2015 Philosophies VII. Catch: VIII. Catchable Forward Pass: XI. Chain Crew:

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1 These philosophies are relevant to Texas high school football officiating as a guide to consistently applying the NCAA rules and UIL exceptions. Rules and exceptions are written as black & white, but correctly & steadily applying those areas to the game requires a collection of trustworthy philosophies to provide an experienced approach to the immediate situation and game status. I. Aiding the Runner: a) A foul only if the runner is picked up by teammates or if he is pulled by a teammate. b) It is not a foul if driven or pushed forward by his teammates. c) Most of the time, this happens near the GL or short yardage situations, but illegal and legal actions apply anywhere on the field. II. Announcements: a) Practice your microphone skills even when you do not have a microphone. b) Use only rule book terms i.e. Disqualified vs. Ejected, Time Has Expired vs. Game Over, etc.. III. Backward Pass: a) When in question, the pass is forward, not backward. b) Backwards passes are intentional. c) When the QB s hand starts forward with the ball, rule the pass forward even if he is contacted and the ball goes backward. IV. Ball-Spotting: a) The ball can be placed on a yard line to begin the next series after a change of possession. At all other times, the ball is placed where it became dead. (Exception: If the change of possession occurs on a fourth-down running or passing play, the ball will be left at the dead-ball spot to begin the next series.). V. Bean Bags: a) A fumble is the unintentional loss of possession. b) Officials shall drop the bean bag only when they see the ball fumbled, not when they see the ball loose. c) Do not drop your bean bag after an interception or where a fumble is recovered unless inside the 5 yard line. d) Officials shall drop the bean at the spot the kick ends or the spot of illegal touching. e) Be accurate. You are marking a potential enforcement spot. VI. Blocking: a) It is not blocking below the waist if the initial contact is above the waist, and the blocker then slides down and makes contact below the waist. b) To be a foul for IBB, the initial contact of the block must be from behind and above the waist. When in question, the block is below the waist. First contact is the key, not the position of the blockers helmet. 1

2 c) It is not a foul for IBB if the initial contact is from the side. d) A block from behind below the waist is a CLP. CLP is legal if within the Tackle Box and above the knee if the ball has not left the Tackle Box. e) For blocks in the back, if one hand is on the number and the other hand is on the side and the initial force is on the number, it is a block in the back. f) The force of the block could be slight and still a foul if the contact propels the player past the runner or prevents him from making the play. If the force is clearly on the side, it is not a foul. If the blocker is in a chase mode all the action must be on the side. g) Block that starts on the side and subsequently end up in the back are not fouls as long as contact is maintained throughout the block. h) Blocks in the back that occur at or about the same time a runner is being tackled shall not be called, unless they are personal foul in nature. i) Illegal block in the back can still be called on fair catches, but not if the illegal block occurs away from the play as the fair catch is being made or the touchback occurs and contact is slight. j) Blocks in the back that are personal fouls in nature should be called regardless of their timing relative to the runner being tackled. k) When in question if an illegal block occurs in the end zone or field of play, it occurs in the field of play. VII. Catch: a) If the process of the catch includes going to the ground, the receiver must maintain possession of the ball when he contacts the ground to be awarded a catch. The ground can cause an incompletion. This is the same in the FOP and the EZ. b) Be slow on ruling a catch to a receiver that catches a ball inbounds and subsequently falls OB. c) These requirements are the same for interceptions and fumble recoveries. d) There is a difference in the ball moving within the receivers control and moving from a loss of control. e) If the receiver is contacted simultaneously with or immediately after he controls the ball with one foot down and loses possession, rule the pass incomplete. f) A play that would be ruled a catch/fumble in the field of play would be ruled a catch/td in the end zone. VIII. Catchable Forward Pass: a) For a pass to be ruled uncatchable, it must be BLATANTLY uncatchable. If there is any question the pass shall be ruled catchable. b) Give the uncatchable signal only if you would have thrown a flag for OPI or DPI if the pass had been catchable. XI. Chain Crew: a) Remind the chain crew they are part of the officiating crew and are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner. No cheering or comments. Instruct them to move only on the HL s signal. 2

