Rev 08/20/2010 Martin, District VI Prior To The Game Coin Toss Ceremony: The Referee and the Umpire will wait in the center of the field for the captains. The Referee will face the scoreboard. The Side Judge and the Field Judge will escort up to 4 captains from each team to the in-bounds line. The officials will then return to the side line and with the Back Judge, Linesman and Line Judge keeping the remaining team members in the team box area until the coin toss ceremony has been completed. Arrival: Dress: Coin Toss: Arrival On Field Pre Game Duties Timing: Arrival at the game site will be no later than 2 hours before kickoff. A dress shirt and tie or a turtle neck with a sport jacket The coin toss will be held 30 minutes prior to kickoff, the referee, umpire and the alternate referee will attend. Have the captains and the head coaches at the toss (sportsmanship message at this time). Officials should be on the field no later than 20 minutes prior to the kickoff. You may enter earlier if you are ready. The Back Judge and the Side Judge will bring the visiting teams from the locker room, and the Line Judge and the Field Judge will bring the home team from the locker room prior to the game and at halftime. The Referee and the Line Judge will inspect the field. The Linesman, Umpire and the Side Judge will inspect the down indicator and the chains. The Back Judge and the Field Judge will speak with the ball boys from both teams and instruct them on how you want them to work. The Back Judge will time the 25 second play clock and the 1 minute times-out. If the field does not have an on-field play clock you must give a visual indication when 5 seconds remain on the play clock. If the game clock becomes inoperable the Field Judge will time the game. The Side Judge is responsible for the end of quarter clock no matter which direction we are going.
Rev 11/09/2009 Martin, District VI Free Kicks K s Pre-Kick Kicking Team Must have 11 players. The kicking team members may be anywhere behind K s free kick line. Clear your side line and restricted area of all team personnel. No one comes on the field after the ready for play. K 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. Side Judge Mechanics/Responsibilities Position: Receivers goal line opposite the press box (visitor s side). Indicate to the Linesman you are ready, after verifying the kicking team has 11 players and clearing your side line. Only wind the clock if the kick is legally touched in your zone. After the free kick remain on the receivers free kick line until the kicking team has passed your position, then slowly retreat to the receivers 40 yard line. Your primary responsibility is the blocking in advance of the ball carrier
On a long return the side judge and the line judge is responsible for the runner and the dead ball spot from the 2 yard line to the goal line, stop on the goal line. The field judge and the back judge are responsible for the goal line, make eye contact with the back judge if the runner is near the side line and indicate if the runner has remained in bounds. Stop the clock when ball is declared dead. Anticipated Short Kick Responsibilities Position: Receivers free kick line (visiting team side line) opposite the press box. Have a bean bag in your hand for all kicks. Watch for 1 st touching, bean bag (no flag and no whistle) and illegal blocks by either team. Wind the clock if the ball is legally touched in your zone before stopping the clock after possession. No low blocks by either team The kicking team cannot legally touch the free kick until: The receivers touch the ball or The ball travels 10 yards and grounds (any order) 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 any kicking team member catches or recovers the 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
Free kick after a fair catch or awarded fair catch Position: On the goal line on the visiting team s side line (away from the press box side). Anticipate a Fake or Broken Play as primary if it s kicked its easy. You are responsible for the goal line on a broken play. 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 or inadvertent whistle free down.
Scrimmage Plays Pre-Snap Mechanics/Responsibilities: Position: Start the play 15 yards from the line of scrimmage on the visiting team side (away from the press box), on the side line. Your Keys- the widest receiver to your side of the field. Work outside in and adjust as needed keeping the buffer between you and the Linesman. You may adjust as far as the in-bounds line during the down, depending on the play. Count the defense and signal 11 (while in the huddle if possible). Running Play Post-Snap Mechanics/Responsibilities: After the ball is snapped, initially check for fouls against or by the widest receiver to your side. Determine the type of play and rule on blocks ahead of the ball carrier on runs to your side or backside blocks on runs away from you. On dive plays observe the blocks by the Tight End to your side, if the wide out isn t pressed. Watch your keys for illegal blocks-flag if they affect the play or are dangerous. Holding: if it affects the play (point of attack). Blocks in the back by wide receivers. The Linesman will have all the spots until B s two yard line. You will have the spot from the two yard line to the goal line. DEAD BALL OFFICIATING IS IMPERATIVE When the play ends in the field of play, stay deep and observe the action, then accordion in. If necessary hustle to the pile and help separate the players. When the play ends near or outside the field of play, you are responsible for the players out of bounds. Hustle out of bounds and control the situation. After players disperse rotate the ball into the back judge, if the ball becomes dead in your zone.
PIAA 7 MAN PRE-GAME REVIEW-SIDE JUDGE Pass Play Post-Snap Mechanics/Responsibilities: The widest receiver to your side is your key, after checking the initial play by or against the wide receiver begin your zone coverage. You are responsible for your 1/3 of the field, but be prepared to help the Back Judge on a catch/no catch call or a pass interference call in his area. On a pass on your side line, make eye contact with the Linesman before ruling catch/no catch. When the receiver is facing you, rule on ball possession and the Linesman will rule on the feet. When the receiver is facing the Linesman, he will rule on ball possession and you will rule on the feet. When a receiver is no longer a potential blocker, B can no longer initiate contact. Restrictions for A begin at the snap. Restrictions for B begin when the forward 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 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.
