1. 2004-2005 NFHS FOOTBALL Officials ManualOfficials Manual

2. Officials Manual Committee Dale Pleimann – Missouri - - ChairDale Pleimann – Missouri - - Chair Steve Stearns – California - - Vice ChairSteve Stearns – California - - Vice Chair Ralph Damren – MaineRalph Damren – Maine Mike Webb – West VirginiaMike Webb – West Virginia Ralph Swearngin – GeorgiaRalph Swearngin – Georgia Dave Anderson – WisconsinDave Anderson – Wisconsin Tom Robinson – ColoradoTom Robinson – Colorado Clark Sanders – OregonClark Sanders – Oregon Tom Lorang – Montana - - NFHS-OATom Lorang – Montana - - NFHS-OA

3. SIGNIFICANT MANUAL REVISIONS Change in free-kick assignments for umpire, linesman and back judge (five- official).Change in free-kick assignments for umpire, linesman and back judge (five- official). Linesman moves to umpires spot (Rs 30 yard line).Linesman moves to umpires spot (Rs 30 yard line). Umpire moves to back judges spot (Rs 20 yard line).Umpire moves to back judges spot (Rs 20 yard line). Back judge moves to linesmans spot (Ks free kick line).Back judge moves to linesmans spot (Ks free kick line).

4. SIGNIFICANT MANUAL REVISIONS

5. Change in free-kick assignments.Change in free-kick assignments. Reasons for change:Reasons for change: The linesman will be better positioned to get the chain crew into position for the start of the series.The linesman will be better positioned to get the chain crew into position for the start of the series. The back judge is more accustomed to having plays run toward him.The back judge is more accustomed to having plays run toward him. The back judge will also be closer to normal position for the next scrimmage down.The back judge will also be closer to normal position for the next scrimmage down.

6. SIGNIFICANT MANUAL REVISIONS Visual count by back judge of last 5 seconds prior to delay of game penalty in a five-official crew when visual 25-second clocks are not used.Visual count by back judge of last 5 seconds prior to delay of game penalty in a five-official crew when visual 25-second clocks are not used. A counting motion similar to that used by basketball officials is suggested.A counting motion similar to that used by basketball officials is suggested. The manual committee has not mandated a signal; however, a raised hand is not suggested because it is the signal for a dead-ball foul (#7).The manual committee has not mandated a signal; however, a raised hand is not suggested because it is the signal for a dead-ball foul (#7).

7. SIGNIFICANT MANUAL REVISIONS Added guideline for free kicks when the kicking team is not ready in the prescribed time.Added guideline for free kicks when the kicking team is not ready in the prescribed time. As provided in 3-5-7m there is a one-minute intermission after a score.As provided in 3-5-7m there is a one-minute intermission after a score. However, when the minute expires, the kicker must be ready.However, when the minute expires, the kicker must be ready. If not, the back judge (linesman in 4-official crew) is to place the ball on the ground and move to his position on the sideline.If not, the back judge (linesman in 4-official crew) is to place the ball on the ground and move to his position on the sideline. The referee gives the ready signal (#1) and the 25-second count begins.The referee gives the ready signal (#1) and the 25-second count begins.

8. SIGNIFICANT MANUAL REVISIONS Added a chart concerning Chop Blocks. p84Added a chart concerning Chop Blocks. p84 SIMULTANEOUS BLOCKSSIMULTANEOUS BLOCKS Blocker 1Blocker 2RulingBlocker 1Blocker 2Ruling HighLowLegal BlockHighLowLegal Block LowHighLegal BlockLowHighLegal Block LowLowLegal BlockLowLowLegal Block High HighLegal BlockHigh HighLegal Block DELAYED BLOCKSDELAYED BLOCKS First BlockerSecond BlockerRulingFirst BlockerSecond BlockerRuling LowHighLegal BlockLowHighLegal Block HighHighLegal BlockHighHighLegal Block HighLowChop BlockHighLowChop Block LowLowChop BlockLowLowChop Block

9. SIGNIFICANT MANUAL REVISIONS Change in position for the referee on punts in a four-official crew.Change in position for the referee on punts in a four-official crew. The referee was aligned on the kicking-leg side of the punter.The referee was aligned on the kicking-leg side of the punter. The referees is now positioned on the line judges side of the field (facing the linesman) for all punts.The referees is now positioned on the line judges side of the field (facing the linesman) for all punts. With this position, the referee will be able to cover the sideline that is left uncovered because the line judge is downfield with the receivers.With this position, the referee will be able to cover the sideline that is left uncovered because the line judge is downfield with the receivers.

10. SIGNIFICANT MANUAL REVISIONS Adjusted signal chart. P 86-87Adjusted signal chart. P 86-87 #7 – Ball dead - - Dead ball foul.#7 – Ball dead - - Dead ball foul. #44 - - Added Interlocked blocking.#44 - - Added Interlocked blocking. Now the same as the signal chart in the Rule Book.Now the same as the signal chart in the Rule Book.

11. SIGNIFICANT MANUAL REVISIONS Points of Emphasis Section created in manual. P 84Points of Emphasis Section created in manual. P 84 The proper touchback signal (#7).The proper touchback signal (#7). Location of authorized conferences.Location of authorized conferences. Changes in assignments on kickoffs (5-official).Changes in assignments on kickoffs (5-official). Visual count by back judge.Visual count by back judge.

12. SIGNIFICANT MANUAL REVISIONS The Officials Manual Committee will meet briefly (one hour) following the Third General Session in the years that the manual will not be printed.The Officials Manual Committee will meet briefly (one hour) following the Third General Session in the years that the manual will not be printed. To discuss mechanics changes necessitated by rule changes and Points of Emphasis.To discuss mechanics changes necessitated by rule changes and Points of Emphasis. These items will be placed on the NFHS web site until the next printing of the Manual.These items will be placed on the NFHS web site until the next printing of the Manual.

13. CORRECTIONS Page 15: III-A-3; add Back Judge (5-person) obtains football.Page 15: III-A-3; add Back Judge (5-person) obtains football. Page 16: III-B-2-b; add Back Judge (5-person) obtains football.Page 16: III-B-2-b; add Back Judge (5-person) obtains football.

14. CORRECTIONS Page 19-20: After a Score or Try – Prior to Free Kick; Refer to pages 50-53 – Before Kick for each position. Page 50: Diagram; U for Umpire is not filled in on 20-yard line.

15. CORRECTIONS Page 52: IV A3 Change R to K Page 74-75: After a Touchback, Safety, Try or Field Goal; Refer to pages 50-53 – Before Kick for each position.

16. SUGGESTIONS or CONCERNS Contact: Dale Pleimann, Assistant Director Missouri State High School Activities Association (dale@mshsaa.org)