1. National Federation
Mechanics Changes For 2016

2. Referee Kick Off Position
5 Man Mechanics
Referee Position Change
Press Box U LJ K
Score Board R
2 0
<
1 0
<
<
3 0
<
4 0
5 0
4 0
< HL BJ 1 2

3. Referee Key LJ R U BJ 2 0 4 0 1 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 HL Referee Key Press Box
Score Board BJ
2 0
4 0
<
1 0
<
<
3 0
<
4 0
5 0
< HL 1

4. Referee Key LJ R U BJ 2 0 1 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 HL Referee Key Press Box
Score Board
Initial key is
the opposite tackle
unless the formation
dictates otherwise BJ ?
2 0
<
1 0
<
<
3 0
<
4 0
5 0
4 0
< HL 1

5. Referee Run Mechanics LJ R U BJ 2 0 1 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 HL
Once The Ball Is Dead, The Referee
Moves Towards The Forward Progress Spot
Press Box LJ X X X X X X R U
Score Board BJ
2 0
<
1 0
<
<
3 0
<
4 0
5 0
4 0
< HL 1

6. Referee – Officials’ Time Out Signal
Give time out signal 2 times
Tap your chest 2 times
However, there are a few things you should NOT
tap your chest for and merely give the time out signal alone
Before a first down is declared
Following a change in team possession
After a foul to administer the penalty

7. Referee – Be Visible For The Ready
The Referee should move into a position visible
to the clock operator to give the ready for play

8. Referee – Set The Chains After Kicks
After a scrimmage kick, the Referee is to confirm
the line to gain indicator is set before giving the ready for play
Chain crews must be instructed to move with a purpose,
they need to hustle

9. Official Measurements
If after a measurement in the side zones, if the ball is short
of the line to gain, the Referee will use the chains to
properly set the ball at the hash mark

10. Referee Spots A Punt Out Of Bounds
For a scrimmage kick out of bounds in flight, the Referee
will line up the covering official at the spot where the ball
crossed the sideline by using an outstretched arm

11. Umpire Helps Out On Scrimmage Kicks
On scrimmage kicks, the Umpire will be alert to help the
Referee in covering a short or blocked kick
On scrimmage kicks, the Umpire will also assist the
Head Linesman in determining if the ball crossed the
line of scrimmage

12. Use the chains to establish
Free Kick FG Attempt After A Fair Catch
FG Attempt After Fair Catch
Press Box LJ U K R
2 0
<
1 0
<
<
3 0
<
4 0
5 0
4 0
<
3 0
< BJ
Use the chains to establish
the 10 yard neutral zone HL 1

13. Head Linesman – Should Have 2 Clips
It is now recommended that the Head Linesman use two
clips on the chains
After a 1st down, the second clip remains at the old position
until after the 1st down play is run
This is the same principle used by the NCAA and NFL
for instant replay, however, the use of instant replay
or photographic material is strictly prohibited by the NFHS

14. Signal For OUT Of BoundsX X
NOT This
OLD
NEW

15. Signal For IN Bounds
NEW

16. Back Judge Visible 5 Second Count
The Back Judge will raise his/her hand with 5 seconds left
in the 25 second play clock and visibly count down the
final 5 seconds (not applicable if there is a visible 25
second clock – i.e. Plant or Raymond James Stadium)
The FHSAA has altered the signal from what is in the book
a little bit to what is below

17. Who Controls The Tempo Of The Game
Referee – Ready for play
Umpire – Spotting the ball
Head Linesman – Setting the chains / controlling the chain crew
Line Judge – Ball relays
Back Judge – 25 Second clock
– Willingness to call delay of game
– Timing time outs, time frame after scores, etc.
– Ball relays
Chain Crew – Do you hustle or walk?

18. Time Out Procedure - Back Judge
The Back Judge is to blow the whistle with two short blasts
to signal the 15 second warning until the ready for play
(technically should do the same thing at the end of the time out)

19. Clock Operator Turn The Horn Off
If a play is in progress and time expires for the period
during the down, the horn should NOT be sounded