PIAA 6 MAN Pre-Game Review-HEAD LINESMAN Rev 08/10/2010 Martin, District VI Free Kicks R s Pre-Kick Receiving Team Must have 11, do not begin unless each team has 11 players. May be anywhere behind receivers restraining line. No one comes on the field after the ready for play. R s Post-Kick: No low blocks by either team K cannot legally touch the ball until: The ball is touched by the receivers or The ball travels 10 yards and grounds. 1 st touching by K: if K is the first to touch the free kick after it grounds and before the ball has traveled 10 yards (bean bag, no flag or whistle). Free ball after the ball has traveled 10 yards and grounds or is touched by the Receivers. The ball is dead if the kickers catch or recover the free kick: Any K player catching or touching the kick in the air (pooch kick) before R has touched it = KCI. Awarded fair catch at the spot of the foul or 15 yd penalty from the previous spot and re-kick. Head Linesman Mechanics/Responsibilities Position: Receivers 15 yard line at the visiting team s sideline (away from the press box). Check with the Side Judge for his ready for play. Raise your hand to signal the Referee that you have 11 players and your side is ready. Wind the clock if the ball is legally touched in your zone. Take the ball if it is kicked deep, in your 1/3 of the field. Trail the runner by 5-7 yards and stay wide, if you have the responsibility for the runner. Take the blocking out front if you are not responsible for the runner. Take the dead ball spot until the kickers 1 yard line if you are responsible for the runner. Stop the clock when the ball is declared dead.
PIAA 6 MAN Pre-Game Review-HEAD LINESMAN Anticipated Short Kick Responsibilities Position: Move to the Receivers restraining line. Have your bean bag in your hand for all kicks. Watch for 1 st touching, bean bag (no flag or whistle) and any illegal blocks by either team. Wind the clock if the ball is legally touched in your zone before stopping the clock after the ball is declared dead. Free kick after a fair catch or awarded fair catch Position: The Head Linesman position is on the kickers free kick line. The receivers free kick line is always 10 yards from the kickers restraining line, even if it is in R s end zone. This kick has all the aspects of a kick off except it may score points (free ball after 10 yards and grounds, foul if untouched by the receivers and goes out-of-bounds, etc). Remember the kicking team has the free kick option until they run a foul free down.
PIAA 6 MAN Pre-Game Review-HEAD LINESMAN Scrimmage Plays Pre-Snap Mechanics/Responsibilities: Position: Start the play on the line of scrimmage at the side line of the visiting team. You are responsible for the line to gain crew. Set the down indicator (box) before every snap, verify the correct down before every snap. Make sure the line to gain equipment is 6 or more feet off of the side line. Instruct the Line To Gain crew not to move until you give them permission to move. Your Keys= 2 nd receiver to your side of the field. You are responsible for the forward progress spot until the ball reaches B s 1 yard line. You are responsible for the side line from A s goal line to B s 1 yard line. Verify -7 Team A players are on the line of scrimmage and identify any eligible receivers to your side. Running Play Post-Snap Mechanics/Responsibilities: After the ball is snapped, initially check for fouls against or by the 2 nd receiver to your side if the defense is in press coverage, then look at the tackle for your read (pass or run). Determine the type of play and rule on any blocks ahead of the ball carrier on runs to your side until the ball carrier reaches the line of scrimmage, or backside blocks on runs away from you. On dive plays observe the blocks by the tackle or the tight end until you are responsible for the ball. On options take the pitch man and the ball, the Referee will keep the QB. Once the ball reaches the line of scrimmage, take the ball and the progress spot until B s 1 yard line. You are responsible for your sideline from A s goal line until B s 1 yard line. The Side Judge will have all the spots from B s 1 yard line to B s goal line. DEAD BALL OFFICIATING IS IMPERATIVE
On plays becoming dead in your zone, stay wide until the players separate, then spot the ball, using cross field mechanics (soft spots) on plays ending near your side line. On plays becoming dead out of bounds in your area, the Side Judge or Referee will clean up out of bounds but be prepared to separate any players (if necessary). After the players disperse rotate the ball into the side judge, if the ball becomes dead in your zone Pass Play Post-Snap Mechanics/Responsibilities: After the ball is snapped, initially check for fouls against or by the 2 nd receiver to your side if the defense is in press coverage, then look at the tackle for your read (pass or run). On a pass on your side line, make eye contact with the side judge before ruling catch/no catch. When the receiver is facing you, rule on the possession and the Side Judge will rule on the feet. When the receiver is facing the Side Judge, the Side Judge will rule on the possession and you will rule on the feet. Make eye contact with the side judge before an incomplete signal. You are responsible for the short zones from the middle of the field to your side line. When a receiver is no longer a potential blocker, the defense can no longer initiate contact. Restrictions for A begin at the snap. Restrictions for B begin when the pass is released. Restrictions for eligible A s and B end: When any player touches the pass. Restrictions end for all: When B touches the pass. The pass must be in the vicinity of the contact for a potential Defensive Pass Interference call (holding & illegal use of hands are possible away from the pass). Contact by a defender obviously away from the direction of the pass is not pass interference. Offensive Pass Interference is not affected by the direction of the pass requirements. Team A may not block beyond the Expanded Neutral Zone, before the legal forward pass restrictions end.