3 b) If the Down Box is moved before instructed (i.e... penalty before a turnover ), and the H is uncertain of its exact pre-snap location, the H should immediately look at the scoreboard. You may get lucky if the previous pre-snap location is still displayed. DOWN / DISTANCE / YARDLINE c) If TASO Officials are on the chain, include them as much as you can. X. Chop Block: a) High: If a blocker is engaged with the defender above the waist, a teammate may not block the engaged player below the waist. b) Low: if a blocker is engaged with the defender below the waist, a teammate may not block the engaged player above the waist. c) It is a foul for a CHB even if the high blocker has just disengaged with the defender when the low blocker contacts the defender. d) Be certain one of the offensive players didn t inadvertently contact the defender while attempting to get to the second level of defenders. e) There must be intentional contact by both the high and the low blocker to be a CHB foul. XI. Clocks: a) The Referee may make any clock adjustments necessary. b) The official signaling a T.O. is responsible for the displayed time on a running game clock. c) If an official sees time remaining on the Game Clock, when a T.O. is called, put time back on the game clock even if reads 0:00 when the officials get the game stopped for the T.O. d) Play Clock: Once the play clock reads: 00 the official will look for the ball. If the ball is still on the ground and not in the process of being snapped it is a foul for DOG. If the ball is being snapped, no foul for DOG. e) Play Clock: The Referee may reset the play clock to: 25 if necessary. f) If the clock operators do not come to the dressing room prior to the game report it to the Athletic Director. If they are TASO Officials, report it to the Chapter. g) If time is being kept on the field turn the scoreboard clock off. h) Know the signals used if the play clocks are not working. Turn both off if one is not working. i) Be sure officials have a watch to time if necessary. j) If the game clock has less than 0:02 seconds remaining when ball is snapped, this will be the last play of the game unless the period is extended by rule. k) 5/5 axiom: In order to adjust game clock errors, there must be more than a five-second differential if there is more than five minutes remaining in either half. l) Any time loss due to the clock being started erroneously, such as when a dead-ball foul is called, the clock must be adjusted. m) As a guideline, referees should consider invoking Rule when the game clock is under five minutes of each half. XII. Coach Conference a) Approach this time as a business meeting. b) Coaches are neither your friend nor enemy. 3

4 c) Suggestions for discussion: 1. Refrain from joking and laughing. Be courteous but direct in your dialogue. 2. Avoid conversations about your assignments or his teams past or future games. 3. Thank both coaches for allowing your crew to officiate the game. 4. Provide a list of officials. Mention the name of wing that will be on his sideline. 5. Obtain the coaches signatures on the equipment cards. 6. Obtain the first names of the starting Q and snapper. 7. Elicit help with sidelines control to the teams designated areas. 8. Ask the coach if he has a question about new rules. 9. Be ready for additional rule questions. If you don t know, get the answer to him before the game starts. 10. Ask about plays that might catch officials by surprise. Listen carefully. All trick plays must be 100% legal. 11. Obtain a pregame agenda from the home administrator or coach i.e., coin toss, anthem,etc If the home coach consents to a pregame coin toss, the R and U will attend. 13. Ask the home coach about a lightning meter if the weather is threatening. XIII. Coach to Coach Communication System: a) This is not covered by the rules, and the officials are not involved. b) If one team s communication goes down, the officials may notify the other Coach, however, there is no rule of equity and no obligation for the other team to put theirs down unless there is a district rule. XIV. Coin Toss: a) Make the choice audible before you toss. Repeat his choice back to him and to the opponent. b) R let the coin hit the ground. The U should retrieve the coin. c) Give good signals to the Press Box. XV. Consistency: a) Coaches want consistency in what is and is not a foul so they know what to coach. b) Do not call a foul in the 4th Q that you passed on earlier in the game. c) Do not pass on a call in the 4th Q that you called earlier in the game. d) Do not call a foul near the goal line that you passed on near midfield. e) Do not pass on a call near the goal line that you called near midfield. f) Be consistent in marking the ball ready for play throughout the game. XVI. End of Game: a) If an offensive team goes into a victory formation, officials should use common sense officiating and make every attempt to not call fouls that have no bearing on the outcome of the game. b) Personal Fouls and Player Safety Fouls should always be called regardless of time and score. c) If the Referee stops play for any reason, the game is suspended and not over. d) The official s jurisdiction ends when the game is over. 4

