Six Official Clinic Spring 2012 The Importance of Pre-Snap Routine Murray Drinkwalter #96

 “Before everything else, getting ready is the secret to success” ………… Henry Ford

Why are pre-snap routines so important?  Keeps your head in the game and helps to maintain focus  Ensures that you don’t miss anything  Ensures consistency from play to play  Following the routine in blow-out games helps you stay focused

When does the pre- snap routine begin?  After the ball is ready for play  Prior to that you are dead ball officiating  In cases of hurry-up or no-huddle offences the pre-snap routine may run concurrent to dead ball officiating

Pre-Snap: Referee  Clock Status  Down, Distance, Yard Line, Sticks set  Subs in/out and first count of offense  Ensure crew is set  Subs in/out and signal ready for play  If possible listen to huddle

Pre-Snap: Referee  Upon huddle break, check formation and second count  Confirm count with Line Umpire  Ensure own positioning  Who is ‘in the box’ for BBW?  Crew Communication!

Pre-Snap Keys: Referee  Is Q.B. under centre or shotgun?  Formation - Backs in or out/tight ends?  Centre, guard, tackle on your side  Tackles don’t lie! Is their weight forward or on their heels?  Listen for communication from both teams.

Pre-Snap: Line Umpire  Clock Status  Down, Distance, Yard Line, Sticks set  Position ball and first count, face offense  Remind referee of timing (hold or go)  Stay over ball until directed to leave by referee

Pre-Snap: Line Umpire  Upon huddle break, check formation and second count  Confirm count with Referee  Ensure own positioning  Check for eligible receivers on the inside and point if required (5 interior lineman)  Crew Communication!

Pre-Snap Keys: L.U.  Centre, guard, tackle on your side  Formation  Listen for communication from both teams

Pre-Snap: Head Linesman  Clock Status  Down, Distance, Yard Line  Sticks set? Proper down? Clip?  Subs in/out, sideline clear  Check downfield - determine hold or free and signal  Count

Pre-Snap: Head Linesman  Upon huddle break, gates up, proper positioning, sideline clear  Eligible receiver on end/try and make it legal  Full yard by defense  Be prepared to rule on a pre-snap L.O.S. foul and blow play dead  Crew Communication!

Pre-Snap Keys: H.L.  Formation determines your receiver(s) key  Peek at the tackle on your side  Number of receivers on your side  Listen for communication from both teams

Pre-Snap: Line Judge  Clock Status  Down, Distance, Yard Line  Subs in/out, sideline clear  Check downfield - determine hold or free and signal  Count  Upon huddle break, gates up, proper positioning, sideline clear

Pre-Snap: Line Judge  Eligible receiver on end/try and make it legal  Full yard by defense  Be prepared to rule on a L.O.S. foul and blow play dead  Crew Communication!

Pre-Snap Keys: L.J.  Formation determines your receiver(s) key  Peek at the tackle on your side  Number of receivers on your side  Listen for communication from both teams

Pre-Snap: Back Judge  Clock Status  Down, Distance, Yard Line  Count and check off with partner  Positioning  Listen for communication from both teams  Crew Communication!

Pre-Snap Keys: B.J.  Formation  Where is the strength?  Eligibles  Pick up your receiver(s)

Pre-Snap: Back Umpire  Clock Status  Down, Distance, Yard Line  Count and check off with partner  Set/signal deep positioning  Listen for communication from both teams  Crew Communication!

Pre-Snap Keys: B.U.  Formation  Where is the strength?  Eligibles  Pick up your receiver(s)

Common Themes  CLOCK STATUS  DOWN, DISTANCE, YARD LINE  COUNTING  PROPER POSITIONING  READING YOUR KEYS  CREW COMMUNICATION !

What does this all mean?  If we all establish a pre-snap routine, work with our natural partners and do it every play we will establish consistency both as individuals and as crews.  Once that consistency is established, the pre-snap routine will become second nature and will be done without thought.

What does this all mean?  We can then anticipate the action of the play, but not the result. This will allow us to read and react to each and every play and complete our job successfully.