2010 NFHS Mechanics Changes (For Five Officials) Darwin Schafer August 23, 2010 AOS Football Presentation

Presentation Outline The Importance of Proper Mechanics 2010 Mechanics Changes –Uniform / pre-game / coin toss changes –Pre-snap positioning & responsibilities –R and BJ positioning on scrimmage kicks –Other miscellaneous changes Darwin’s Points of Emphasis –Keys (strength of formation) –Crew communication –Free kicks

Importance of Proper Mechanics Complete rule knowledge is needed, but not enough without proper mechanics. –Need a good position to make great calls –Image goes a long way to our credibility Communication is Essential! –Important for crew, players, coaches, and fans Effective Game Management –Maintain focus on game and responsibilities –Coverage of entire play

2010 Mechanics Changes - Uniforms - Uniform changes (with state approval): –“Foul weather, full-length, lined black pants with white stripe down each leg may be worn in place of the traditional knickers” –“White or Black officiating shorts may be worn in place of traditional knickers” –All officials in a given game are to wear the same shorts / pants / knickers.

2010 Mechanics Changes - Use of a Microphone - Referee can use a microphone to “explain penalties and unusual situations.” –R should have option to use it or not Must have an on/off switch for R to control Should be tested prior to the start of the contest –Signals must still be given (Prelim. & Final) –Use normal voice level – do not shout Speak in short phrases A sound delay may be present Turn off microphone when not using –DO NOT announce the fouling player’s #

2010 Mechanics Changes - Coin Toss - –Only four captains per team allowed at toss. Only one can be the spokesman. –BJ shall “bring approved game ball from each team to coin toss”. –LJ & BJ shall remain at hash marks and keep field clear of players. Coin Toss changes: –If coin toss is held 3 minutes prior to the game all players & personnel shall be off the field.

2010 Mechanics Changes - Pre-Snap Responsibilities - Referee Pre-Snap Responsibilities: –Move to a position that is “10 yards from line-of- scrimmage and 5 yards wide of the huddle”. –Check crew L / LJ are signaling correct down. –Signal down and then signal ready-for-play. –Release Umpire off the ball. Release U prior to ready-for-play signal if quick snap is expected. –Move to final position to observe snap. –Count A players and signal U for a good count. –Identify all eligible backs.

2010 Mechanics Changes - Pre-Snap Responsibilities - Umpire Pre-Snap Responsibilities: –“Spot and remain over ball, facing linesman, until referee gives ready-for-play signal or released by referee.” –Move to a spot 4 to 7 yards behind B’s line and between’s A’s tackles with snap in view. –Count A players and signal R for a good count. L / LJ Pre-Snap Responsibilities: –Indicate number of next down on chest. Announce next down only after referee signals down. –Count B players and signal BJ for a good count.

2010 Mechanics Changes - Scrimmage Kicks - Referee Responsibilities: –R to signal if A is in scrimmage kick formation. Should be a non-verbal signal to all crew members. A’s numbering exceptions different based on down. –For punts R to be “3-5 yards outside tight end and 2-3 yards behind the kicker on kicking-leg side.” Previously R was outside tight end in line with kicker. –For field goal or try, R to be “2-3 yards to rear and 3-5 yards to the side of the kicker, on the side facing the holder.” Previously R was 1 yard to the rear and 2-3 yards to the side of the kicker.

2010 Mechanics Changes - Scrimmage Kicks - Back Judge Responsibilities: –Position: “10-12 yards wider than and 2-3 yards behind the deepest receiver on L’s side. Previously only 7-10 wide and in front of receiver. –Carry contrasting color bean bags. Different colors (blue and white) to differentiate between spots of first touching and end of the kick. Develop a system that works for you for which bean bag to use when. Still need to be prepared to mark fumbles as well!

2010 Mechanics Changes - Forward Progress / First Downs - L / LJ clarifications for marking spots: –Always mark progress with downfield foot Square off forward progress by moving down the sideline to the spot and then perpendicular in. Do not move in further than the nine-yard marks unless close to a first down – then move in as far as possible without losing spot. –If ball becomes dead near the sideline (within 2 yards) and a first down is gained - give the start-clock signal twice and then give the time- out signal twice.