5 e) After the game, officials should not talk to coaches about future assignments. XVII. Equipment: a) Both teams must certify in writing before the game that all of their players are equipped according to rule and have been instructed the proper use of their equipment. b) If equipment becomes illegal through play, the team will not be charged a T.O.; however, the player must leave the game until the illegal equipment is corrected. c) The team may keep the player in the game by taking a T.O. to fix the equipment. d) Identify equipment violations during the pregame. XVIII. Face Mask: a) Touching the face mask or a grab and release is not a foul. There must be a pull or twist and turn to be a foul. b) The grab, pull, twist, and turn of any helmet opening is a foul. c) Face mask restrictions apply to the offense and defense. d) An overbuilt face mask is illegal. XIX. False Start: a) A flinch is a flinch and a FST. This applies to both Lineman and Backs. b) If an offensive player is going from a 2 point stance to a 3 point stance when the ball is snapped, this is a FST. c) QB head bobs or jerks are FST. QB hard counts are not fouls. d) Ineligible offensive lineman who have their hand on or near the ground can turn and look at the QB to hear the signals if they are slow and do not lift their hand. e) Pointing at the defender as part of the offensive signals is not a FST. f) If the center flinches, head bobs, or moves the ball, this is a FST. Especially if this is only done on 4th downs or short yardage situations. g) Be alert for the defense calling the offensive snap count that causes a FST. h) A defender making a non-football move that causes the offense to FST is a foul for DOG. XX. Field: a) If both teams are on the field, an official must be on the field. b) Jurisdiction is 30 minutes prior to KO, but use good judgment if there is a potential for problems. c) The Referee will request a change to anything in, on, or around the field he believes is unsafe to the game administrator. XXI. Flags: a) There is no such thing as a late flag. Sometimes, it is necessary to wait until all of the action has stopped to make a ruling. b) Go slow. See the play, read the action, then, make the call. c) Do not reach for your flag unless you intend to drop it. Everyone will see your indecisiveness. 5

6 d) There is no such thing as that s not your call. All officials are responsible for their primary area and secondarily responsible for ruling on action legal or illegal anywhere on the field. (Exception...prior to and at the snap, LOS officials should officiate from the snapper to their sidelines; officials on the KO team restraining line officiate OFK from the K to their sidelines) e) Do not throw flags at players. Throw your flag up in the air unless it is a spot foul. f) If the flag is meant to mark a spot, throw and continue to officiate. After all dead ball action has ceased, reposition the flag if necessary before reporting the foul. XXII. Fighting: a) If player actions are deemed to be fighting, the player must be DQ. b) When in question, such actions will be deemed pushing UNS and not fighting. c) If players come off of the bench on to the field, they are deemed to be fighting by rule. d) If multiple players are fighting, the R & L will record the home team members involved. The U and H will record the visiting team members involved. The B will overlap those efforts and record all team members involved in fighting. e) After all actions have ceased, the officials shall direct the team members to their sidelines. f) Officials shall meet in the middle of the field and compare player numbers for DQ. Go slow. g) The R shall notify the head coaches of DQ players. XXIII. Formations Defense: a) If the center adjusts or moves the ball forward after the defense has established position on the LOS, the defense should not be penalized for DOF as they have been put into this position by actions of the offense. XXIV. Formations Offensive: a) Use good judgment on ILF. There s no obvious advantage by the offense having 5 in the backfield on a running play. Read the play. b) Officials will work to keep offensive lineman legal and call ILF only when obvious or when warnings to the Player or Coach are ignored. c) Do not wait until the 4th quarter to start enforcing this rule. d) A wide receiver or slot back is covering up a tight end if there is no stagger. When in question, it is not a foul. e) Do not be technical in determining if a wide receiver or slot back is on or off the LOS. f) When in question, it is not a foul. XXV. Kicks: a) The kicking team restraining line for regular deep or pooch kicks will be a SOFT plane, and the officials will not be technical on calling OFK. b) The kicking teams restraining line for an onside kick will be a HARD plane, and the officials will call OFK if the kickers (other than the kicker) break the plane of the kicking teams restraining line before the ball is kicked. 6

