1. What sideline officials covering kickoff returns need to know.
FADE and FOLLOW
What sideline officials covering kickoff returns need to know.
Mike Webb, WVSSAC Football Clinician,
August 2, 2009

2. Line Judge and Back Judge; On kickoffs to your side:
Umpire and Linesmen,
Line Judge and Back Judge;
On kickoffs to your side:
Umpire and Linesman, you have been positioned about 25 yards from the Line Judge and Back Judge in front of you.
We want to maintain that spacing throughout a kickoff return, especially one that goes up a sideline. Umpire and Linesman you will follow the runner. The Line Judge and Back Judge will lead the runner.
Hence the term:
“Fade and Follow”.

3. Kickoff Return
When kickoff return begins; Maintain position, read return then:
LJ and BJ --
You will Fade |
U and H --
You will Follow U LJ
G G
G G R
It is not necessary to wait for KICKER to be ready. Some can take an inordinate amount of time. Make your decision based on your tempo and not the kicking team. H BJ 3

4. Too Many – Too Close

5. FADE and FOLLOW Line Judge and Back Judge:
Lead the runner down the sideline (Fade).
Do not permit them to get beyond you.
Do not let the buffer decrease until the ball is dead.
Umpire and Linesman:
Follow the runner after he has passed your position.
Maintain the 25-yard buffer between you and your up-field official.

6. FADE and FOLLOW Line Judge and Back Judge:
While leading the play observe blocking ahead of and to the inside of runner.
Watch his feet.
Umpire and Linesman:
While following the play note blocking around and behind the runner.
Watch the sideline.

7. Line Judge and
Back Judge;
When runner goes out of bounds you need to stop the clock and work back up the field toward the play and be ready to help in ball exchanges.
Observe players!
Umpire and Linesman;
When runner goes out of bounds you must stop the clock and get to the spot and hold it. Continue to officiate the dead ball interval that follows.
Do not get too close!

8. FADE and FOLLOW
When play is up the middle observe action to your side of runner and in front of runner. Be observant for illegal contact with players obviously out of the play.
When play is to the opposite side observe all action to your side of and behind the runner. Be observant for illegal contact with players obviously out of the play. Use good dead ball mechanics when play is over.