Goal Line Mechanics/Responsibilities If the ball is snapped from the 15 ydl to the 5 yard line. Position: At the visiting team s sideline (away from the press box) on the line of scrimmage. Let the runner pass and trail the play, you have the spot until B s 1 yard line, the goal line is the responsibility of the side judge. If the ball is snapped from the 5 yard line to the goal line. Position: At the visiting team s sideline (away from the press box) on the line of scrimmage. The goal line is the responsibility of the Line Judge and Linesman. Go directly to the goal line and officiate back to the ball when the ball is snapped at the 5 yard line or closer (going in or coming out). REMINDER: YOU MUST SEE THE BALL IN POSSESSION OF THE BALL CARRIER AND BREAKING THE PLANE OF THE GOAL LINE BEFORE SIGNALLING A TOUCHDOWN.
Scrimmage Kicks (Punt) R s Post-Kick Requirements Any fair catch signal, must meet requirements. Any fair catch signaler must not block until the kick ends. Any valid or invalid fair catch signal, the ball is dead when possessed, (be careful, make sure of possession before you blow your whistle) probably a PSK foul for any invalid signal. ILLEGAL SIGNAL (after possession), Live ball foul (DO NOT blow the play dead, let the play continue) this is a spot foul, running play. If the kick is blocked, was possession gained BEYOND THE NEUTRAL ZONE? NO YES Either team may advance the ball (K can run, pass or re-kick) The continuity of downs is not broken if the receivers touch the ball behind the Neutral Zone. if the kickers are 1 st to touch the kick beyond the Neutral Zone, this is 1 st touching by K (bean bag) live ball. if the Kickers possess the kick beyond the Neutral Zone, the ball is declared dead. If a LOW kick is touched by either team, in or behind the Expanded Neutral Zone, touching is ignored. If the receivers are 1 st to touch the kick beyond the neutral zone, a new series will begin for whichever team has possession at the end of the down. Head Linesman Pre-Snap Mechanics/Responsibilities: Position: Start the play on the line of scrimmage at the side line of the visiting team (away from the press box). Make sure the kicking team has at least 7 players on the line of scrimmage. Verify all eligible receivers to your side of the field. On 4 th down if K is in punt formation they may use an unlimited number of numbering exceptions. REMINDER: If Team K is using the numbering exceptions, any player that lines up at an ineligible position, remains ineligible even if they shift to an eligible position prior to the snap.
Head Linesman Post-Snap Mechanics/Responsibilities Remain on the line of scrimmage until the kick crosses the neutral zone. Slowly proceed downfield after the kick, your primary responsibility is the blocks in advance of the deep receivers. Keep your cushion in front of the Side Judge, he is responsible for the dead ball spot, you will be responsible for the blocks in advance of the ball carrier. On plays ending on or outside the sideline, you will officiate the action out of bounds. You are responsible for the sideline to the goal line, stop at the goal line. On plays with a bad snap or blocked kick, if the Referee is facing you, you will retreat and rule on any action behind the Referee. If a bad snap or blocked kick happens near K s goal line and the Referee is facing you, you are responsible for the goal line and the Referee is responsible for the end line. Stop the clock after the play is ruled dead. Remember they can fake it. Low blocks by either team must be immediate (review low block requirements). If the kick is partially blocked: DO NOT BLOW YOUR WHISTLE Hold your position if you are not responsible for the action behind the referee. If the kick is blocked: And is recovered behind the Neutral Zone, EITHER TEAM MAY ADVANCE. And the kick is touched first by the kickers BEYOND THE Neutral Zone, it is 1 st touching by K (bean bag, no whistle). And the kick is RECOVERED BY THE KICKERS BEYOND the Neutral Zone, bean bag the end of the kick and the ball is dead when possessed by the kickers. Possession belongs to the receivers.
