Presenters Beau Rugg, Bruce Maurer, Ken Myers OHSAA Points of Emphasis (7/20/14)
Beau Rugg Assistant Commissioner Dr. Bruce Maurer Director of Officiating Development
Attendance will be taken at the end of the meeting
1. Pages 83-85: Delete all (Overtime) 2. Page 99: Delete all (Lightning)
December 4, 5, & 6 Ohio Stadium Columbus
Assigners & Commissioner DO NOT suspend or revise OHSAA Polices & Regulations
Officials give no comment regarding officiating questions. Refer media members to the OHSAA.
If the wind blows the ball off the tee 2 times, a player must hold the ball on the tee for the kicker.
OT begins when the R gives the end of period signal to end the 4 th quarter. Teams can use their time-out in the first OT period any point after that signal.
Officials report to Game Management who will correct it. Apply the inadvertent whistle Rule. If the players pause, slow down, or stop when they hear the whistle, then stop play.
Officials: Review Safety Policies in the Gold Book Start Hydrating the Day before the Game Plenty of Water on Game Day
Discuss at Pregame Meetings with Coaches 35 minutes before KO. Crew will send players to sidelines if they are approaching fouling status Player can reenter when Head Coach thinks he can behave appropriately Any player talking to an opponent will be sent out
Crew must check whenever a player is injured Player with symptoms is suspended from the game and may NOT reenter Any out of state team must follow Ohio Law Player suspended from a game due to a concussion may not reenter Any Ohio team playing in another state player concussed cannot reenter the game.
The schools are responsible for the return to play, not the officials.
Any lightning seen or thunder heard evacuate the field and take cover 30 minute rule Record all necessary game information. Halftime may be shortened/eliminated Failure to follow policy officials could be suspended up to 2 years All players & coaches must be off the field during this time
Must be approved by OHSAA All players must appear in the same uniform Officials take game management s word on approval
LJ meets with Timer before each game to explain the Rule to him/her 2 nd Half Only 30 or more Points
6 situations that stop the clock: Officials TO for injury Charged team TO COP at the end of the down End of period Scoring play Any extended delay The clock will start on the R s RFP on the following play EXCEPTION: The clock will not run on the Try.
When the Point Differential Rule is enforced the R will point at the timer, tap his wrist, & give a wind signal with his index finger. The R will face the timer each time he needs to wind the GC. Other members of the Crew will continue to use Gold Book Signaling. LJ will mirror R s wind. It is the timer s responsibility to know the Rule and then start/stop the clock as needed. THE OFFICIALS WILL SIGNAL AS NORMAL.
PLAY: In the 3 rd quarter, A scores a TD & goes ahead 31 0. RULING: Point Differential Rule starts when the R marks the ball RFP & winds the GC for the KO or, in middle school, for 1 st down. The clock does not run during the Try. The Wings will notify both HC s that the Point Differential Rule is in effect.
PLAY: In the 3 rd quarter, A is ahead 31 0. KT KO s to RT & RT runs it back to 30 YL. RULING: GC stops since there was a COP at the end of the down. The GC starts when the R marks the ball RFP & winds the GC.
PLAY: In the 4 th quarter, A is ahead 31 0. A-1 throws pass, B-1 intercepts, B-1 returns, hit, fumbles, & A-3 recovers the fumble. RULING: Since A has the ball at the end of the down, the GC continues to run. The same ruling would apply on a KO or punt play.
PLAY: In the 4 th quarter, A is behind 31 0. A scores a TD & 1 point Try. Score is now B 31 & A 7. RULING: Since the score differential is now less than 30 points, revert to NFHS standard timing rules. Tell HC s.
PLAY: In the 3 rd quarter, A is ahead 31-0. A-3 is called for holding. RULING: The GC continues to run.
PLAY: In the 3 rd quarter, A is ahead 31 0. It is a hot & humid game & R stops game for extra water breaks. RULING: This is an extended delay. Stop the GC for the water breaks, then R marks ball RFP & winds GC.
A UNS Foul Assessed to an Asst. Coach/Trainer is NOT charged to the HC.
If a player: Grabs the inside back or side collar of the runner s shoulder pads or jersey, AND Pulls that opponent to the ground backward or sideward, THEN It is a foul for a horse-collar tackle. If a player: Grabs the back of the jersey below the collar, OR Doesn t pull a collared runner backward or sideward to the ground, THEN It is not a foul for a horse-collar tackle.
