1. CFOA Back Judge Mechanics 2017

2. Back Judge Keys to Success…
HUSTLE!!!!
Know: Where to be, what to look at/for (before, during & after play)
Know: the passing and kicking game (Be the Expert)
Communicate: Communicate with crew, players & coaches

3. 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 defense.
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. BJ has the BOX, and helps make room for the LM moving the chains.

4. Back Judge General Responsibilities
Echo referee's down signal verbally and with an overhead hand signal back to the Line Judge and the Linesman.
Always Counting - Responsible for counting defensive/receivers team on scrimmage plays and kicking team on all 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.
Between Downs – Talk to Players when needed. Watch for blood and equipment issues

5. Back Judge Prior to Game Starting
When both teams on all field : Take position on visitor’s 45 yard line to monitor warm-up activities.
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
Observe for any illegal player equipment and adornments
Escort visitor’s captains during the coin toss. Return to sideline to monitor team box during the toss.

6. Back Judge Kickoff
Get team ball for team kicking off and hand to the Kicker.
Check the Ball
After confirming 11 players, give instructions to kicker and take position on HL side of field on K’s restraining line.
Note kicking formation and kicker, 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.

7. Back Judge Kickoff
If the Kicker goes inside the 35, make sure he kicks the ball (LJ helps)
Watch for Offsides (common sense) – Kill Immediately
Be aware of pop-up, onside or short pooch kicks. (LJ)
Watch for roughing of Kicker
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.

8. Change of Possession After each Change of Possession
One Ball goes out….New Ball comes in
Be in position…help with transition
Make sure right ball is on Field.

9. Back Judge Running and Passing Plays
Line up 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. KNOW YOUR KEYS
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 than 11 players on the defense prior to the snap, blow your whistle and throw flag for illegal substitution.

10. 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. Work with Wings on ball flow.
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. You “got the Backs” of the Wing Officials.
Sideline to Sideline – NO EASY CHAIR

11. Back Judge Passing Plays - Keys
Check keys at the snap. (See Officials Manual pgs )
Balanced Formations – LJ side – widest receiver
Strong Formations – widest receiver to strong side (LJ or HL)

12. Back Judge Passing Plays - Keys
Keys Continued
Trips – strong side 2 outside receivers
Motion – changes strength –widest receiver strong side
Motion – does not change strength –widest receiver strong side

13. 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.
Don’t watch the ball and get caught in the middle of the play.
Don’t get beat to the goal line.
Understand Pass Interference Rules

14. 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 receiver 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.

15. Back Judge Punts
Drop bean bag after the catch (end of the kick) and continue to officiate the play. Drop bean bag at spot of First Touching(s)
END ZONE (ball….NOT player)
If R signals Fair Catch, but does not touch the ball, he is prohibited from Blocking.
No bean bag if the kick is muffed (only at the end of the kick). Give touched signal
Keep the whistle out of your mouth. Hold it in your hand or pick it up when needed.
Make sure he catches the ball before blowing your whistle.

16. 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.

17. 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 (beyond the line), they can only recover.

18. Misc….
There is no “Easy Chair” – If you are not doing something constructive, then you are not doing your job. HUSTLE!
Help with Dead Ball Movement
Keep all the players in front of you, even after a play ends.
On Penalties - Do something …Cover Flag, observe players, hold end of run, or report your foul
Bean Bags – Two – Black & Blue!

19. 2017 New Rules
2016 Mechanic – Must provide visual signal for 5 seconds remaining on Delay
No Chop
No OPI/DPI for non-contact face guarding
Pop-kick is illegal (Ball stays DEAD). – LJ Help!
Blindside Block Defined/Penalized (BS Block Legal with “Open Hands” only)
Expands Definition of Defenseless Player
- Illegal Participation by R during Kick is PSK

20. Questions