 Officials must attend: ◦ 4 Local Rules Meetings & ◦ 1 State Rules Meeting  (Online or Drive-In)

 Important that all officials study & use the Gold Book Mechanics so we can standardize our mechanics & improve consistency.  There are more “holes” in 5 man coverage than 7 man so these mechanics allow us to address these “challenges”.

  Goal: Within 5 years, to be the #1 website in the world for HS FB officiating.  Over 14,000 site visits were recorded in  See P. 3 in the Gold Book for a description.

 For 2015: ◦ Officials can wear either the 1” or 2 ¼” stripe shirt. For Varsity Games ONLY all officials must wear the same style shirt. ◦ Officials can wear both the 1” & 2 ¼” stripe shirts for Sub Varsity Games. ◦ All Officials must wear the 2 ¼” shirt for all OHSAA State Playoff Games.

 For 2016: ◦ The 2 ¼” stripe shirt must be worn for all games.

 For a Class 2 Official to work a Varsity Game the Crew must obtain permission from the OHSAAA Office.  There are NO exceptions to this Requirement.

 One or Both Penalty flags must be carried in the front only.  In 2016 Jackets can not be worn during the Game.

 Gold Book Rules Index Has over 300 Rules References.  NFHS Rules Book Index has less than 200 Rules References.

2015 Season

 HS Teams throw the FB less than 15 YDS a vast majority of the time.  The average completion in the NCAA & NFL play is less than 10 YDS.  As a result there is no need for Wings to move downfield immediately at the snap.  Instead pause at the LOS & read the play.

Turn to see Catch/No Catch

2015 Season

 1. U: When the DBS is in the SZ, the U will hustle into the SZ, grab the FB, hustle to the HM & Spot the FB off the Back Side Wing. Then vary your IP laterally.  2. U: When it is raining or snowing cover the FB with a towel at the DBS.  3. BJ: When DBS is outside the HM, secure a new FB before measuring for a 1 st Down.

 R/Wing: If the HC asks for a Coach/Referee Conference to discuss a Misapplication or Misinterpretation of a Rule, we MUST grant it.  Crew: We “stay out of trouble” by granting the Conference, & using Our Books if needed.  Crew: If the HC does not believe you, then show him in the Books. Use the Rules Index.

 The CT can be held early if both teams are ready. This is especially true in cold or inclement weather.  Coaches & players, who are not involved with the CT, must be outside the HM’s.  Players do NOT have to be in uniform for the CT. They can be in street clothes.

 1. Only the U will sound his whistle when the kick is either successful or not successful.  2. This applies to the Try-Kick also.

 1. For 4 Man Mechanics the U’s IP will be on the EL.  2. For example, this will give us much better coverage when the ball is snapped on 8, 9 or 10 YL & the Receiver runs a “streak pattern” to or near the EL.

Eye Contact

 1. Players do not have to be legally equipped until the Opening KO for Grades 9 – 12 or the ball is spotted for Grades 7 & 8.  2. R/HL (4 Man Mechanics): The R will wind the clock (2X) when the FB is caught or hits the ground between the far HM & his SL. The HL will wind the clock when the FB is between his near HM & SL.

 The Chain Crew cannot wear stripe shirts. It causes confusion when the LJ looks across field.

 1. U/HL/LJ/U: They need to move to a position to be a minimum of 5 YDS from the Catch.  2. Only many plays you need to move while the FB is airborne for a much better angle to see the “whole play”.

 1. R: If TV Cameras are located on the SL opposite the PB then the R will give all Penalty Signals to both SL’s.  2. Crew: On a “Challenging” Penalty Enforcement it is IMPERATIVE that the R gives each Official the opportunity to talk, NOT just the Aggressive Official. Last year there were multiple times when the newer official had the right answer & the Crew did not listen!!

 1. NEW: If the Scoring Margin is 8 or less points then tell both teams to “defend themselves”.  2. If the Winning Team is ahead by 9 or more points & the Opponent is out of TO’s, or tells the Wing that we will not use our TO’s.  3. And the Winning team HC informs Crew that “we are going to take a knee” then implement Victory Formation Mechanics.

 5. Wing: Communicate with losing HC.  6. Crew: “Pinch in”. Be Assertive!  7. R/U: Inform A/B that A will take a knee.  8. R: Tell QB he Must take a knee.  9. QB: If he Fakes taking a knee, Unfair Act.

 1. DQ: If a player or non player (coach, or replaced player) is DQ’d in a scrimmage, file an Ejection Report online. They are ineligible to participate in the Week 1contest.  2. Drones are prohibited during the OHSAA State Playoff Games.  3. During Weeks & Scrimmages the High Schools decide the Drone Policy.

 1. It is Mandatory that the Crew meet with both HC’s at all levels of FB prior to the game.  2. In Sub Varsity Games Numbering Rules do not apply. Ask HC’s before the game if they have any players with ineligible numbers positioned in an eligible position.  3. Communicate during the game with both teams when this occurs in Sub Varsity Games.

Have a great 2015 season QUESTIONS?