9.4.3 SITUATION L: A1 is running in the open field and B1 grabs A1 s shoulder pad opening from behind and: (a) pulls A1 down abruptly; (b) pulls A1 down to the ground from the side; (c) rides A1 for several yards before pulling A1 backwards to the ground; or RULING: Illegal horse-collar foul in (a), (b) and (c).
9.4.3 SITUATION L: A1 is running in the open field and B1 grabs A1 s shoulder pad opening from behind and rides A1 for several yards before A1 falls forward. RULING: Legal. Not a foul for illegal horse-collar tackle.
9.4.3 SITUATION N: A1 is running in the free blocking zone and B1 grabs A1's jersey collar opening from behind and pulls him down; RULING: Illegal horse-collar foul.
9.4.3 SITUATION N: A1 is running in the free blocking zone and (a) B1 grabs the front of A1's jersey collar opening and pulls him down; (b) B1 grabs A1's jersey at the top of the shoulder area and pulls him down. RULING: Legal in (a) and (b).
7-5-2d & e: An illegal forward pass is a foul. Illegal forward passes include: d. A pass intentionally thrown into an area not occupied by an eligible offensive receiver. e. A pass intentionally thrown incomplete to save loss of yardage or to conserve time. EXCEPTION: It is legal to conserve time by intentionally throwing the ball forward to the ground immediately after receiving a direct hand-to-hand snap. The Tackle Box does NOT exist.
7.5.2 SITUATION A: Quarterback A1 drops back to pass, but is unable to find a receiver and: (a) throws the ball to the ground; or (b) throws the ball to the ground in an area occupied by only defensive players; or (c) deliberately throws the ball at the legs of onrushing defensive linemen. RULING: An illegal forward pass in (a), (b) and (c). Penalize A 5 yards from where the run ended and count the down in each situation. (7-5-2b, c, d)
7.5.2 SITUATION C: Quarterback A1 drops back to pass and while under a good defensive rush, he throws the ball forward: (a) at the feet of two onrushing defensive linemen; or (b) 15 yards behind A3 who has run a deep post pattern; or (c) 5 to 10 feet over the head of eligible A3 who lined up near a sideline. RULING: Illegal forward pass in (a). In (b) and (c), the referee will have to judge whether the pass was intentionally thrown incomplete or whether A1 was simply unable to throw the ball close to A3.
If a K player catches a free kick out of the air, it is ALWAYS a foul for Kick-Catch Interference. It doesn t matter if an R player is in position to catch the kick or not. Free Kicks If a K player catches a punt out of the air, it MAY be a foul for Kick- Catch Interference. If no R player is in possession to catch the kick, it is NOT a foul. Scrimmage Kicks
EXAMPLE: During a kickoff, K-2 kicks the ball high in the air into an area where no R players are standing. Teammate K-15 catches the kick out of the air at the R 45 YL. RULING: Kick-catching interference - R may accept the results of the play, an awarded fair catch after enforcement of a 15-yard penalty from the spot of the foul, or a 15-yard penalty from the previous spot and a replay of the down.
6.5.6 SITUATION B: K1's punt is coming down over R's 15-yard line and all R players have moved away from where the ball will land. K3 catches the ball. RULING: The play is legal and the ball is dead as soon as K3 catches it. The spot of the catch is also a spot of first touching and R will put the ball in play on that yard line, first and 10.
On an unsuccessful Try, if a foul by B/R occurs, and the penalty is accepted (2013) - offended captain shall then choose: 1. To replay the down after enforcement, or 2. To decline the distance penalty for the foul and replay the down from the previous spot. (2014) the down is replayed after enforcement.
Unsportsmanlike Conduct Non-contact Personal Fouls Contact
National Federation of State High School Associations 2014 NFHS Football Rules Changes Take Part. Get Set For Life.
Game Officials Authority Rule 1-1-7 OHSAA Game officials authority begins 35 minutes before the game when they arrive on the field. REFEREE ENTERPISES INC. 2012
Targeting Rules 2-20-2 (NEW); 9-4-3m (NEW) EXAMPLE: SHOULDER TO THE HEAD Targeting is an act of taking aim and initiating contact to an opponent above the shoulders with the helmet, forearm, hand, fist, elbow or shoulders. Targeting may be called for contact against any opponent, including the runner. REFEREE ENTERPISES INC. 2012
Officials should use Signal #24. The penalty is 15 yards.
