
Officials
The Line Judge should move to the
kickers restraining line on the non chain
sideline. The umpire moves up to the receivers
restraining line on the non chain sideline. The
linesman moves up to the receivers restraining
line on the chain sideline. The referee stays in
the middle of the field but moves up to the 30
yard line, or five yards deeper than the deepest
receiver.
Free Kicks After Fair Catch or
Awarded Fair Catch
Ø
All
Officials
A team may elect to free kick after
a fair catch or awarded fair catch. They may kick
from anywhere between the hash marks on a line
with where the catch was caught or awarded. A
normal free kick formation is used and a tee may
be used. The receiving team still has to line up
ten yards away and all free kick rules are in
place except that a kick crossing over the cross
bar and between the uprights shall score three
points. All officials line up in the same spots
as for a free kick except the linesman and umpire
shall line up on the sideline at the goal line and
the referee shall line up under the crossbar and
rule on the kick.
Purpose
The purpose of
this manual is to insure uniformity in mechanics.
It will cover on-field scrimmage and kick
mechanics only and not topics such as official’s
pre game meetings, pre game conferences with
coaches, pre game meeting with chain crews, coin
toss, etc. It will not cover philosophy or game
management. These mechanics were NOT developed by
any official or group of officials. Information
used for the compilation of this manual was taken
directly from the Florida High School Athletic
Association, the National Federation of High
School Sports Associations, and the Conference
Commissioners of America. No mechanics manual can
cover EVERY possibility. The CFOA has attempted
to cover as many as possible. The CFOA also
realizes that many times we become “spectators”
instead of officials. We forget our keys and
watch the game. Many of us also become complacent
and resistant to change. Continuing education is
an integral part of many of our vocations.
Consider this as just that, continuing education.
None of us should be resistant to improving as an
association
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