1. Reading and Understanding Keys
Bux-Mont Chapter
PIAA Football Officials – District One

2. Determining Strength 4
In recognizing the strength of the formation (strong vs. weak side), officials must pay attention to the offensive team.
Strength has nothing to do with the number of offensive lineman on each side of the center or the wide side of the field (unless you are still playing the game).
To determine the strength of the formation, take note which side of the formation has more eligible receivers outside the tackle.
If players are stacked, the player nearest the LOS is considered to be the widest. 4 3 3 2 2

3. Determining Strength 4 4
The back judge has priority followed by the wing men.
Wing officials should never key the same player as the back judge.
Be alert for motion as this can change the strength and keys. 3 3 2 2

4. Formations 4 4 3 3 2 2 Unbalanced4
Unbalanced
Back judge keys on the widest receiver on the strong side of the field.
Wing official on the strong side keys on the inside player of the formation, normally a flanker or wing back.
Wing official on the weak side will key on the end nearest his side, normally a wideout. 3 3 2 2

5. Formations 4 4
Balanced
Strength is always considered to be to the line judge side of the field.
Back judge keys on the widest receiver on the strong side of the field (line judge side).
The wing officials key on receivers other than the back judge’s key and any backs who move toward them at the snap. 3 3 2 2

6. Formations 4 4
Trips
The back judge keys on the two widest receivers.
Strong side wing official keys on the inside-most receiver.
Weak side wing official keys on the end nearest him. 3 3 2 2

7. Formations 4 4 3 3 2 2 Double Wing4
Double Wing
Strength is always considered to be to the line judge side of the field.
Back judge keys on the widest receiver on the strong side of the field (line judge side).
Line judge keys on inside receiver.
The linesman has both receivers on his side. 3 3 2 2

8. Formations 4 4
Wishbone
Strength is always considered to be to the line judge side of the field.
Back judge keys on the widest receiver on the strong side of the field (line judge side).
Line judge keys the backs.
Linesman keys the end on his side. 3 3 2 2

9. Strength to HL Side 4 4 3 3 TE WR 2 1 WR 1 HB FB 2 2
HL – Pro Set

10. 4 4 3 3 2 2 Strength to HL Side 1 1 2 HL - I – Formation WR TE FL FB4 3 3 WR TE 1 1 FL 2 FB HB 2 2
HL - I – Formation

11. Strength to LJ Side 4 4 3 3 TE WR 1 2 TE 1 HB FB 2 2
LJ – Pro Set

12. 4 4 3 3 2 2 Strength to LJ Side 1 2 1 LJ - I – Formation TE WR FL FB4 3 3 TE WR 1 2 FL 1 FB HB 2 2
LJ - I – Formation

13. Strength to Head Linesman side of the field4 4
Strength to Head Linesman side of the field 3 3 2 2

14. 4 4 3 3 2 2 Strength to HL Side Pro Set - Unbalanced BJ U HL LJ TE WR4 U 3 3 HL LJ TE WR WR HB FB 2 R 2
Pro Set - Unbalanced

15. I Formation - Unbalanced
Strength to HL Side BJ 4 4 U 3 3 HL LJ WR TE FL FB HB 2 R 2
I Formation - Unbalanced

16. 2 Tight Ends - Unbalanced
Strength to HL Side BJ 4 4 U 3 3 HL LJ TE TE WR HB FB 2 R 2
2 Tight Ends - Unbalanced

17. Strength to HL Side BJ 4 4 U 3 3 HL LJ WR TE FL FL HB 2 R 2
Trips

18. Strength to Line Judge side of the field4 4
Strength to Line Judge side of the field 3 3 2 2

19. Balanced Formation, Strength to LJ sideBJ
Balanced Formation, Strength to LJ side 4 4 U 3 3 HL LJ WR WR FL FL HB 2 R 2
Single Back - Balanced

20. 4 4 3 3 2 2 Strength to LJ Side Pro Set - Unbalanced BJ U HL LJ WR TE4 U 3 3 HL LJ WR TE WR HB FB 2 R 2
Pro Set - Unbalanced

21. I Formation - UnbalancedBJ
Strength to LJ Side 4 4 U 3 3 HL LJ TE WR FL FB HB 2 R 2
I Formation - Unbalanced

22. 2 Tight Ends – UnbalancedBJ
Strength to LJ Side 4 4 U 3 3 HL LJ TE TE WR HB FB 2 R 2
2 Tight Ends – Unbalanced

23. Balanced Formation, Strength to LJ sideBJ
Balanced Formation, Strength to LJ side 4 4 U 3 3 HL LJ TE TE WB WB HB 2 R 2
Wing T - Balanced

24. BJ
Strength to LJ Side 4 4 U 3 3 HL LJ TE WR FL FL HB 2 R 2
Trips

25. Balanced Formation, Strength to LJ sideBJ
Balanced Formation, Strength to LJ side 4 4 U 3 3 HL LJ WR TE FL FL HB 2 R 2
One back - Balanced

26. Balanced Formation, Strength to LJ sideBJ
Balanced Formation, Strength to LJ side 4 4 U 3 3 HL LJ TE TE FB HB HB 2 R 2
Wish Bone - Balanced

27. 4 4 3 3 2 2 Strength to LJ Side Veer - Unbalanced BJ U HL LJ TE TE WR4 U 3 3 HL LJ TE TE WR FB HB 2 R 2
Veer - Unbalanced

28. Motion – Change of StrengthBJ
Strength to LJ Side 4 4 U 3 3 HL LJ WR TE WR HB FB 2 R 2
Motion – Change of Strength

29. Motion – Change of StrengthBJ BJ 4 4 U 3 3 HL LJ WR TE WR HB FB 2 R 2
Motion – Change of Strength

30. Motion – Change of Strength
Strength to HL Side BJ 4 4 U 3 3 HL LJ WR TE WR HB FB 2 R 2
Motion – Change of Strength