7 c) The receiving team restraining line is a plane, and a kickoff has gone 10 yards when the ball has broken the plane and remains beyond the plane of the receiving teams restraining line. (The wind could blow it back) d) If the kickoff results in a TB or Fair Catch do not call a foul for an illegal wedge formation or OH. e) On a kickoff that results in a touchback, there is no foul for an illegal wedge formation. f) Illegal block in the back can be called on fair catches, but not if the illegal block occurs away from the play as the fair catch is being made, or the play results in a touchback and contact is slight. g) Blocks in the back that are personal fouls should be called regardless of their timing relative to a fair catch. XXVI. Ball Persons & Game Balls a) Have good communication and a good pregame meeting. b) Keep them in the game but safely away from the field. c) Tell the ball person you will let them know when you want a new ball. Don t let them or a coach make that decision. d) Allow a reasonable request to exchange a ball that becomes dead in the offensive teams side zone. e) Unless a TD is the result of a turnover, a ball used for a TD is good enough for the extra point. f) There is no such thing as a kicking ball. All balls submitted for approval prior to the game must be rotated in and out of the game as necessary. g) Even though balls have been inspected and approved for play, all officials are responsible for ball inspection throughout the game. h) When the U places the ball on the ground he has deemed that ball acceptable for play. i) Do not let a team request a new ball late in the play clock to keep from getting a DOG. j) Good ball mechanics by the crew is a very important part of the game. k) The crew must have an air pressure test gauge, an air pump, and a marker, to test, inflate and mark the game balls. XXVII. Fumbles: a) A fumble is the unintentional loss of possession. b) When in question, the runner fumbled the ball and was not down. c) When in question, the ball is passed and not fumbled during an attempted forward pass. d) The ground cannot cause a fumble. If the runner with the ball in his possession, contacts the ground with something other than his hand or foot and the ball comes out simultaneous with the contact the ball becomes dead. You cannot fumble a dead ball. XXVIII. Fouls: a) See the play, read the action, make the call. Go slow in calling fouls. b) If you think it s a foul it is not. If you know it s a foul it is. c) If you don t see the entire actions don t throw a flag. d) With proper mechanics your view of the action is all that s required; the coach can t help you. 7

8 e) When necessary seek the help of a nearby official. But if it s your key, it s your call. f) In applying the rules, look for a clear advantage gained. Illegal flagrant actions are always a foul. g) We don t have me too flags. XXIX. Game Control: a) Control of the game is not lost in one play. It happens a play at a time until control is lost. b) Preventive officiating will keep the game pace and eliminate potential fouls. c) See everything you call, but don t call everything you see. d) Fouls that create an unfair advantage or player safety should be called anytime during the game regardless of time and score. XXX. Goal Line: a) When in question it is not a TD. b) When considering whether or not a receiver has taken the ball out of the end zone on a kick, interception, or recovery, it is the position of the ball rather than the position of the player or his feet that will determine if the entire ball is out of the end zone. c) The entire ball must be in the FOP or it is a touchback or safety when coming out. d) The entire Goal Line is in the end zone. e) When in question a foul occurred in the FOB and not in the end zone. f) Consider an interception or catching a kick inside the 1 yard line to be in the end zone. XXXI. Hide Out & Trick Plays: a) Formations and actions during the execution of a trick or unusual plays must be completely legal. It s either 100% legal or 100% illegal. b) Any play that uses a substitution to deceive as part of the play is illegal. c) If a play can only be run in front of a team s bench area it is probably illegal. d) Officials must be aware of all substitutions, especially ones that could create an ILS foul. e) A player loses his status as a participant when he enters his team area while the ball is dead, and then must adhere to substitution rules. f) A player may fake a spike and throw a pass. g) A player may not fake taking a knee. This makes the ball dead. XXXII. Holding Defense: a) It is not DH if the defender is restricting the offensive player in a personal attempt to get to the ball or the runner. b) If a defender immediately grabs and pulls the jersey of a receiver at the LOS and doesn t continue this action downfield this isn t DH. c) Do not call DH if the action occurs clearly away from the POA and has no effect on the play. d) If a defender holds and restricts an offensive player and a teammate shoots the gap this is DH. e) If the defender holds and restricts an offensive player and no one shoots the gap this is not DH unless this action prevents the offensive player from getting to their blocking assignment. (next level) 8