PIAA 7 MAN PRE-GAME REVIEW-SIDE JUDGE Goal Line Mechanics/Responsibilities Ball snapped from the 15 yard line to the 5 yard line. Position: On the goal line at the out-of-bounds pylon. The goal line is the responsibility of the field judge and the side judge. Stay on the goal line as long as possible but you may adjust your position on a deep pass near the back of the end zone, the back judge is responsible for the end line. The Linesman has the dead ball spot from the 15 yard line to the 2 yard line. The Side Judge has the dead ball spot from the 2 yard line to the goal line. Ball snapped from the 5 yard line to the goal line. Position: On the end line at the out of-bounds pylon. The goal line is the responsibility of the Linesman and the Line Judge. The end line is the responsibility of the back judge. Make eye contact with the Linesman on a pass near the side line before ruling on a catch. Make eye contact with the Back Judge on a pass near the end line before ruling on a catch. DO NOT mirror touchdown signals, if it is not in your area of responsibility you should not have a signal.
Scrimmage Kicks (Punt) Receivers Post-Kick Requirements: The fair catch signal, must meet requirements. The fair catch signaler must not block until the kick ends. On a 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 if an invalid signal. ILLEGAL SIGNAL (after possession), A live ball foul (DO NOT blow it dead, let the play continue) spot foul, running play. If the kick is blocked was the ball possessed BEYOND THE NEUTRAL ZONE? NO Either team may advance the ball (K may run, pass or re-kick) Continuity of downs is not broken if R touches the ball behind the Neutral Zone. YES if K possesses the kick beyond the Neutral Zone, the ball is declared dead. if K is 1 st to touch the kick beyond the Neutral Zone, 1 st touching by K (bean bag) live ball. If a LOW kick is touched by either team, in or behind the ENZ, touching is ignored. If R touches the kick beyond the neutral zone, a new series will begin for whichever team has possession at the end of the down (continuity of downs is broken). Side Judge Pre-Snap Mechanics/Responsibilities: Position: 10 yards in front of the deepest receiver on the visiting team side (opposite the press box) on the side line. Be prepared to quickly retreat after the snap, try to get deeper than the kick, and let the play develop in front of you. Count the Receivers and signal the Back Judge for confirmation. If the ball is snapped from the Receiver s 40 yard line or closer, position yourself on the goal line pylon.
Side Judge Post-Snap Mechanics/Responsibilities The kick is the responsibility of the Back Judge. Pay particular attention to the wide out (gunner) on your side, make sure that he is not being held as he covers the kick. If the kick is deeper than the deepest receiver, take all the blocking out front, the Back Judge will go with the ball. Pay particular attention to any receiver who signaled for a fair catch, they are prohibited from blocking until the kick ends. If the kick has been kicked out-of-bounds in the air, look to the referee for help in determining the in-bounds spot. After the kick ends, you are responsible for the runner in your 1/3 of the field, if you are not responsible for the runner, key on the blocking in front of the runner. The dead ball spot is the responsibility of the Field judge and the Side judge: stop on the Kicker s 2 yard line, the Linesman is responsible for the dead ball spot from the 2 yard line to the goal line. Stop the clock after the play is ruled dead.
Special Situations: PSK Spots: Make sure you know when and where the foul occurred. If the foul is committed by the receivers during the kick, 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 if the foul occurs 2 yds or more beyond the Neutral Zone. 4- During a scrimmage kick if the foul occurs before the end of the kick. 5-Team K 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, this is not a PSK foul. This foul would be a loose ball foul. Bean Bag the end of the kick in your zone. All fouls after the last kick ends are administered as a running play. 2009 Rule Change: (numbering exceptions) 1 st, 2 nd or 3 rd down: The Kickers must be in field goal formation and may only use 1 numbering exception. The exception must be the snapper and he must be between the ends and is not eligible. 4 th down or a kick try (extra point): K may be in punt or field goal formation and may use an unlimited number of exceptions. Reminder: if the kickers are using the numbering exception, and a player starts at an ineligible position even if he shifts to an eligible position prior to the snap he remains an ineligible receiver unless R/B touches the pass.
Scrimmage Kicks (Field Goal/PAT) Side Judge Pre-Snap Mechanics/Responsibilities Position: Take a position as the 2 nd umpire on your side of the field. The umpire is responsible for the snapper, you are to concentrate on the guard, tackle and tight end on your side. Anticipate a Fake or Broken Play as primary if it isn t kicked or is blocked attempt to get to the goal line. Side Judge 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, hustle to get to the goal line. 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. Missed FG or Trys- They could fake it, react accordingly If a grounded Field Goal attempt breaks the plane of the Receivers goal, 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. If the TRY is blocked: The ball is dead when a kick try (extra point) has obviously failed.
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 field 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. Field Judge: After marking your game card, take charge of your side line until the Line Judge is available. Monitor substitutions and verify the team is complying with the authorized conference rules. 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 help the Linesman, monitor substitutions and verify the team on your side line is complying with the authorized conference rules. Back Judge: You are responsible for timing the 1 minute time out. Mark your game card, then take charge of the linesman/side judge s side line until they are 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 field 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: Field Judge: Mark the spot (90 degrees) for the placement of the chain by the linesman. Clear the area around the measurement so that the press box and the side lines can see. If a replacement ball will be needed, secure a ball and have it ready for the referee to place.
Back Judge: 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. Monitor the players for any dead ball fouls.
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 succinctly. 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: Field 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. Monitor the players for any dead ball fouls.
Side Judge: Cover either the penalty flag or the game ball until an alternate ball has been placed by the umpire at the succeeding spot. Monitor the players for any dead ball fouls. Back Judge: Cover either the penalty flag or the game ball until an alternate ball has been placed by the umpire at the succeeding spot. Monitor the players for any dead ball fouls.
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: Field Judge: Side 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.
Back Judge: Take a position in the defensive backfield between the hashes. If the defensive conference is held on the field, observe the huddle to make sure the team is complying with the authorized conference rules. You are responsible to time the 1:00 minute time-out. Inform the referee when 15 seconds remain in the time-out.
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 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.