1. Routine; Penalties; Positions; Formations
Pre-Snap
Routine; Penalties; Positions; Formations

2. Pre-Snap Routine May vary by position, but should include:
Correct spot (forward progress; penalty enforcement; etc.)
Count players / Sub procedure
Down & Distance (game situation)
Ball position ( )
Line to Gain
Clock status (previous play)
Proper positioning
Formation & Keys

3. Pre-Snap Penalties Offense Defense Substitution Infraction
Delay of Game
Encroachment
False Start
Defense
Substitution Infraction
Delay of Game
Offside
Contact
Cause reaction
Unabated

4. Positions & Initial Responsibility

5. Referee 12-14 yds. deep & 12-14 yds. wide of ball position
Able to see: Ball; Backs; Man in motion toward you
Long or Open side of field; May work throwing arm side of QB
Sub Procedure (Iron Cross – Watch for defensive match-up)
Count offense; Confirm with Umpire
Check backs for FST; Ball at snap

6. Umpire 5-7 yds. from LOS; Adjust to defensive players
Able to see ball (snap) & interior OL
Coordinate with R to cover OT (same side / opposite)
Sub Procedure (Prevent snap until released)
Count offense; Confirm with Referee
Check OL (5 numbered 50-79); Know ineligibles
Check OL for FST

7. Line Judge / Head Linesman (Wings)
Wide; OB; Off sidelines; Straddle NZ
Indicate LOS to offensive player (& DB)
Use hand signals to communicate to opposite wing
Sub procedure (Signal subs entering) / Clear sideline
Count your team if on defense; Confirm with Back Judge
Check legality of motion (your side of snapper)
Check for FST on WR; TE; OT

8. Back Judge 20-25 yds. from LOS (Game situation)
Favor open side or middle of field
Adjust to formation and keys (Man-Zone-Ball Concept)
Sub Procedure (Monitor)
Count defensive players; Confirm with Wing
Monitor play clock for delay / Confirm game clock status
#1 If Umpire gets hit – KNOW what happened!!

9. Offensive Formation Basics
Before snap –
Snapper must not move to another position
Subs must have been inside 9-yd marks (numbers)
No encroachment
No FST
At the snap –
Be inbounds
Be either OL or back
Must have 5 OL numbered 50 – 79 (except scrimmage kick formation)
Set at least 1 sec.
1 back may be in motion

10. Defensive Formations Basics
Not touch ball
Not enter NZ causing OL to react immediately
Gap → 2 OL; Head up → 3 OL
Not enter NZ and continue unabated to a back
No non-defensive movement
No disconcerting signals (words; signals or sounds; cadence)