ASHAA Football Mechanics Basic Keys and Responsibilities for a Crew of 6 Officials August 2009

Alabama High School Athletic Association Why add a sixth official? The sixth official was added for two primary reasons: –Better detection and enforcement of rules which are designed to protect safety of players –Better detection of rules infractions which would otherwise give one team an unfair advantage Preventive officiating is improved Dead ball and back side officiating is improved

Alabama High School Athletic Association X X R U SJ L BJ FJ LJ Dead Zone

Alabama High School Athletic Association Keys and Responsibilities Six officials, 22 players and one football Keys are intended to help determine officiating coverage requirements at the snap Keys include: –Formations and players –Position of ball on the field –Down and distance –Score Player keys will be summarized herein by position Keep the football in sight; player keys in periphery

Alabama High School Athletic Association Pre-snap Keys Referee – All backs and far side tackle and guard Umpire – Guard/center/guard and tackle on referee side Linesman/Line Judge – The second eligible receivers in from your side of the field – may include a running back; know eligible receivers and be alert for backs entering your zone Side Judge/Field Judge – The widest eligible receiver on your side. Keys not based on strength of formation as with 5-Man mechanics

Alabama High School Athletic Association Responsibilities during the Down Referee – Observe actions and illegal acts by or against QB, RBs and far side tackle Umpire – Concentrate on the point of attack Linesman/Line Judge – Officiate actions of players in your zone Side Judge/Field Judge – Officiate actions of players approaching and/or in your zone

Alabama High School Athletic Association Responsibilities after the Down Be aware of and consistently enforce dead ball fouls – be a good dead ball official.

Alabama High School Athletic Association Officiate Man-Zone-Man MAN - Before the snap, identify and read your key(s) ZONE - After the snap, officiate player action in your zone MAN - When direction of ball has been established (pass or run), officiate at and around the ball if in your zone; otherwise, back side officiating. When the ball is dead, continue to officiate your zone (dead ball officiating)

Alabama High School Athletic Association PLAYER KEYS IN BASIC OFFENSIVE FORMATIONS

Alabama High School Athletic Association X X R U SJ L 15 to 20 yards BJ FJ LJ

Alabama High School Athletic Association X X LJ R U SJ L Single Slot FJ

Alabama High School Athletic Association X X LJ R U Trips SJ FJ L

Alabama High School Athletic Association X X LJ R U L Double Slot SJ FJ

Alabama High School Athletic Association X X LJ R U L Double Slot, Tight End SJ FJ

Alabama High School Athletic Association X X LJ R U L Double Slot, Double Tight End SJ FJ

Alabama High School Athletic Association X X LJ R U L SJ FJ

Alabama High School Athletic Association X X LJ R U L SJ FJ

Alabama High School Athletic Association Positions During Kickoffs Crew of R R LJ L L U U FJ SJ Press Box

Alabama High School Athletic Association Positions During Obviously Short Kickoffs Crew of R R LJ L L U U FJ SJ Press Box

Alabama High School Athletic Association Basic Positions For Snaps inside the 10 yard Line Crew of R R LJ L L U U FJ SJ Press Box

Alabama High School Athletic Association Basic Positions For Punts Crew of R R LJ L L U U FJ SJ Press Box

Alabama High School Athletic Association Questions?