Reading and Understanding Keys Bux-Mont Chapter PIAA Football Officials – District One

Determining Strength 4 In recognizing the strength of the formation (strong vs. weak side), officials must pay attention to the offensive team. Strength has nothing to do with the number of offensive lineman on each side of the center or the wide side of the field (unless you are still playing the game). To determine the strength of the formation, take note which side of the formation has more eligible receivers outside the tackle. If players are stacked, the player nearest the LOS is considered to be the widest. 4 3 3 2 2

Determining Strength 4 4 The back judge has priority followed by the wing men. Wing officials should never key the same player as the back judge. Be alert for motion as this can change the strength and keys. 3 3 2 2

Formations 4 4 3 3 2 2 Unbalanced 4 Unbalanced Back judge keys on the widest receiver on the strong side of the field. Wing official on the strong side keys on the inside player of the formation, normally a flanker or wing back. Wing official on the weak side will key on the end nearest his side, normally a wideout. 3 3 2 2

Formations 4 4 Balanced Strength is always considered to be to the line judge side of the field. Back judge keys on the widest receiver on the strong side of the field (line judge side). The wing officials key on receivers other than the back judge’s key and any backs who move toward them at the snap. 3 3 2 2

Formations 4 4 Trips The back judge keys on the two widest receivers. Strong side wing official keys on the inside-most receiver. Weak side wing official keys on the end nearest him. 3 3 2 2

Formations 4 4 3 3 2 2 Double Wing 4 Double Wing Strength is always considered to be to the line judge side of the field. Back judge keys on the widest receiver on the strong side of the field (line judge side). Line judge keys on inside receiver. The linesman has both receivers on his side. 3 3 2 2

Formations 4 4 Wishbone Strength is always considered to be to the line judge side of the field. Back judge keys on the widest receiver on the strong side of the field (line judge side). Line judge keys the backs. Linesman keys the end on his side. 3 3 2 2

Strength to HL Side 4 4 3 3 TE WR 2 1 WR 1 HB FB 2 2 HL – Pro Set

4 4 3 3 2 2 Strength to HL Side 1 1 2 HL - I – Formation WR TE FL FB 4 3 3 WR TE 1 1 FL 2 FB HB 2 2 HL - I – Formation

Strength to LJ Side 4 4 3 3 TE WR 1 2 TE 1 HB FB 2 2 LJ – Pro Set

4 4 3 3 2 2 Strength to LJ Side 1 2 1 LJ - I – Formation TE WR FL FB 4 3 3 TE WR 1 2 FL 1 FB HB 2 2 LJ - I – Formation

Strength to Head Linesman side of the field 4 4 Strength to Head Linesman side of the field 3 3 2 2

4 4 3 3 2 2 Strength to HL Side Pro Set - Unbalanced BJ U HL LJ TE WR 4 U 3 3 HL LJ TE WR WR HB FB 2 R 2 Pro Set - Unbalanced

I Formation - Unbalanced Strength to HL Side BJ 4 4 U 3 3 HL LJ WR TE FL FB HB 2 R 2 I Formation - Unbalanced

2 Tight Ends - Unbalanced Strength to HL Side BJ 4 4 U 3 3 HL LJ TE TE WR HB FB 2 R 2 2 Tight Ends - Unbalanced

Strength to HL Side BJ 4 4 U 3 3 HL LJ WR TE FL FL HB 2 R 2 Trips

Strength to Line Judge side of the field 4 4 Strength to Line Judge side of the field 3 3 2 2

Balanced Formation, Strength to LJ side BJ Balanced Formation, Strength to LJ side 4 4 U 3 3 HL LJ WR WR FL FL HB 2 R 2 Single Back - Balanced

4 4 3 3 2 2 Strength to LJ Side Pro Set - Unbalanced BJ U HL LJ WR TE 4 U 3 3 HL LJ WR TE WR HB FB 2 R 2 Pro Set - Unbalanced

I Formation - Unbalanced BJ Strength to LJ Side 4 4 U 3 3 HL LJ TE WR FL FB HB 2 R 2 I Formation - Unbalanced

2 Tight Ends – Unbalanced BJ Strength to LJ Side 4 4 U 3 3 HL LJ TE TE WR HB FB 2 R 2 2 Tight Ends – Unbalanced

Balanced Formation, Strength to LJ side BJ Balanced Formation, Strength to LJ side 4 4 U 3 3 HL LJ TE TE WB WB HB 2 R 2 Wing T - Balanced

BJ Strength to LJ Side 4 4 U 3 3 HL LJ TE WR FL FL HB 2 R 2 Trips

Balanced Formation, Strength to LJ side BJ Balanced Formation, Strength to LJ side 4 4 U 3 3 HL LJ WR TE FL FL HB 2 R 2 One back - Balanced

Balanced Formation, Strength to LJ side BJ Balanced Formation, Strength to LJ side 4 4 U 3 3 HL LJ TE TE FB HB HB 2 R 2 Wish Bone - Balanced

Motion – Change of Strength BJ Strength to LJ Side 4 4 U 3 3 HL LJ WR TE WR HB FB 2 R 2 Motion – Change of Strength

Motion – Change of Strength BJ BJ 4 4 U 3 3 HL LJ WR TE WR HB FB 2 R 2 Motion – Change of Strength

Motion – Change of Strength Strength to HL Side BJ 4 4 U 3 3 HL LJ WR TE WR HB FB 2 R 2 Motion – Change of Strength