2. 2015 MECHANICS CHANGES

3. UNIFORMS 2-1/4” Shirt optional for 2015 for all games
Mandatory for 2016 for all games
If worn in 2015, entire crew must wear (all must be dressed alike)
The new shirts are optional this season. But if worn, the entire crew must wear it. The shirts will be mandatory for use in 2016.

5. COIN TOSS
During coin toss, R should let coin hit the ground (unless field conditions do not permit)
The mechanics now specify the R should let the coin hit the ground during the coin toss. However, if field conditions are poor, the Referee may catch the toss.

6. REFEREE POSITION
Wider pre-snap position for the R, usually yards and about 13 yards deep.
The new mechanics for positioning of the Referee will make many of them line up wider than they used to do and maybe even a bit deeper than they used to do. In most cases, the Referee will be 12 – 14 yards laterally from the ball and about 13 yards deep. Formations and field position can obviously change these distances.

7. R

8. SUBSTITUTIONS
When counting players, closed fist will indicate 11 players, open hand for 10 or fewer
If the team you are counting has 11 players on the field, use the fist signal as before. When the team has less than 11 , signal with an open hand.

9. SUBSTITUTIONS
New language adding responsibilities for B during substitutions (Signal)
If Team A is in no-huddle or has already broken huddle and subs, the B should “iron cross” to alert the R
Today’s game requires the crew be much more aware of the substitution process than ever before. Since team B must be given a chance to match up in most situations when Team A subs, everyone on the crew has duties to perform to ensure we do this well. This year’s mechanics specifically address how the back judge should help the crew.

10. SUBSTITUTIONS All plays that end in A’s team area:
Crew “iron crosses” automatically
R observe Team B
@5 seconds after ball is dead can release if no move by Team B to sub

11. FG’s and TRY’s
Added responsibility for H after FG and TRYS with focus on interior line until players separate

12. FG’s and TRY’s
During “swinging gate”, L will remain on LOS until players shift to scrimmage kick formation
If they start in SKF and shift to regular formation, L down endline to sideline and then to GL. R may have to help on that sideline

13. SIGNALLING FOULS
When announcing fouls, the dead ball signal is no longer used for pre-snap fouls
Visible signals are allowed by all officials for pre-snap fouls (CAUTION IF 2 FLAGS DOWN)

14. PRE-KO AFTER TRY OR FG
After a try or successful FG or safety, the R, L, U and H should proceed directly to the sideline and then to their positions, clearing the sideline and preparing for the free kick (No meeting at the 20 and then up)

15. PRE-KO AFTER TRY OR FG
The B always goes up the PRESSBOX sideline. (NOT A CHANGE BUT P.O.E.)
After B moves to give ball to kicker, re-clear the sidelines if needed

16. PRE-KO AFTER TRY OR FG
Wing officials work OFF the sideline, not on or near

17. HALFTIME
After the half time intermission, all officials should arrive at their free kick positions at least 1 minute prior to kickoff (ADDED)
Try to get the choice at end of 1st half

18. COMMUNICATION DEVICES
Microphones for officials other than the R are prohibited

19. COMMUNICATION DEVICES
Protected wireless communication systems open only to the crew and observers may be allowed if approved by TASO prior to use on the field

20. COMMUNICATION DEVICES

21. COMMUNICATION DEVICES

22. © Texas Association of Sports Officials
Questions
For any questions
or clarifications,
Contact
If you have any questions or need further clarification on this material , please contact TASO at this address.
© Texas Association of Sports Officials

23. CLINIC SURVEY LINK LOCATED ON THE FOOTBALL PAGE www.taso.org/football
We want your honest feedback regarding our regional clinics. Please go to TASO.ORG and click on the link for Football Regional Clinic On-Line Evaluations. This is your way of telling us what we are doing well and what we need to do better. The evaluations are anonymous and we invite your feedback.
© Texas Association of Sports Officials

24. This has been a training program produced by the Texas Association of Sports Officials. TASO is an independent organization, providing support, resources and training for Texas high school sports officials. With more than 150 local chapters serving over 14,000 members throughout the state, we are one of the largest professional organizations for sports officials in the country.