9 XXXIII. Holding Offensive: a) To have OH there must be a clear and visible material restriction: a pull, a yank, or a jerk. b) Make the defense show you something i.e. trying to get away, running sideways, etc c) Categories of OH: Tackle, Pullover, Grab & Restrict, Hook & Restrict, Take Down, Jerk & Restrict. d) Avoid calling OH hold if the held defender participates in the tackle. e) If there is a potential OH, but the action occurs clearly away from the POA and has no (or could have no) effect on the play, OH should not be called. Example: A defensive back on the opposite side of the field holding a wide receiver on a designed run play to the other side. f) You should not call OH on a double team block unless there is a takedown or the defender breaks the double team and is pulled back. g) If a defender has beaten the blocker, be alert for OH. If he is beat, the blocker is going to cheat. Watch the feet. h) Takedowns at the point of attack, those in the open field, within the tackle box and affecting the result of the play create special focus and should be called in those situations. XXXIV. Horse Collar Tackle: a) It is not a foul for a HCT inside the tackle box. b) Once the ball goes outside the tackle box, the tackle box disintegrates; HCT can be called if the runner returns to that original area. c) To have a HCT the runner does not have to be tackled. If the immediate action buckles the runners knees but he is strong enough to fight through the action it is still a foul. XXXV. Illegal Forward Pass: a) The second forward pass from behind the LOS is IFP. b) If beyond the LOS the spot from where the ball was first touched or hits the ground must be in advance of the spot where the ball was released to be IFP. c) For the passer to be called for IFP the passers ENTIRE BODY and the BALL must be beyond the LOS when he RELEASES the ball. Don t be technical; allow the LOS to extended 1 yard. XXXVI. Ineligible Downfield: a) For a restricted offensive player to be illegally downfield on a forward pass that crosses the LOS the ENTIRE player s body must have been more than 3 yards past the LOS before pass is RELEASED to have a foul for IDP. Don t be technical. b) If the passer is legally throwing the ball away out of bounds, near or beyond the sideline, do not penalize the offense for IDP. XXXVII. Intentional Grounding: a) The QB can spike the ball to stop the clock unless it is: 1. After the ball has already touched the ground; or 2. Not immediately after controlling the ball b) The QB can throw the ball at the feet of an eligible receiver even if he is not looking. 9

10 c) If the QB is outside the pocket and throws the ball away to avoid a sack and there is a question as to if the ball went beyond the LOS, rule that it did. XXXVIII. Kicking a Loose Ball: a) When in question, if a loose ball was kicked, it will be ruled accidental and not a foul. XXXIX. Leaping: a) Jumping straight up to block a Try or FG is not a foul. Landing on a player is the foul. b) Know who on the defense is in a restricted leaping position. c) It is a foul to leap over a blocker behind the NZ (punt shield) when attempting to block a kick. XL. Line of Scrimmage: a) Defensive players who jump into the NZ and are moving back will be ruled to be DOF anytime there is a question as to did they get back on side before the snap. b) If the defense is crowding the NZ, any forward movement by the defense puts them into the neutral zone. c) 2 Offensive Players Protected: If a defender moves into the NZ in the gap between 2 offensive linemen causing one of the lineman to react it is a foul for DOF. d) 3 Offensive Players Protected: If a defender moves into the NZ head up on an offensive lineman causing that lineman or an adjacent lineman on either side to react it is a foul for DOF. e) Backs and Split Receivers are not protected. f) Contact by the defense prior to the snap is DOF. g) The defense cannot touch the ball after it has been made ready for play. h) Rule a defender as unabated when his charge takes him past the hip of the outside offensive lineman before the ball is snapped. Shut the play down immediately. i) When in question, a quick or abrupt movement by the center or QB is a false start. j) Officials will work to keep offensive linemen legal and will call a foul only when obvious or when a warning to the player and a subsequent warning to the coach are ignored. Don t wait till the fourth quarter to enforce the rule. k) Don t be technical on an offensive player who is a wide receiver or slot back in determining if he is off the line of scrimmage. When in question, it is not a foul. l) Wide receivers or slot backs lined up outside a tight end will be ruled on the line of scrimmage and covering the tight end if there is no stagger between their alignments. If in question, the tight end is not covered up. m) When in question regarding player position on movement by the defense into the neutral zone which causes the offense to move, a player is moving toward the offensive player. This protects both that player and the two adjacent offensive players. n) Anytime a defensive player jumps toward the neutral zone and there is a question whether he was in the neutral zone and the appropriate offensive player(s) moves, shut the play down and penalize the defense. o) Anytime a defensive player shoots the gap, and there is a question as to contact, err on the side of offside and shut the play down to avoid a free shot on the quarterback. 10