And the kick is touched by the receivers behind the neutral zone, the touching is ignored. And the kick is touched by the RECEIVERS BEYOND the neutral zone, a new series is awarded to the team in possession at the end of the down. SPECIAL SITUATIONS: PSK Fouls- Make sure you know when and where the foul occurred: 1-During a scrimmage kick other than a try or successful Field Goal. 2-During a scrimmage kick when the ball crosses the Neutral Zone. 3- During a scrimmage kick when a foul by the receivers occurs 2 yards or more beyond the Neutral Zone. 4- During a scrimmage kick when a foul by the receivers occurs before the end of the kick. 5- During a scrimmage kick and the kickers will not be next to put the ball in play. 6- Illegal substitution and illegal participation are not PSK fouls. If any of these elements are missing, it is not a PSK foul. Any fouls during the kick that are not PSK fouls are administered as a loose ball play. All fouls after the last kick ends are administered as a running play.
Scrimmage Kicks (Field Goal/PAT) Head Linesman Pre-Snap Mechanics/Responsibilities Position: At the visiting team s sideline (away from the press box) on the line of scrimmage. Verify Team A has 7 players on the line of scrimmage. You are responsible for the wing back to your side for holding or illegal blocks. After the kick is away pinch in and help with line control. Anticipate a Fake or Broken Play as primary if it s kicked its easy. Head Linesman Post-Snap Mechanics/Responsibilities Remind everyone that the ball is live on a blocked Field Goal (DO NOT BLOW YOUR WHISTLE). The kick try (extra point) is ended when it is obvious the kick has failed. They could fake the kick, react accordingly. If the field goal is blocked or the play is a fake, stay wide, the goal line is your responsibility. An unsuccessful field goal is a live ball until it grounds and breaks the plane of the goal line or is out of bounds or is declared dead. If the kick is BLOCKED: DO NOT BLOW YOUR WHISTLE on a Field Goal attempt. If recovered BEHIND the Neutral Zone, ANYONE may advance. If touched first by the kickers BEYOND the neutral zone, 1 st touching (bean bag, no whistle). If recovered by the kickers BEYOND the neutral zone, the ball is dead (bean bag). The ball belongs to the receivers. If the kick is touched by the RECEIVERS BEYOND the neutral zone, a new series is awarded to the team in possession at the end of the down. If a grounded Field Goal attempt breaks the plane of the Receivers goal line, the ball is dead, and the result of the play is a touchback. The receivers may return a Field Goal attempt if recovered in the field of play.
Missed FG or Trys- If the TRY is blocked: The ball is dead when a kick try (extra point) has obviously failed. Missed field goals have the same kick rules as a punt. Missed Field Goals that remain in play, the ball is live and may be returned. Bean bag the end of the kick for the PSK spot in your zone. If an unsuccessful field goal is declared dead (without possession) in the field of play, it belongs to the receiving team at the dead ball spot (bean bag). When a kick try (extra point) is obviously unsuccessful the ball will be declared dead.
Change of Quarters Status Of The Ball: Everyone will document on your game card before changing ends: Team Possession Yard Line of the Ball Down, Distance to go for a 1 st down and yard line of the clip. The Referee and Umpire will take charge of the ball. Umpire: You are responsible to move the ball (remember to place ball on the correct hash), step off ball placement from the nearest yard line. After placing the ball your position is to remain with the ball. Referee: After marking your game card stay with the umpire as he moves the ball. After the ball is placed, stay in the offensive backfield in position to see the back judge when he notifies you that the time out is expiring. Line Judge: After marking your game card, verify which yard line the umpire will use to begin his walk off. Go to that yard line and stay there until the umpire makes eye contact with you (make sure that the umpire starts from the correct yard line). After helping the umpire, take control of your side line and release the back judge. Linesman: After marking your game card, take charge of the line-to-gain chains. Use a clip to move the chains (remember to reverse the chains). Place the chains on the side line before moving them 2 yards off the field. If the time-out is not over when you are finished, help the side judge with the side line. Side Judge: After marking your game card, help the linesman with moving the chains. Make sure that the linesman is placing the clip on the correct yard line. After you verify placement, take charge of your side line. Back Judge: You are responsible for timing the 1 minute time out. Mark your game card, then take charge of the line judges side line until he is available. Notify the referee when 15 seconds remain in the time out.