Targeting Rules 2-20-2 (NEW); 9-4-3m (NEW) EXAMPLE: ELBOW TO THE HEAD Targeting is an act of taking aim and initiating contact to an opponent above the shoulders with the helmet, forearm, hand, fist, elbow or shoulders. Targeting may be called for contact against any opponent, including the runner. REFEREE ENTERPISES INC. 2012
Illegal Kick Status Rule 2-24-9 When the ball is illegally kicked, the ball retains its original status. The player in PlayPic A fumbles and the player in PlayPic B kicks the loose ball. The ball remains a fumble. REFEREE ENTERPISES INC. 2012
If the illegal kick occurs behind the LOS, the basic spot of enforcement is the previous spot. If the illegal kick occurs beyond the LOS, the basic spot of enforcement is the spot where the run ends or the spot of the fumble.
Defenseless Player Rules 2-32-16 (NEW); 9-4-3i(3) A new definition for a defenseless player has been added. A defenseless player is a player who, because of his physical position and focus of concentration, is especially vulnerable to injury. REFEREE ENTERPISES INC. 2012
Defenseless Player Rules 2-32-16 (NEW); 9-4-3i(3) EXAMPLE: OUT OF THE PLAY B6 has chosen not to participate further and is obviously out of the play. He is considered to be defenseless. REFEREE ENTERPISES INC. 2012
Defenseless Player Rules 2-32-16 (NEW); 9-4-3i(3) EXAMPLE: PASS RECEIVER A pass receiver attempting to catch a pass, or a pass receiver who has clearly relaxed when the player has missed the pass or feels he can no longer catch the pass, is considered defenseless. REFEREE ENTERPISES INC. 2012
These types of fouls MUST BE CALLED. The OHSAA will support you when they are called.
Defenseless Player Rules 2-32-16 (NEW); 9-4-3i(3) EXAMPLE: KICK RECEIVER A kick receiver attempting to catch or recover the ball is considered defenseless. REFEREE ENTERPISES INC. 2012
For kick-catching interference: R may accept the results of the play, an awarded fair catch after enforcement of a 15-yard penalty from the spot of the foul, or a 15-yard penalty from the previous spot and a replay of the down.
Defenseless Player Rules 2-32-16 (NEW); 9-4-3i(3) EXAMPLE: FORWARD PROGRESS STOPPED A runner already in the grasp of an opponent and whose forward progress has been stopped is defenseless. Contact on the runner could also be considered targeting. REFEREE ENTERPISES INC. 2012
A player chasing the runner that is legally blocked by an opponent out of his visual field is not a defenseless player if he is within 10-15 yards of the runner.
Untimed Down Rules 3-3-3; 3-3-4 Team A commits a live-ball foul and time for the period expires during the down. As shown in the MechaniGram, if the penalty is accepted, the period is extended for an untimed down. REFEREE ENTERPISES INC. 2012
Untimed Down Rules 3-3-3; 3-3-4 Team B commits a live-ball foul and time for the period expires during the down. If the penalty is accepted, the period is extended for an untimed down. REFEREE ENTERPISES INC. 2012
A period shall be extended by an untimed down if one of the following occurred during a down in which time expires: a. There was a foul by either team and the penalty is accepted, except for those fouls listed in 3-3-4b. b. There was a double foul. c. There was an inadvertent whistle. d. If a touchdown was scored, the period is only extended for the Try. If (a), (b), (c) or (d) occurs during the untimed down, the procedure is repeated.
A period shall not be extended by an untimed down if one of the following occurred during a down in which time expires: a. When the defense fouls during a successful try/field goal and the offended team accepts the results of the play with enforcement of the penalty from the succeeding spot. b. There was a foul by either team and the penalty is accepted for: 1. unsportsmanlike fouls, 2. nonplayer fouls, 3. fouls that specify a loss of down, 4. fouls that are enforced on the subsequent kickoff as in Rule 8-2-2, 8-2-3, 8-2-4 or 8-2-5; or 5. fouls for which enforcement, by rule, result in a safety. NOTE: The score is cancelled in the event of an accepted penalty that specifies a loss of down.