11 XLI. Measurements: a) Always allow a reasonable request for a measurement. b) Do not allow a team a measurement to keep from a DOG penalty. c) Be sure the Press Box or TV cameras have a clear view of the measurement. d) Rotate the ball with the nose facing the goal line before measuring. e) The covering official should come in to the pile and get the ball down as close to the runner or OB spot. Don t move the ball then measure. XLII. Momentum: a) If a pass is intercepted near the goal line (inside the 1 yard line) and there is a question as to whether possession is gained in the FOP or the EZ, make it a TB. b) If intercepted inside the 5 yard line and the players momentum take him into the EZ where he goes down, give him the ball at the spot of the interception with bean bag mechanics. c) Use the same philosophy in ruling if the catcher of a free or scrimmage kick should be a TB or possession in the FOP. XLIII. Overtime: a) You must know the Overtime Rules and if the District plays Positive Points. b) Officials shall briefly meet in the middle of the field and discuss the overtime procedures. c) L & H will escort coaches to the middle of the field to meet with the R & U. XLIV. Defensive Pass Interference: a) DPI and OPI are generally committed by actions about the waist. b) Occasionally player s feet get tangled but unless ruled TRP, there s no foul. c) There must be contact to have DPI and the legal pass must be untouched and catchable by rule. d) There can be no DPI on a pass that does not cross the LOS. There can be DH but not DPI. e) Both offensive and defense have equal rights to the ball. f) Slow down and mentally process the action what did you see was an advantage gained was the contact material to prevent a play on the ball make your ruling. g) Bump and run down the sideline by both players is not a foul. h) No DPI on an eligible receiver who went OB on his own. i) Actions that constitute defensive pass interference include, but are not limited to, the following six categories: 1. Early contact by a defender who is not playing the ball is defensive pass interference provided the other requirements for defensive pass interference have been met, regardless of how deep the pass is thrown to the receiver. 2. Playing through the back of a receiver in an attempt to make a play on the ball. 3. Grabbing and restricting a receiver s arm(s) or body in such a manner that restricts his opportunity to catch a pass. 4. Extending an arm across the body (arm bar) of a receiver thus restricting his ability to catch a pass, regardless of whether or not the defender is looking for the ball. 5. Cutting off or riding the receiver out of the path to the ball by making contact with him 11

12 without playing the ball. 6. Hooking and restricting a receiver in an attempt to get to the ball in such a manner that causes the receiver s body to turn prior to the ball arriving. XLV. Pass Interference Offense: a) Actions that constitute offensive pass interference include but are not limited to the following four categories: 1. Driving through a defender who has established a position on the field. 2. Blocking downfield during a pass that legally crosses the line of scrimmage. 3. Picking off a defender who is attempting to cover a receiver. XLVI. Not Offensive Pass Interference a) Offensive pass interference for blocking downfield will not be called if the passer is legally grounding the ball out of bounds, near or beyond the sideline. b) Offensive pass interference will not be called on a screen pass when the ball is overthrown behind the line of scrimmage but subsequently lands beyond the expanded line of scrimmage and linemen are blocking downfield, unless such blocking prevents a defensive player from catching the ball. c) It is not offensive pass interference on a pick play if the defensive player is blocking the offensive player when the contact occurs and doesn t make a separate action, or if the contact occurs within one yard of the line of scrimmage. d) Push off creating separation is not a foul unless the offended player is moved from his position that disables him from making a play on the ball. You can use him but not abuse him XLVII. Other Passing Situations: a) Remember the elements of Pass Interference: 1. Forward pass beyond the LOS 2. Eligible receiver 3. Untouched pass 4. Reasonable opportunity to catch the pass had the contact not occurred b) Watch for DPI and OPI in the 1/3 of the field the ball is thrown. c) Pick plays. Offensive players by rule must avoid contact. d) Ineligible lineman must be more than 3 yards beyond the LOS to be a foul. e) When in question on action against the passer, it is roughing the passer if the defender s intent is to punish. f) An uncatchable pass must be blatantly uncatchable in order to disregard a foul for pass interference. g) If the quarterback is outside the tackle box and is throwing the ball away to avoid a sack, when in question as to whether the ball is beyond the neutral zone, it is beyond the line. Don t be technical. h) If the passer is contacted after he starts his passing motion, then it may be ruled no intentional grounding due to this contact. 12

