National Federation Mechanics Changes For 2016

Referee Kick Off Position 5 Man Mechanics Referee Position Change Press Box U LJ K Score Board R 2 0 < 1 0 < < 3 0 < 4 0 5 0 4 0 < HL BJ 1 2

Referee Key LJ R U BJ 2 0 4 0 1 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 HL Referee Key Press Box Score Board BJ 2 0 4 0 < 1 0 < < 3 0 < 4 0 5 0 < HL 1

Referee Key LJ R U BJ 2 0 1 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 HL Referee Key Press Box Score Board Initial key is the opposite tackle unless the formation dictates otherwise BJ ? 2 0 < 1 0 < < 3 0 < 4 0 5 0 4 0 < HL 1

Referee Run Mechanics LJ R U BJ 2 0 1 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 HL Once The Ball Is Dead, The Referee Moves Towards The Forward Progress Spot Press Box LJ X X X X X X R U Score Board BJ 2 0 < 1 0 < < 3 0 < 4 0 5 0 4 0 < HL 1

Referee – Officials’ Time Out Signal Give time out signal 2 times Tap your chest 2 times However, there are a few things you should NOT tap your chest for and merely give the time out signal alone Before a first down is declared Following a change in team possession After a foul to administer the penalty

Referee – Be Visible For The Ready The Referee should move into a position visible to the clock operator to give the ready for play

Referee – Set The Chains After Kicks After a scrimmage kick, the Referee is to confirm the line to gain indicator is set before giving the ready for play Chain crews must be instructed to move with a purpose, they need to hustle

Official Measurements If after a measurement in the side zones, if the ball is short of the line to gain, the Referee will use the chains to properly set the ball at the hash mark

Referee Spots A Punt Out Of Bounds For a scrimmage kick out of bounds in flight, the Referee will line up the covering official at the spot where the ball crossed the sideline by using an outstretched arm

Umpire Helps Out On Scrimmage Kicks On scrimmage kicks, the Umpire will be alert to help the Referee in covering a short or blocked kick On scrimmage kicks, the Umpire will also assist the Head Linesman in determining if the ball crossed the line of scrimmage

Use the chains to establish Free Kick FG Attempt After A Fair Catch FG Attempt After Fair Catch Press Box LJ U K R 2 0 < 1 0 < < 3 0 < 4 0 5 0 4 0 < 3 0 < BJ Use the chains to establish the 10 yard neutral zone HL 1

Head Linesman – Should Have 2 Clips It is now recommended that the Head Linesman use two clips on the chains After a 1st down, the second clip remains at the old position until after the 1st down play is run This is the same principle used by the NCAA and NFL for instant replay, however, the use of instant replay or photographic material is strictly prohibited by the NFHS

Signal For OUT Of Bounds X X NOT This OLD NEW

Signal For IN Bounds NEW

Back Judge Visible 5 Second Count The Back Judge will raise his/her hand with 5 seconds left in the 25 second play clock and visibly count down the final 5 seconds (not applicable if there is a visible 25 second clock – i.e. Plant or Raymond James Stadium) The FHSAA has altered the signal from what is in the book a little bit to what is below

Who Controls The Tempo Of The Game Referee – Ready for play Umpire – Spotting the ball Head Linesman – Setting the chains / controlling the chain crew Line Judge – Ball relays Back Judge – 25 Second clock – Willingness to call delay of game – Timing time outs, time frame after scores, etc. – Ball relays Chain Crew – Do you hustle or walk?

Time Out Procedure - Back Judge The Back Judge is to blow the whistle with two short blasts to signal the 15 second warning until the ready for play (technically should do the same thing at the end of the time out)

Clock Operator Turn The Horn Off If a play is in progress and time expires for the period during the down, the horn should NOT be sounded