HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL OFFICIATING CAMP

DECATUR, AL 2011 

The Running Game Ray & Ron

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff??

Pre-Snap

Take charge of ball Confirm downObserve substitutionsCount playersGet the LOS fouls

After ball is spotted:

1. You shall assume an initial Position within 5 yds of the sideline and adjust to the formation and game situation.

2. Check down-marker number; signal number of down.

3. Use extended arm signal and hold until snap to indicate closest A player is off line of scrimmage.

4. Check following:

a. Number of eligible pass receivers on your side.

b. Wingbacks, flankers, split ends and slot backs are in legal position.

c. Player in motion away from you and maintain responsibility for him if he reverses direction.

d. Minimum of seven offensive players on line of scrimmage.

e. Encroachment, false start.

After snap

1. Areas of responsibility:

a. On quick plays into line, assist referee in marking forward progress with downfield foot.

b. Observe initial charge of linemen. Key near tackle for run/pass.

c. Observe action by blockers on end and linebackers on your side.

d. Pinch in when necessary especially on short yardage for first down and, if possible, on every play within 10-yard line and goal line.

e. Be ready to move quickly downfield on quick kick and pass.

2. On plays into your side zone and on wide offensive plays, take runner and ball to goal line.

3. While moving downfield with runner, watch for illegal forward pass or fumble.

4. If play continues following an illegal forward pass, drop penalty marker at spot of pass to indicate where run ended and at spot of any subsequent foul.

Be Prepared

A. Keep play properly boxed in.

B. Before sounding whistle:

1. Be certain ball is dead.

2. Be certain of ball location.

3. Keep eyes on runner when you are covering.

4. Be alert for surprise plays or fumbles.

C. If there is a fumble, covering official should:

1. Mark spot of fumble with bean bag.

2. Rule on possession immediately.

An inadvertent whistle

a. The down shall be replayed if, during a down or during a down in which thepenalty for a foul is declined, an inadvertent whistle is sounded while a legalforward pass or snap is in flight, or during a legal kick. b. The team last in possession may choose to either put the ball in play wherepossession was lost or replay the down if, during a down or during a downin which the penalty for a foul is declined, an inadvertent whistle is soundedwhile the ball is loose following a backward pass, fumble, illegal forwardpass or illegal kick.c. The team in possession may choose to either accept the results of the playat the dead-ball spot or replay the down if, during a down or during a downin which the penalty for a foul is declined, an inadvertent whistle is soundedwhile the ball is in player possession.d. The penalty shall be administered as determined by the basic spot andtakes precedence over inadvertent whistle administration if, during a down, a live-ball foul occurs prior to the inadvertent whistle and the penalty is accepted.

NEUTRAL ZONE

The neutral zone is the space between the two free-kick lines during a free-kick down and between the two scrimmage lines during a scrimmage down. For a free-kick down, the neutral zone is 10 yards wide and for a scrimmage down it is as wide as the length of the football. It is established when the ball is marked ready for play.

The neutral zone may be expanded following the snap up to a maximum of 2 yards behind the defensive line of scrimmage, in the field of play, during any scrimmage down.

ENCROACHMENT

Encroachment occurs when a player is illegally in the neutral zone during the time interval starting when the ball is marked ready for play and until the ball issnapped or free kicked. For the purposes of enforcing encroachment restrictions, an entering substitute is not considered to be a player until he is on his team’sside of the neutral zone.

Communication

Communicate with the other officialsKeep coaches informed Let players know you are present

Conclusion

The small stuff is importantBy being prepared, concentrating and communicating you are able to catch the small stuff.You maintain credibility when making the tough call if you handle routine calls correctly.Roll Tide!! War Eagle!! Rocky Top!!Have a Great season!!