13 i) If the passer is contacted clearly before he starts his passing motion, then there will be a foul for intentional grounding if there is no eligible receiver in the vicinity or if the pass does not reach the line of scrimmage after the quarterback has been outside the tackle box. j) If an interception is near the goal line (inside the one yard line) and there is a question as to whether possession is gained in the field of play or end zone, make the play a touchback. XLVIII. Personal Fouls: a) Spitting on an opponent is a DQ. b) When late hits occur away from the ball near the end of the play, when in question make them dead ball UNS and not live ball fouls. c) Non-contact fouls (verbal, excessive demonstration) and delayed contacts after the play is obviously over are UNS. d) Officials shall notify the head coach of his player s number for the first infraction of UNS fouls. Just state the player s number and a brief description of the illegal action. Don t entertain much conversation. e) If the action is deemed to be fighting, the player must be DQ. When in question if an act is a flagrant personal foul or fighting, the player is not fighting. f) Players committing flagrant personal fouls must be DQ. g) The R shall notify the head coach of DQ players. XLIX. Pocket: a) Pocket is not an NCAA Rule Book term. The rule book uses the term Tackle Box. b) The Tackle Box goes from tackle to tackle all the way back to the passers end line. c) The Tackle Box goes away when the ball leaves the Tackle Box and does not come back even if the ball comes back into the original Tackle Box area. L. Pregame: a) A good pregame conference is vital to the success of the crew. b) Use the time on the field during warm ups to get some snaps and reps at your position. c) R introduce yourself to the starting Q of both teams. Tell them you ll call them by their first name rather than number during the game (i.e...rfp after a TO, etc ) d) U do the same for the starting snapper. LI. Professionalism: a) From the time you arrive at the stadium until you leave, how you dress, act, talk, and treat other people is a reflection on you, your fellow officials, and your Chapter. b) Tobacco use on school property is against the law and not acceptable conduct for an official. LII. Pylon: a) The Goal Line pylon is OB behind the goal line. b) If the ball in player possession touches the Goal Line pylon it is a TD. c) A player who touches the Goal Line or End Line pylon is OB 13

14 d) A loose ball that touches any pylon is OB behind the goal line. e) The End Line Pylon is OB and not part of the end zone. LIII. Roughing/Running into Holder, Kicker and Passer: a) The holder can be illegally roughed RTH. Be careful in calling RTH because he can get up and run. If contact is late after the ball is gone and he continues to be in the position of the holder, it is RTH. b) When in question it is RTK. If the defender hits the kicker s plant leg it is RTK. If he hits his kicking leg it can be either RTK or RNK. c) When in question it is RPS if the defender is attempting to punish. h) RPS can be the result of a legal hit that was late. i) It s roughing the kicker if there is forcible contact to the plant leg, whether that leg is on the ground or not. It s running into the kicker if a defender simply "runs through" the kicking leg. j) R a good practice is to note the down and distance on 4 th down scrimmage kicks. 4 th and 5 or less, make the contact RNK; the offense gets a 1 st and the defense only loses a few yards. k) All other contact shall be based on the severity and the potential for injury to the kicker. l) For scrimmage kicks the kicker is a player who kicks the ball and may be legally contacted prior to kicking. LIV. Plays at the Sideline and Sideline control: a) Use common sense in working with the team on your sideline to stay back. b) Let them coach but don t let them interfere with you doing your job. c) Sideline control is a safety issue. d) Good communication with your sideline is an important part of the game. e) Be respectful and reply to questions. Do not reply to comments. f) Conduct sideline conferences with the Coach on the sideline. Not on the field. g) If the R grants a request for a sideline conference, the appropriate wingman shall attend. h) If you think a runner stepped OB he did not. i) Throw your hat when an eligible receiver steps OB. j) If the whistle has blown and a runner continuing to advance down the sideline has eased up, contact by the opponent against the runner is a foul. k) If legal contact occurs before the runner has a foot down OB, consider it a legal hit. l) Officials should be alert and be sure any action is not part of the initial play before calling a foul. m) If the runner is hit inbounds and tackled OB by the same defender, consider that one legal action. n) What starts inbounds can finish OB. Look for a 2 nd act before ruling a late hit OB. o) The OB action is more important than the spot where the runner went OB. Get close. p) The affected coach won t care if you miss the exact OB spot if you properly officiated OB. q) When in question as to whether the runner stepped OB, officials should rule the runner did not step out of bounds. r) A good official maintains the down & distance information throughout the game. 14

