NIRSA FLAG FOOTBALL 3 PERSON OFFICIATING MECHANICS

PASS / RUN PLAYS1 R LJ BJ

REFEREE MECHANICS Before Snap: Set ball spotters (Orange – Offense, Gold – Defense) Confirm down number with partners and down box Sound whistle sharply (ready for play whistle) and begin the 25 second play clock NOTE: if the offense is ready to snap the ball, do not blow the ready for play until you are in position Positioning: Opposite side from LJ, same side as BJ 7 yards behind and 7 yards outside the deepest offensive back STAY WIDE !

REFEREE MECHANICS (cont.) After Snap: Mental Checklist – Snap, Ball, QB, Rush, Pass Follow ball carrier towards either sideline, maintaining an inside looking out angle Stay wide to avoid becoming a part of the play After a pass is thrown, do NOT watch the ball, keep your eyes on the passer until there is no threat of a foul Rule on all pitches behind the neutral zone Rule on legal or illegal forward passes where passers feet are close to the orange ball spotter Primary responsibility is the QB Rule on illegal contact by rushers and blockers

R 7 yards outside 7 yards behind QB R POSITION – RUN / PASS PLAYS

LINE JUDGE MECHANICS Before Snap: Use backfield foot to line up offensive players Inform Team A if they do not have enough players on the line (Raised arm until line requirement is met) Count offensive players Positioning: Opposite BJ and R Stand in neutral zone, on the sideline If a receiver lines up near the sideline, take a step or two out of bounds Confirm down number with partners and down box

LINE JUDGE MECHANICS (cont.) After Snap: Mental Checklist: Snap, Players, Zone, Ball Observe initial charge of line players Slide downfield 3-5 yards initially, watch for illegal contact by receivers and defensive backs When pass is released, move to the most advantageous position to see between the receiver and defender Primary responsibilities are marking forward progress and ruling on plays near zone lines and goal lines Stay wide and parallel to runner as you have the primary call on downfield pitches

LJ LJ POSITION – RUN / PASS PLAYS QB

BACK JUDGE MECHANICS Before Snap: Confirm down number with partners and down box Count defensive players Periodically inform players, coaches, and officials of the remaining time Positioning: Opposite LJ, same side as R 15 – 17 yards downfield, 3 – 5 from sideline Stay behind the deepest defensive player and wider than the widest offensive player

BACK JUDGE MECHANICS (cont.) After Snap: Mental Checklist: Snap, Players, Zone, Ball First step is ALWAYS backwards Do not let a player behind you running downfield Keep players boxed in, do not get caught inside Do not overcommit to the other side of the field too quickly Primary responsibility is the end line

BJ POSITION – RUN / PASS PLAYS BJ 3 – 5 yds 15 – 17 yds 1

GOAL LINE PLAYS R BJ LJ

REFEREE MECHANICS Positioning is the same as run / pass plays Same as pass / run plays except: Responsibilities: After touchdown, check for penalties, then speak only to captain to obtain the Try choice Announce the choice to players and officials Do not signal touchdown from the R position

LINE JUDGE MECHANICS Positioning is the same as run / pass plays Same as pass / run plays except: Responsibilities: After the snap, hustle to the goal line and rule on either a touchdown or spot forward progress Objective is to be straddling the goal line BEFORE the ball breaks the plane ALWAYS know where the goal line is LJ has ALL calls regarding the goal line! Do not mirror TD signal by the BJ Communicate with BJ on corner plays

BACK JUDGE MECHANICS Positioning: Responsibilities: Any time the ball is snapped inside the 10 yard line, stand on the end line, still 3-5 yards from the sideline BJ has all calls regarding the Endline! Do not mirror TD signals by the LJ Stay on the end line and let the play come to you. Communicate with LJ on corner plays

KICKING PLAYS1 R LJ BJ

REFEREE MECHANICS Positioning is the same as run / pass plays Watch for snap hitting the ground Responsibilities: If punt goes out of bounds in flight, line up covering official by chopping your arm as they reach the out-of-bounds spot After the punt move downfield, focusing on screen blocking ahead of the runner Be alert for a long return – responsible for goal line

LINE JUDGE MECHANICS Rule on any scrimmage line fouls Hold initial position after the punt – ruling on any infractions on the line of scrimmage If kick goes out of bounds in the air, go beyond where you believe the spot is, turn and walk back upfield, watching for the R to drop their arm and stop LJ has responsibility for their sideline If kick goes out of bounds on the ground, mark the spot

BACK JUDGE MECHANICS Parallel to deepest receiver at least 8 – 10 yds wide After ball is caught, move with flow Responsible for Team B goal line and endline If kick goes out of bounds on the ground, mark the spot If kick goes out of bounds in the air, go beyond where you believe the spot is, turn and walk back upfield, watching for the R to drop their arm and stop

BJ LJ R Images 1