1. REFEREE 101 Dan Lewis/Abram Anaya
NMOA State Clinic
REFEREE 101
Dan Lewis/Abram Anaya

2. Pre-Game Crew Communication At least one week prior to the game
Know of any potential issues on the crew or with teams
If local game, let crew know what time you want them there
School Communication
Contact School AD/Head Coach
Find out your on-site representative
Confirm location/Game time
Travel
Driver
Meeting time/location
On Site Pre-Game
In the locker room
What are your expectations
Foul Reporting
Ensure crew knows their responsibilities

3. On Field Pre-Game Coaches Meeting
Professionalism – Be confident, look the coach in the eye
Introduce your self/crew
Anything we should be aware of/unusual
Do not get drawn into “what happened last week”
Give equal time to each Coach
Watch players
Know your starting QB
Watch his movements/throwing style
Take a look at linemen in blocking drills

4. COIN TOSS This is your first opportunity to gain credibility
Hustle to the middle of the field and stand across the umpire at the 50
Bring in the captains
If on camera, turn the captains 90 degrees so you are facing the Press Box.
Make sure you are ready (and know what you are going to say) before turning on the mic.
Welcome the visiting team
Introduce yourself and UMPIRE!
Speak clearly (rehearse this!)
Give visitors choice of coin flip
Flip the coin and leave it on the ground (Umpire will pick it up)
Give winner choice (kick, receive, defer)
Losing team will get the remaining option
Give signals for the whole stadium to see
Line up teams and signify who will receive to begin the game
GO TO YOUR SPOTS! No need for the ra-ra stuff or starburst

5. Pre-Snap Routine
Formulate your own pre-snap routine and use it EVERY play, this will make you a much better official
Clock Status
Line of Scrimmage
Down and distance
Substitutions
Count
Recognize formation
Identify Keys

6. Pre-snap Positioning - Scrimmage
14-15 yards deep
2-3 yards outside of the Tackle
Initial keys are the backs and tackles
Once the ball is snapped try to stand still as long as you can
This will improve focus
Open Vision
Watch tackles until QB is threatened
When QB moves – go with him
Hand off – look for front side blocks

7. Pre-snap Positioning - Punts
2 – 3 yards behind Punter
1 – 2 Outside of the Tackle
Want to be at 45 degree angle when the ball is kicked
Watch initial holding
Move to Punter once threatened
Once the kick is away, go to the spot of the kick
Don’t lose your kicker, he is your responsibility

8. Pre-snap Positioning – Field Goals
Position yourself on the side “looking into the holder”
Outside of the widest blocker
Depth - Where you are comfortable to see the action on your kicker/holder
Stay on the action on your kicker/holder (don’t be a hurry to “go up”)

9. Pre-snap Positioning – Free Kick
Goal line; you have the responsibility to know if the ball crosses the goal line
Count R, but don’t forget to count players to each side of Kicker
Once the ball is caught focus on blocks in front (wedge)
Low blocks
Be aware of the guy swimming up stream
Follow the play where ever the ball takes you

10. You hold the credibility of the entire crew in your hands!
Penalty Enforcements
This is the one time in the game when everything comes to a complete stop and all eyes are on us
You hold the credibility of the entire crew in your hands!
Know what you are going to say BEFORE you turn on the mic
Stand still, don’t be moving around or fidgeting
Don’t give the appearance that you are unsure or unconfident
Be aware of body language/facial expressions
Speak clearly
Practice your signals and try to make them coordinate with your verbalism

11. Penalty Enforcements FOUL NUMBER TEAM PENALTY DOWN Offense Defense
Kickers
Receivers
PENALTY
DOWN

12. Game Flow Getting the ball set Making the ball ready for play
Game pace
Good game pace keeps the coaches off your back
Keeps fans happy!

13. PROFESSIONALISM You are the face of your crew Perception is Reality!
Physical appearance
Uniform
Confidence vs. Arrogance
RESPECT
Game administration
Coaches
Players
Fans
Fellow Officials
Social Media
Watch what you say and be aware of where you are at and who you are around!

14. HAVE A GREAT SEASON! Abram Anaya sfsting40@msn.com 505-670-2714
Dan Lewis