15 LV. Signals: a) The dead ball signal kills the play just like a whistle. b) Good signals by the officials make the game play better. c) Do not signal TD unless you are the covering official. Don t repeat another official s TD signal. LVI. Spots: a) Always mark the forward progress spot with your downfield foot. b) Spot the ball with the same pace throughout the game unless there is an up tempo offense or time is running out. Do not let a hurry up offense take you out of your game. c) Hustle to get the ball spotted when necessary but you must mechanically do your pre-snap responsibilities first even in a hurry up offense. d) Don t confuse hustle with poor mechanics. Move only with a meaningful purpose. e) The ball should be spotted where it was when it became dead not where it became dead. f) The wrist is part of the hand and the ankle is part of the foot. Rule a player down when something other than his hand of foot touches the ground. g) The back of the hand does not make the runner down. h) For no-huddle offenses, the U shall rely on the HL and LJ practicing cross field mechanics to assist the U in spotting the ball. LVII. Touchdown: a) If the ball in player possession breaks the plane of the goal line it is a TD and the ball becomes dead. Go slow in ruling TD. Look at the other officials if you need help before you signal. b) Your TD signal kills the play and the ball becomes dead. c) When in question, it is not a TD. d) When in question, it is not a safety. e) A non airborne runner crossing the goal inside the pylon with the ball crossing the goal line extended is a TD. f) On a long run for a TD, the B will have the goal line and signal. The wings will assist with the dead ball action. g) On a long run down a sideline, the B will pause to listen for a possible OB whistle by the wing before the giving TD signal. All must maintain focus on the dead ball action. h) The official signaling a TD shall sound a whistle to assist other officials determining live vs dead ball fouls. LVIII. Touching the Ball: a) If a player who is passive and not blocking is blocked into the ball he is not deemed to have touched the ball. Forced touching is disregarded. b) If a player who is active and blocking touches the ball it is touching. c) On a punt when in question the ball was not touched by kickers or receivers. LIX. Try s & Field Goals: a) The 4th down fumble rule applies on tries. 15

16 b) Check with the Offense before spotting the ball for a 2 point try. They may want to put it on the right or left hash mark. c) If it is placed at a hash mark by request of the offense, and after the RFP signal, it can only be moved if the offense calls a T.O. d) A kick that hits the cross bar or upright can score a goal, otherwise it becomes a dead ball. e) A pass, free kick, punt, or fumble that hits the goal post is dead. f) The kicker can use a legal kicking tee. LX. Unsportsmanlike Conduct: a) Allow for brief, spontaneous, emotional reactions at the end of plays. b) Do not allow taunting actions made toward an opponent. c) Actions such as throat slash, gun references, sexual motions, spiking the ball, or actions that are aimed to draw attention are UNS fouls. d) Kicking or throwing an officials flag is a DQ. e) A player DQ himself. We only enforce the rule. f) Beyond the brief, spontaneous bursts of energy, officials should flag those acts that are clearly prolonged, self-congratulatory, and that make a mockery of the game. g) A list of specifically prohibited acts is in Rule (a) thru (h). That list is intended to be illustrative and not exhaustive. All agree that when those acts are clearly intended to taunt or demean, they should be penalized. h) Do not be overly technical in applying Rule i) Officials should refrain from arresting a player who is about to celebrate or taunt. We can t stop them all, so don t attempt to stop any. Often officials are injured attempting to prevent excessive celebrations. LXI. Video: a) Watch and study as much video of yourself and others as possible. b) Watch games on TV from your position. c) Practice your keys when watching TV or video. LXII. Weather: a) Know the weather and lightning rules for stopping and restarting the game. LXIII. Whistles: a) Officials are instructed to blow the whistle only when they see the ball dead. b) The rules state a whistle shall be blown at the conclusion of every play. c) There will be no inadvertent whistles if the officials go slow and blow the ball dead only when it becomes dead by rule. d) R don t blow a whistle to start the game clock after an inbounds first down. Face the LOS and wind the clock. The play clock is running so your whistle serves no purpose but to confuse players or other officials. 16

17 LXIV. X s & O s: a) Learn some football coaching terms. b) This will help when communicating with coaches. LXV. Yard Lines: a) The ball can be spotted on a yard line to begin a new series after a change of possession. Exception: If the COP occurs after a failure to make the LTG because of an incomplete forward pass or a run that was short of the LTG after a measurement you do not move the ball. b) At all other times the ball will be spotted where it becomes dead. LXVI. Officiate the Big Stuff: a) Make ALL fouls BIG infractions of the rules. Determine if an advantage was gained. b) Common sense and good judgment usually can get you in the best position to do your job. c) Ruling on the legality of conduct and actions by player and coaches takes courage. d) Do not take a coaches words, attitude, or body language as directed to you personally. Have the boldness to do what is right regardless of the consequences. e) If you miss one, don t look back. We must always be ready to officiate the next play. f) There s an invisible but distinct string between your integrity and your flag. g) A successful Texas high school football official uses the proper application of NCAA rules, UIL exceptions, TASO mechanics and these Philosophies. 17