Free-Kick Formation Rules 6-1-3b (NEW); 6-1-3c (NEW) After the ready-for-play has been signaled and until the ball is kicked for a free kick, team K must have at least four players on either side of the kicker. As shown in the MechaniGram, K is guilty of a dead-ball foul. REFEREE ENTERPISES INC. 2012
Free-Kick Formation Rules 6-1-3b (NEW); 6-1-3c (NEW) On a free kick, from the time the ready-for-play is signaled until the ball is kicked, no K player other than the kicker may be more than five yards from his free-kick line. The formation in the MechaniGram becomes legal when the ball has been declared ready-for-play. REFEREE ENTERPISES INC. 2012
Free-Kick Formation Rules 6-1-3b (NEW); 6-1-3c (NEW) The formation in the MechaniGram becomes illegal when the ball has been declared ready-for-play. K4, K5 and K6 are all more than five yards from their free kick line. No K players, with the exception of the kicker may be more than five yards behind the kicking team s free kick line. A player satisfies this rule when no foot is on or beyond the line five yards behind K s free kick. If one player is more than five yards behind the restraining line and any other player kicks the ball, it is a foul. REFEREE ENTERPISES INC. 2012
Following a foul for 6-1-3b or 6-1-3c, the officials will signal using Signals #7 and #18.
Force Rule 8-5-1b (NEW) K1 blocks R2 into the ball. The accidental touching of a loose ball by a player who was blocked into the ball by an opponent is ignored and does not constitute a new force. The result of this play is a touchback. REFEREE ENTERPISES INC. 2012
Roughing the Passer Rule 9-4-4 No defensive player shall charge into, or commit any illegal personal contact foul listed in Rule 9-4-3 against the passer who is standing still or fading back, because he is considered out of the play after the pass and has not moved to participate in the play. Grasping of the face mask is considered roughing the passer. REFEREE ENTERPISES INC. 2012
Once the ball is released, the Referee will slowly state, Ball s Away. If B contacts the passer after that, it will be a foul for roughing the passer
National Federation of State High School Associations 2014 Football Rules Reminders Take Part. Get Set For Life.
Coaches Field Equipment Rule 1-6 RULE CHANGE LEGAL ILLEGAL Communication devices may be used by coaches and nonplayers as in PlayPic A. It is illegal to use those devices to communicate with players inside the 9-yard marks, as in PlayPic B.
Helmet Comes Off Rule 3-5-10d RULE CHANGE Runner s forward progress stopped Runner s helmet comes off as part of subsequent deadball action; official s time-out Player must leave for one down if the helmet came completely off without being directly attributable to a foul by the opponent
Illegal Participation Rule 9-6-4g RULE CHANGE If a player whose helmet comes completely off during a down continues to participate beyond the immediate action in which the player is engaged, it is a foul for illegal participation.
Illegal Personal Contact Rule 9-4-3l RULE CHANGE It is a personal foul if a player or nonplayer initiates contact with an opposing player whose helmet has come completely off.
Illegal Blocking Rule 9-3-8c RULE CHANGE Because R1 has initiated contact with a K player, all K players may block.
Interscholastic Officiating www.nfhsofficials.com
WWW.OHSAAFB.COM
Important that all officials study & use the Gold Book Mechanics so we can standardize our mechanics & improve consistency. There are more holes in 5 man coverage than 7 man so these mechanics allow us to address these challenges. Point Differential Rule is in the Gold Book, P. 34.
www.ohsaafb.com Goal: Within 5 years, to be the #1 website in the world for HS FB officiating. Over 13,000 site visits were recorded in 2013. See P. 3 in the Gold Book for a description.
Black shorts with belt loops & black ankle socks may be worn for varsity games during Weeks 1 10. One Penalty flag must be carried in the front.
Pink whistles are permitted if the whole crew uses. October only Sunglasses may be worn. Effective in 2015: All flags must be in front. American flag if worn must be on left sleeve.
Officials must attend: 4 Local Rules Meetings & 1 State Rules Meeting (Online or Drive-In)
HS Teams throw the FB less than 15 YDS a vast majority of the time. The average completion in the NCAA & NFL play is less than 10 YDS. As a result there is no need for Wings to move downfield immediately at the snap. Instead pause at the LOS & read the play.
Turn to see Catch/ No Catch
Do Not Kick the FB off the field. Spot the FB in the Side Zone only for a Measurement. U can hustle deep into the Side Zone to secure the FB.