2010 Mechanics Changes - Miscellaneous Revisions - –All Officials shall hustle to free-kick positions after a touchdown “by jogging first to the sideline and then up the sideline.” –BJ shall signal any penalty that is to be administered on a free-kick down. This includes penalties that the offending team chose to enforce on the kickoff and not the try. –BJ & L/LJ after a scoring-kick attempt: “Both officials shall, at the same time, move 1 yard into the end zone in front of their upright and signal score or no score twice”

2010 Mechanics Changes - Miscellaneous Revisions - –Linesman to provide a bean bag to the down marker operator to mark the original line of scrimmage when the line-to-gain is the goal line. This is replaces the requirement of the line to gain crew to fasten the clip to the chain at the goal. –Ball person from the scoring team shall leave a ball for the subsequent free kick behind the goal post for the BJ to grab and carry up the sideline. GOOD LUCK!!! We’ve been trying to do this for years.

Darwin’s Points of Emphasis 1.Keys (Strength of Formation) 2.Crew communication (Verbal & Non-verbal) 3.Positioning on Free Kicks

Keys – Strength of Formation Keys are used to determine each official’s primary coverage at the initial snap. –Keys are for the wings and BJ. –Only used for the first second or two. –Officials must react to the play as it develops and adjust coverage accordingly. Keys will assist officials with observing: –Quick passes / slants –DPI / Illegal Use of Hands –OPI (i.e. - Offensive Picks) / Holding

Keys – Strength of Formation Strength of Formation –Determined by the number of eligible receivers on each side of the formation. –If balanced, the first key is to the LJ’s side. –Otherwise, the first key is to the strong side. Priority of Keys –Back Judge has first key Widest eligible receiver on the strong side –L and LJ have second keys Other eligible receivers or backs their side of the formation.

Keys – Strength of Formation Balanced Formation

Keys – Strength of Formation Strength to L or LJ’s side Strength to LStrength to LJ

Keys – Strength of Formation Special Formations: –Trips - BJ’s keys will be the two widest receivers on the strong side of the formation. If stacked trips – BJ has front two receivers. –Four Wide – Keys are determined as normal If balanced, BJ keys widest receiver on LJ’s side, LJ keys the inside one, and L has both on their side. –Motion – Can change strength of formation. Strength is determined by where the eligible receivers are at the snap.

Keys – Strength of Formation Trips / Four Wide Strength to LJBalanced

Keys – Strength of Formation Motion Motion Changes KeysKeys Unchanged

Crew Communication Crew Communication is Essential: –Both Verbal & Non-Verbal Benefits of Good Crew Communication: –Properly inform players, coaches, fans. –Ensure good coverage on all plays. –Correct penalty enforcements. –Less questions and conferences. –Overall - it is the recipe for smooth and efficient game.

Crew Communication Verbal Communication –Talking to Coaches Answering questions / respectfully hearing concerns. Informing coaches of the player who fouled and specific penalty enforcements. –Talking to Players Preventive Officiating! Let the players know you are there. –Talking to Crew Members Coverage on unique plays (reverse goal-line). Team time-outs remaining. Passing along coach concerns.

Crew Communication Non-Verbal Communication –Signals for Observers Penalty Signals Outcome of a Play Clock Status –Signals for Crew Chart in Manual  Clock Stopper Kicking Play Speed up Offense Team out of Timeouts

Free Kicks Proper Positioning on Free Kicks –Good to always review in pre-game Deep Free Kicks –BJ & LJ at free kick lines – count 11 –Nearest official starts clock after ball is touched by the receivers –R to rule on touchback –Mark out-of-bounds spot with either bean bag or penalty flag. –Pick-up runner in your zone –BJ and LJ to cover goal line

Free Kicks If a Short Free Kick is Anticipated: –Move to new positions if obvious BJ & LJ cover kickers free kick line L & U cover receivers free kick line. R at 10 yd line, but still has goal line responsibilities. –Be Alert For: Encroachment by either team If ball touches the ground and travels across R’s free kick line. First touching by K if ball does not travel 10 yards – mark first touching by K with bean bag. Muff by R anywhere

Thank you! Bonus Trivia Question: What is the proper positioning for a Free Kick Scoring Attempt? (After a Fair Catch or Awarded Fair Catch)