Measurements Status of the Ball: The Referee will decide whether or not to grant a request for a measurement. The Line Judge will stop the game clock when an obvious (1 or more yards) first down has been reached. Referee: Observe the measurement and rule whether the line-to-gain has or has not been reached. Give the appropriate signal to the press box. If the ball is short of the line-to-gain and needs to be moved from the side zone, leave the original ball with the back judge, and place the ball that the side judge has obtained. Mark the ball ready for play when all officials are ready. Umpire: Take the front stake from the chain crew and stretch the chain when the linesman tells you he is ready. If the ball is short of the line-to-gain and needs to be moved from the side zone, move with the referee to the hash and stretch the chains when the linesman is ready. Linesman: Make certain the clip is on the yard line closest to the rear stake, move onto the field and place the clip at the spot indicated by the line judge. If the line-to-gain is not reached, return the chains to the side line and place the clip at the proper spot (verify that the chains are at least 2 yards off the field). Line Judge: Back Judge: Mark the spot (90 degrees) for the placement of the chain by the linesman. Hold the ball during the measurement so its position is not disturbed, until the replacement ball has been placed or a 1 st down is declared.
Side Judge: Set the down indicator for the next play. After setting the down indicator if a replacement ball will be needed, secure a ball and have it ready for the referee to place.
Penalty Administration Status of the Ball: Referee: The official that calls the foul must make sure the clock has been stopped at the conclusion of the down. REMEMBER DO NOT GRANT ANY TIMEOUTS UNTIL THE PENALTY HAS BEEN DECIDED. Give a preliminary signal to the press box on all fouls except false starts and encroachment infractions. Explain the options to the offended captain and take his 1 st choice of acceptance or refusal. After the captain has made his choice and the umpire administers the penalty, signal the foul to the press box using the correct NFHS signals. If an on-field mike is used, speak slowly and succiently. Umpire: When a foul has been called, stay with the Referee and listen to the explanation from the calling official. Take the offended captain to the Referee and listen to the options for the captain to evaluate. After the captain has made his choice, place the ball at the succeeding spot. Use the lines on the field, do not step off the penalty. Check with the linesman making sure that the line-to-gain has or has not been reached. The linesman should be at the proper distance for the penalty enforcement, make sure that you agree with his spot. Linesman: Line Judge: Side Judge: Back Judge: Move to the proper enforcement spot on the side line. Make eye contact with the umpire before he places the ball at the succeeding spot, ensuring that he has measured correctly. Stay with the enforcement spot until the measurement is completed, ensuring the proper enforcement. Cover either the penalty flag or the game ball until an alternate ball has been placed by the umpire at the succeeding spot. Cover either the penalty flag or the game ball until an alternate ball has been placed by the umpire at the succeeding spot.
Time Out Responsibilities Status of the Ball: Referee: All Officials: The official granting the time-out must make sure that the clock has been stopped. Mark your game cards (time, quarter and team) each time a charged time-out is granted. Take a position near Team A s huddle, if the conference is held on the field. If the conference is held inside the nine yard marks, position yourself at the hash, near Team A s side line. The back judge will notify the referee when the time-out has ended. Umpire: Linesman: Line Judge: Side Judge: Back Judge: Your position is over the football, make sure its position is not changed. If the conference is held on the field, position yourself between the huddle and the team box. If the conference is held inside the nine yard marks position yourself at the sideline near the conference. Monitor all player substitutions during this time. At the conclusion of the time out inform the coach how many times-out remain for his team. If the conference is held on the field, position yourself between the huddle and the team box. If the conference is held inside the nine yard marks position yourself at the sideline near the conference. Monitor all player substitutions during this time. At the conclusion of the time out inform the coach how many times-out remain for his team. If the conference is held inside the nine-yard marks, position yourself between the huddle and the team box. If the conference is held on the field position yourself at the sideline near the conference. Monitor all player substitutions during this time. At the conclusion of the time out inform the coach how many times-out remain for his team. If the conference is held inside the nine-yard marks, position yourself between the huddle and the team box. If the conference is held on the field position yourself at the sideline near the conference. Monitor all player substitutions during this time. At the conclusion of the time out inform the coach how many times-out remain for his team.
The End Of The Game All Members Of The Crew Review overtime procedures at half time if necessary. Remember the 2008 change about times out during overtime. They do not accumulate, 1 time out per team per overtime period. Only 1 coin toss, if multiple overtimes occur the team having the 1 st choice rotates until you have a winner. If the defense secures possession of the ball the series for Team A is immediately over. The series always starts 1 st and goal, Team A may get a new series by penalty or by Team B touching a kick in advance of the neutral zone, but it will always be 1 st and goal. If a touchdown is scored the try will be attempted if necessary. Meet together as a crew and leave the field together. Do Not talk with the coaches or the media on the field about any controversial calls that may or may not have happened during the game. This is supposed to be enjoyable, keep your concentration and be prepared and it will be.