R/Wing: Use the Rules Index in the Gold Book if you have to find the Rule that the HC has asked you to show him. Rules Index: Added to the Gold Book to facilitate learning the Rules & reducing the frustration of I know the Rule, now where is it. It has nearly 200 references.
R/LM/LJ/BJ: When space permits STOP a minimum of 5 YDS from the pile of players. This new mechanic allows officials to see more of the Big Picture & call Dead Ball Fouls such as Targeting, Defenseless Player, & Late Hits, when warranted. However if there is a Chippy Game, move closer to the pile for Preventive Officiating Measures.
NEW: Added to the Gold Book for 2014. Crew: Record down, distance & YL; then JOG to the succeeding spot. R: Ensure there are no penalties. The BJ will communicate verbally with the R that there is no Extension of Period. Crew: Review the Gold Book for more details.
Crew: We are paid to control the game. Too often we allow early talking between opponents. Take care of it ASAP. Coaches: They are allowed a maximum of 2 steps on the field during the dead ball interval. Move them back when needed. Communicate. Team TO s: There are 2 legal places to huddle communicate verbally to move them to the correct area.
BJ: Due to New KO Rules the BJ will be responsible for calling KT Players who are more than 5 YDS from K s Restraining Line (usually the 40 YL). BJ: Emphatically inform KT Players that both feet must be within 5 YDS of the KT Line. And that 4 KT players must be on each side of the Kicker. BJ/U: Count 4 KT Players on each side of Kicker. Communicate with KT Players & appropriate HC. Either official can make this call. These are Dead Ball Encroachment Fouls from the R s RFP signal until the Kick.
LM/LJ: If they disagree as to whether to stay at the GL or move to the 10YL, stay at GL. LM/LJ: If the KT is penalized 15 YDS & there is a re-kick, then move up the field accordingly. R: Stay on the GL due to the NFHS Rule regarding breaking the GL plane. LJ/U: (4 Man Mechanics): Stay on SL after the KO.
NEW: Measurement Mechanics have been added to the Gold Book. LJ: A reminder that the LJ will Stop the GC if the dead ball spot is close to a 1 st Down. R: He will make the final decision to measure or not after conferring with the Crew, if needed.
IP is usually 20 YDS off the LOS. Pass & Run: The BJ will stay at 20 YDS until the FB is snapped between the + 15 YL & + 10 YL. Then his IP moves to 5 YDS deep in the EZ. This will allow the BJ to move quickly to the GL on a run if the Team A Receivers do not push him back to the EL.
Turn to see Catch/ No Catch
R: He will Yell Ball s Away once & slowly to inform the Team B Rushers to stay off the Passer. If B hits the Passer after the R has said Ball s Away once & slowly, it is Roughing the Passer. U: If the Passer rolls in a Moving Pocket, the U should flow with the pocket along the LOS in R&R 3. U: He must get to the LOS on R&R 3 or if LOS is threatened by the Passer.
For fouls that are enforced prior to the KO the BJ will: Place the FB on the ground, Signal the foul to the PB using a sharp professional signal, & Then walk off the yardage.
If the Punter is between the 5 YL & the GL, the R s IP is 10 YDS wide, standing on the GL, & at a 45 degree angle. If the Punter is on the GL or in the EZ, the R s IP is 10 YDS wide, standing on the End Line, & at a 45 degree angle.
Covering Official (s): Do NOT follow up an Incomplete Pass signal with a Time-out signal. The Incomplete Pass signal kills the clock Other Crew Members: When members of your Crew signal Incomplete Pass, do NOT signal Time-out.
VCM Definition: Winning Team HC informs officials we are going to take a knee. Opponent is out of team time-outs or tells Wing that we will not use them. Winning Team is ahead by 9 or more points. Or, losing team says we are ok with them taking a knee. Communication: Inform losing team HC. R: Inform QB that he MUST take a knee. Crew: All pinch in close. Inform both teams.
Under NO conditions will the Crew operate the visible Stadium Play Clock (PC). Play Clock Operation is the responsibility of Game Management. The AD must find a competent person to operate the PC. The BJ will continue to operate the PC on his wrist or use his timer.
DQ: If a player or non player (coach, trainer, replaced player) is DQ d in a scrimmage, do NOT file an Ejection Report online. He or she will be eligible to participate in the team s next contest. HT Wears non-white jerseys (Exception: Awareness Game). VT Wears white jerseys.
QUESTIONS? Have a great 2014 season