2006-2007 NFHS FOOTBALL

1. 2006-2007 NFHS FOOTBALL • Official’s Manual

2. Officials Manual Committee • Dale Pleimann – Missouri - - Chair • Steve Stearns – California - - Vice Chair • Ralph Damren – Maine • Mike Webb – West Virginia • Ralph Swearngin – Georgia • Dave Anderson – Wisconsin • Brian Michelotti – Montana • Ron Ethridge – Oklahoma • Tom Lorang – Montana - - NFHS-OA

3. MANUAL REVISIONS • Referee faces the press box when giving signals #29 and #35 the same as signal #12.

4. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOOTBALL CLOCK OPERATORS • Reviewed and accepted with the addition of a new D11. • 11. Guidelines for utilizing a running clock as per state association adoption. The clock will be stopped when: • 1) An official’s time-out is called, except when a first down is declared; following a change of team possession; or to dry or change the game ball; • 2) A charged time-out is called; • 3) At the end of a period, or; • 4) A score occurs. • Note: The clock will continue to run in all other situations.

5. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOOTBALL LINE-TO-GAIN CREWS • Reviewed and accepted with the following changes or additions: • The typical line-to-gain crew consists of at least three individuals – a down-box operator and two to hold the rods. Unless otherwise possible by use of a fourth crew member, the down-box operator will attach the clip as specified. The crew should be dressed uniformly in readily identifiable attire. Remind crew members that they are officials; not fans. • 8. The chain is not extended if it is a first-and-goal situation. After the chain is clipped, remove it from the sideline. LINESMAN should provide DOWN-BOX OPERATOR a bean bag in this situation to mark location of the box in case it is moved during the down. • 12. Operating the equipment 6 feet off the sideline is for the protection of players, coaches and all persons who are part of the game. • Appropriate changes reflecting the above items were also made in the Official’s Manual on pages 12-13, 45-46 and 79-80.

6. MANUAL REVISIONS • Added an explanation to D1 on page 12. • Secure and check the line-to-gain and down marker indicators, plus all auxiliary equipment. Ensure that the line-to-gain equipment is marked at halfway point with tape. This can help on penalties measured from the previous spot or spot fouls to determine if first down after enforcement.

7. MANUAL REVISIONS • Positioning On Scoring Kicks. • The official joining the back judge behind the goal posts may be either the linesman or the line judge. • The determining factor is the side of the field the referee will be facing when the kick is made. • The referee takes up his usual position, facing the holder. • The wing official facing the holder goes underneath. • The wing official to the back of the holder stays on the line of scrimmage. • The back judge moves to one upright or the other depending on which wing official is joining him.

8. MANUAL REVISIONS • Positioning On Scoring Kicks. • Referee can provide coverage to the side of the field on which there is no wing official. • The officials should take note in pre-game warm-ups whether the kickers are right- or left-footed.

9. MANUAL REVISIONS • Signaling Backward Passes. • When a pass is thrown into the flat, the covering wing official is to signal if the pass is backward. • The signal should be an upraised arm with a clenched fist pointing towards the offensive backfield. • If the pass is forward, no signal is needed unless the pass is incomplete.

10. MANUAL REVISIONS • Counting Players on Free Kicks. • The back judge and line judge count K. • The referee, umpire and linesman count R. • Previously only the back judge counted K.

11. MANUAL REVISIONS • Order of Signals on 4th Down Dead Ball Fouls. • 1) Signal any live ball fouls; • 2) Signal 1st down; • 3) Signal dead ball; and • 4) Signal the dead ball fouls.

12. MANUAL REVISIONS • Added H - Guidelines for using a Microphone on pages 43 and 77. • The referee’s use of a field microphone adds another dimension to communication – positive when used properly. • The referee should have the option to use or not use a field microphone. • The referee should have control (on/off switch) of the microphone.

13. MANUAL REVISIONS • Added H - Guidelines for using a Microphone on pages 43 and 77. • If used, the following guidelines should be followed: • 1) Signals are still necessary, starting with a preliminary signal (no microphone) and then (after the penalty is accepted or declined) the final signal in conjunction with the use of the microphone. • 2) Normal voice quality – no shouting. • 3) Speak in short phrases, so spectators can grasp the announcement. Poise briefly between phrases. • 4) Do NOT announce the number of the player who committed the foul. • 5) Turn microphone off so other comments are not broadcast to the spectators.

14. MANUAL REVISIONS • Official’s Uniform and Equipment. • Shoes – should be all black. • While the number of shoes with white logos continues to increase there are enough all-black options to meet this requirement.

15. MANUAL REVISIONS • Official’s Uniform and Equipment. • Bean Bags – may be white or blue. • The blue bags may be easier to see on the field. • All members of the crew should use bags of the same color.

16. MANUAL REVISIONS • Keys and Priority of Keys on pages 54-61. • The back judge’s key will always be the widest player on the strong side. • Usually a split end, however, it could be a wingback or flanker positioned outside the tight end.

17. MANUAL REVISIONS • Keys and Priority of Keys on pages 54-61. • Back Judge shall always take the widest receiver to the side of the strength of the formation. • If the formation is balanced (same number of receivers outside the tackles on both sides of the formation), strength is considered to be the line judge’s side. • Added a new III, IV and V renumbering old items to VI, VII and VIII.

18. MANUAL REVISIONS • BALANCED FORMATION • Balanced formation, if no strength is declared, declare strength to the LINE JUDGE’S side. The BACK JUDGE keys his/her read from the end on the LINE JUDGE’S side, the LINESMAN is responsible for initial action on or by the end on his side. LINE JUDGE would then have the first back out of the back field on his/her side. These would also be the keys on a split backfield.

19. MANUAL REVISIONS • III. BALANCED FORMATION: • When there are the same number of eligible receivers outside the offensive tackles on each side of the formation, then the back judge will key the widest eligible receiver to the line judge’s side of the formation. • The line judge will then key on the next widest eligible receiver. • The linesman will key on the eligible/s on his side of the formation.

20. MANUAL REVISIONS • PENALTY SUMMARY revised on page 86. • 16. Illegal forward pass (by A: also loss of down). • 17. Illegal forward pass (by B). • Last year was in the Penalty Summary in the Rule Book but not in the Penalty Summary in Official’s Manual. • Renumbered the remaining items.

21. MANUAL REVISIONS • POINTS OF EMPHASIS – Page 85. • 1) It is better for wing officials to work too wide than to work too close. • 2) Review all medical rules and guidelines including: • Communicable disease procedures; • Apparently unconscious player; • Casts; • Bleeding, etc. • 3) Controlling the sideline and team box. • 4) Wing officials observing lead blocks just outside the free blocking zone.

22. RECOMMENDED • Asking on the NFHS Football Questionnaire: “Would you favor officials throwing a flag on the 1st sideline warning. • Upgrading and improving the diagrams in the Manual by: • Utilizing the available space to a greater degree; • Providing a sharper image; • Providing a more professional appearance.

23. REVIEWED and UPDATED • General Reminders • Pregame Responsibilities • Stopping, Starting and Winding the Clock • Shortening Periods • Use of the Penalty Marker

24. SUGGESTIONS or CONCERNS • Contact: Dale Pleimann, Assistant Director—Missouri State High School Activities Association (dale@mshsaa.org)