CFOA Back Judge Mechanics 2014

Back Judge General Responsibilities Time for 25 second clock, time outs, time between quarters, half time. Hold ball for measurements, opposite the side the chains are coming in on and your back towards the offense. Keep an eye on the clock throughout in the game, in case it needs to be reset or if it malfunctions. Assist linesman with chains and down box during quarter changes.

Back Judge General Responsibilities Be alert for weather problems. Echo referee's down signal verbally and with an overhead hand signal back to the Line Judge and the Linesman. Responsible for counting defensive/receivers team on scrimmage plays and kicking team on free kicks. Be present - Officiate the dead ball period between plays. Being aware of what is going on around the field helps prevent unsportsmanlike acts from occurring if possible.

Back Judge Prior to Game Starting Walk field and check for proper markings. Assist Linesman before game to ensure the chains are in working order. Ends are covered–no sharp edges Talk with band director to make sure they are through with their pre-game performance and national anthem at least 5 minutes before kickoff. Assist with ball boys and give instructions. Take position on visitor’s 45 yard line to monitor warm- up activities. Check for illegal player equipment and adornments. Escort visitor’s captains during the coin toss. Return to monitor sideline during the toss.

Back Judge Kickoff Get team ball for team kicking off and hand to the Kicker. Give instructions to kicker and take position on the kicker’s restraining line. Count kicking team players, make sure K has at least 4 players on either side of the kicker. Ensure all players except Kicker are within 5 yards of the free kick line with the exception of the kicker. Indicate to referee you are ready. Start 25 second count on referee ready.

Back Judge Kickoff Be aware of onside or short pooch kicks. Look for first touching by kickers and kick catch interference on short kicks. Move to hash marks after ball is kicked and look for action around the kicker. You have goal line on returns. Onside kicks, stay on line and rule on possession and other weird things that usually happen.

Back Judge Running and Passing Plays Line up 20 yards deep or at least 5 yards behind the deepest defensive back. Favor the strong side of the formation but stay between the hash marks before the snap. Count the defense on every play and acknowledge count to the referee. Start 25 second count on referees signal. Keep track of the official time on the scoreboard, proper number of the down, time outs and communicate this information with the crew. If more 11 players on the defense just prior to the snap, blow your whistle and throw flag for illegal substitution. 5 vs15.

Back Judge Running and Passing Plays Your first steps are backwards on all plays. You have goal line on all long runs and passes. Maintain inside-out coverage. Help relay the ball back in play on plays over 10 yards, first downs and long passes. Also assist if the ball is near or out of bounds. On out of bounds plays, especially in the team areas, move into the area of the dead ball and assist other officials in maintaining order.

Back Judge Passing Plays Check keys at the snap that indicate a pass play. (See Officials Manual pgs ) –Balanced Formations – LJ side – widest receiver –Strong Formations – widest receiver to strong side (LJ or HL) –Trips – strong side 2 inside receivers –Motion – changes strength – widest receiver strong side –Motion – does not change strength –widest receiver strong side

Back Judge Passing Plays QB will usually look at his primary receiver right after the snap. Know status and location of the ball when calling offensive or defensive pass interference. Help end men if pass is to sideline. Remember Foot – Ball when determining a catch. Keep 5 to 7 yard cushion on defensive back throughout the play. Never leave players behind you after a play ends. Don’t watch the ball and get caught in the middle of the play. Don’t get beat to the goal line.

Back Judge Punts Count R players. Position is 2 to 3 yards behind and 10 to 12 yards wide of the deepest receiver favoring the linesman side of the field. Once the ball is kicked adjust your position up or back of the receive to keep and eye on the ball and the receiver. Muff, fair catch or kick catch interference Remind the receiver to give a good fair catch signal.

Back Judge Punts Drop bean bag after the catch (end of the kick) and continue to officiate the play. Keep bean bag in your belt until you need to drop it. No bean bag if the kick is muffed (only at the end of the kick). Give touched signal Keep the whistle out of you mouth. Hold it in your hand or pick it up when needed. Make sure he catches the ball before blowing your whistle.

Back Judge Try and Field Goals Position under the upright as determined by the referees position. You have the whistle once the ball is kicked on a try or once it crosses the goal line on FGs. Keep the whistle out of your mouth. Ball blocked behind the line is the R whistle. Communicate yes or no to end man before coming out and giving signal. Come out straight not at an angle facing the stands. If a fake, maintain position along the backline and help on passes to the back of the end zone or to the back corner.

Back Judge Field Goal Live ball, keep the whistle out of you mouth until the ball crosses the goal line or is rule down by possession. Rule on momentum. Bean bag where the receiver catches the ball inside the 5 and momentum carries him into the end zone. A field goal is treated the same as a punt if it does not cross the goal line. Kicker cannot advance they can only recover.

Questions