2010 NFHS Mechanics Changes (For Five Officials)

1. AOS Football Presentation 2010 NFHS Mechanics Changes (For Five Officials) Darwin Schafer August 23, 2010

2. Presentation Outline • The Importance of Proper Mechanics • 2010 Mechanics Changes • Uniform / pre-game / coin toss changes • Pre-snap positioning & responsibilities • R and BJ positioning on scrimmage kicks • Other miscellaneous changes • Darwin’s Points of Emphasis • Keys (strength of formation) • Crew communication • Free kicks

3. Importance of Proper Mechanics • Complete rule knowledge is needed, but not enough without proper mechanics. • Need a good position to make great calls • Image goes a long way to our credibility • Communication is Essential! • Important for crew, players, coaches, and fans • Effective Game Management • Maintain focus on game and responsibilities • Coverage of entire play

4. 2010 Mechanics Changes- Uniforms - • Uniform changes (with state approval): • “Foul weather, full-length, lined black pants with white stripe down each leg may be worn in place of the traditional knickers” • “White or Black officiating shorts may be worn in place of traditional knickers” • All officials in a given game are to wear the same shorts / pants / knickers.

5. 2010 Mechanics Changes- Use of a Microphone - • Referee can use a microphone to “explain penalties and unusual situations.” • R should have option to use it or not • Must have an on/off switch for R to control • Should be tested prior to the start of the contest • Signals must still be given (Prelim. & Final) • Use normal voice level – do not shout • Speak in short phrases • A sound delay may be present • Turn off microphone when not using • DO NOT announce the fouling player’s #

6. 2010 Mechanics Changes- Coin Toss - • Coin Toss changes: • If coin toss is held 3 minutes prior to the game all players & personnel shall be off the field. • Only four captains per team allowed at toss. • Only one can be the spokesman. • BJ shall “bring approved game ball from each team to coin toss”. • LJ & BJ shall remain at hash marks and keep field clear of players.

7. 2010 Mechanics Changes- Pre-Snap Responsibilities - • Referee Pre-Snap Responsibilities: • Move to a position that is “10 yards from line-of-scrimmage and 5 yards wide of the huddle”. • Check crew L / LJ are signaling correct down. • Signal down and then signal ready-for-play. • Release Umpire off the ball. • Release U prior to ready-for-play signal if quick snap is expected. • Move to final position to observe snap. • Count A players and signal U for a good count. • Identify all eligible backs.

8. 2010 Mechanics Changes- Pre-Snap Responsibilities - • Umpire Pre-Snap Responsibilities: • “Spot and remain over ball, facing linesman, until referee gives ready-for-play signal or released by referee.” • Move to a spot 4 to 7 yards behind B’s line and between’s A’s tackles with snap in view. • Count A players and signal R for a good count. • L / LJ Pre-Snap Responsibilities: • Indicate number of next down on chest. • Announce next down only after referee signals down. • Count B players and signal BJ for a good count.

9. 2010 Mechanics Changes- Scrimmage Kicks - • Referee Responsibilities: • R to signal if A is in scrimmage kick formation. • Should be a non-verbal signal to all crew members. • A’s numbering exceptions different based on down. • For punts R to be “3-5 yards outside tight end and 2-3 yards behind the kicker on kicking-leg side.” • Previously R was outside tight end in line with kicker. • For field goal or try, R to be “2-3 yards to rear and 3-5 yards to the side of the kicker, on the side facing the holder.” • Previously R was 1 yard to the rear and 2-3 yards to the side of the kicker.

10. 2010 Mechanics Changes- Scrimmage Kicks - • Back Judge Responsibilities: • Position: “10-12 yards wider than and 2-3 yards behind the deepest receiver on L’s side. • Previously only 7-10 wide and in front of receiver. • Carry contrasting color bean bags. • Different colors (blue and white) to differentiate between spots of first touching and end of the kick. • Develop a system that works for you for which bean bag to use when. • Still need to be prepared to mark fumbles as well!

11. 2010 Mechanics Changes- Forward Progress / First Downs - • If ball becomes dead near the sideline (within 2 yards) and a first down is gained - give the start-clock signal twice and then give the time-out signal twice. • L / LJ clarifications for marking spots: • Always mark progress with downfield foot • Square off forward progress by moving down the sideline to the spot and then perpendicular in. • Do not move in further than the nine-yard marks unless close to a first down – then move in as far as possible without losing spot.

