Basic Principles and Keys(Keys Are Based on a Balanced Formation)

Basic Principles and Keys(Keys are based on a balanced formation)

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 endslined up wide on the side of the field at your back. These players will be out of your range of vision; the end man on that side will be responsible for them. Your position is at least 7yards behind the deepest back and 11 yards wide. Count offensive players, confirming count with umpire and back judge. Count the offense while they are still in the huddle or as they break. Waiting until they get to the line may not give you enough time to count on a quick snap. Check all backs for illegal motion before the snap. Assist with false starts and holding on runs around the end at the point of attack. Check for illegal equipment.

Referee Keys

Quarterback and left tackle, or right tackle if QB is left handed. If you line up on the wrong side do not try and move over before the snap. Wait until the next play. It is better to be stationary at the snap.

Umpire Basic Principles

Read the offensive alignment and know the five ineligibles and players numbered 50-79. Count offensive players confirming the count with referee. Rule on false starts by offensive interior lineman, snap infractions and illegal equipment. Use verbal commands to inform linemen to put mouthpieces in, better known as preventive officiating. Rule on defense using verbal signals to confuse the offense, causing false starts or provoking a player through derogatory language. After the play control the line of scrimmage by having a presence and voice. Let the players know you are there and watching.

Umpire Keys

Interior Lineman, if they stand up and back peddle it is usually a pass or screen. A charging lineman usually means it’s a running play.

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. Immediately following snap observe action by offensive tackle on your side. Look for pass blocking or aggressive run blocks.

Linesman and Line Judge Keys

Eligible receiver’s on your side. If more than one key the widest receiver.

Back Judge Basic Principles

Count the defense. 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)

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 key can change if the formation changes with motion.

Scrimmage Play Basic Starting Positions

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 numbersor 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 than the 9 yard mark (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. The end men still need to come in and get the spot at the end of the run. Starting at the sideline does not mean you stay there after the play starts or ends. You still need to hustle in and get the end of the run.

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 behind the deepest defensive back).The rule of thumb is to stay 4 lines in advance of the ball. Do not allow a defensive back to line up behind you, if the defensive player backs up, then you should also move back and maintain the 5 yard cushion. Favor the strong side of the field(stay between the inbounds lines before the snap and during the play). Count defensive players before the snap on every play.

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, and down 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.

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 on the wide side of the field) AT LEASTas wide as the tight end and 10 to 12 yards deep. You should be able to see the ball, and backs and the offside tackle.

Running Play Coverage

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 the play coming towards you. 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, square off and hustle in for the spot(hustle to the spot but make sure all action has stopped before putting yourself in a position to getinjured.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 occurturn toward field, after players has cleared the opponents sideline,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 on a cutback or scramble situation.

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 will very seldom have forward progress during a running play. The few times will be on a long run that the end men are prevented form following the play in their usualmanner. There is no reason to get caught too close to the play. When the 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 until the wing to get to the goal line. Give the signal with the wing.If the wing man is trailing way behind the play then blow your whistle to stop the action, if the wing is unable to get to the goal line in a timely manner then give the touch down signal. Remember, the wing may have had the runner going out of bounds. Look to see if he has a spot on the sideline where a runner went out beforesignaling. Always be prepared to recover the ball after the play becomes dead.

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. Even in these cases the end men will usually have the whistle if they are following their keys.

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 towards you, retreat far enough to remain out of the play. Be aware if the runner reversing direction and comes back toward you. You may give ground and maintain a deeper position to observe the play. 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 on fumbles and situation that may develop. Always assist on out of bounds plays in your area, observing after action antics. Always be prepared to assist with recovering and/or spotting the ball after the play becomes dead. If forward progress is not your responsibility, DO NOT BLOW YOUR WHISTLE (see the ball).

Forward Pass Coverage

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 linejudge remains on the LOS until the ball leaves the area. Do not be to quick to leave the LOS until you know it is a pass. To many times we leave the line and wind up 20 yards down the field on a running play. 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. Rule on momentum on receptions near goal line. You are still responsible for the sideline and the goal line.

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. Rule on momentum on receptions near goal line. Remember on running and passing plays you first two steps are backward.

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. Your responsibility isthe same as a running play after the receiver becomes a runner. Watch for ineligibles downfield. If the quarter back is scrambling step up to the LOS and mark the spot if he passes and is close to or across the LOS when the pass is thrown. If he is beyond the LOS then tell the referee so he can drop a flag for and illegal forward pass.

Referee

Observe your keys at the snap, especially the tackle on 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. Look at your end men to see if they have a trust so you can look for covered receivers.

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. Do not slap the ground or wave showing he was out of bound when the ball was caught. The only signal is incomplete. Give a quick hard chirp on the whistle to stop the action. The same goes for a completed pass, do not give a signal that simulates a reception, only get the spot of the reception and kill the clock if it is a first down or out of bounds after the reception is completed inbounds.

Goal Line Plays

Linesman and Line Judge

Basic position is same for scrimmage play. When the snap is from the 5 yard line, 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 towards the ball and give the TD signal. Unless the offside wing sees the score, DO NOT ECHO THE SIGNAL. See the ball before signaling TD otherwise get the spot of forward progress.Either way sell the call. This is where you position and hustle plays an important role in selling the call.