12. 2010 Mechanics Changes- Miscellaneous Revisions - • BJ & L/LJ after a scoring-kick attempt: • “Both officials shall, at the same time, move 1 yard into the end zone in front of their upright and signal score or no score twice” • All Officials shall hustle to free-kick positions after a touchdown “by jogging first to the sideline and then up the sideline.” • BJ shall signal any penalty that is to be administered on a free-kick down. • This includes penalties that the offending team chose to enforce on the kickoff and not the try.

13. 2010 Mechanics Changes- Miscellaneous Revisions - • Ball person from the scoring team shall leave a ball for the subsequent free kick behind the goal post for the BJ to grab and carry up the sideline. • GOOD LUCK!!! We’ve been trying to do this for years. • Linesman to provide a bean bag to the down marker operator to mark the original line of scrimmage when the line-to-gain is the goal line. • This is replaces the requirement of the line to gain crew to fasten the clip to the chain at the goal.

14. Darwin’s Points of Emphasis • Keys (Strength of Formation) • Crew communication (Verbal & Non-verbal) • Positioning on Free Kicks

15. Keys – Strength of Formation • Keys are used to determine each official’s primary coverage at the initial snap. • Keys are for the wings and BJ. • Only used for the first second or two. • Officials must react to the play as it develops and adjust coverage accordingly. • Keys will assist officials with observing: • Quick passes / slants • DPI / Illegal Use of Hands • OPI (i.e. - Offensive Picks) / Holding

16. Keys – Strength of Formation • Strength of Formation • Determined by the number of eligible receivers on each side of the formation. • If balanced, the first key is to the LJ’s side. • Otherwise, the first key is to the strong side. • Priority of Keys • Back Judge has first key • Widest eligible receiver on the strong side • L and LJ have second keys • Other eligible receivers or backs their side of the formation.

17. Keys – Strength of Formation • Balanced Formation

18. Keys – Strength of Formation • Strength to L or LJ’s side Strength to L Strength to LJ

19. Keys – Strength of Formation • Special Formations: • Trips - BJ’s keys will be the two widest receivers on the strong side of the formation. • If stacked trips – BJ has front two receivers. • Four Wide – Keys are determined as normal • If balanced, BJ keys widest receiver on LJ’s side, LJ keys the inside one, and L has both on their side. • Motion – Can change strength of formation. • Strength is determined by where the eligible receivers are at the snap.

20. Keys – Strength of Formation • Trips / Four Wide Strength to LJ Balanced

21. Keys – Strength of Formation • Motion Motion Changes Keys Keys Unchanged

22. Crew Communication • Crew Communication is Essential: • Both Verbal & Non-Verbal • Benefits of Good Crew Communication: • Properly inform players, coaches, fans. • Ensure good coverage on all plays. • Correct penalty enforcements. • Less questions and conferences. • Overall - it is the recipe for smooth and efficient game.

23. Crew Communication • Verbal Communication • Talking to Coaches • Answering questions / respectfully hearing concerns. • Informing coaches of the player who fouled and specific penalty enforcements. • Talking to Players • Preventive Officiating! • Let the players know you are there. • Talking to Crew Members • Coverage on unique plays (reverse goal-line). • Team time-outs remaining. • Passing along coach concerns.

24. Crew Communication • Non-Verbal Communication • Signals for Observers • Penalty Signals • Outcome of a Play • Clock Status • Signals for Crew • Chart in Manual  • Clock Stopper • Kicking Play • Speed up Offense • Team out of Timeouts

25. Free Kicks • Proper Positioning on Free Kicks • Good to always review in pre-game • Deep Free Kicks • BJ & LJ at free kick lines – count 11 • Nearest official starts clock after ball is touched by the receivers • R to rule on touchback • Mark out-of-bounds spot with either bean bag or penalty flag. • Pick-up runner in your zone • BJ and LJ to cover goal line

26. Free Kicks • If a Short Free Kick is Anticipated: • Move to new positions if obvious • BJ & LJ cover kickers free kick line • L & U cover receivers free kick line. • R at 10 yd line, but still has goal line responsibilities. • Be Alert For: • Encroachment by either team • If ball touches the ground and travels across R’s free kick line. • First touching by K if ball does not travel 10 yards – mark first touching by K with bean bag. • Muff by R anywhere

27. Thank you! Bonus Trivia Question: What is the proper positioning for a Free Kick Scoring Attempt? (After a Fair Catch or Awarded Fair Catch)