FCOCP

Level III
Clinic

Level III Football Canada Officials

Certification Program (FCOCP)
Purpose
To improve the understanding of Umpire positions
To introduce the concept of 5 Official crew
To prepare officials for assignment as Referee in minor and High School Leagues
To prepare Officials for assignments to the Referee and Back Umpire positions
To prepare officials for assignment to sideline positions in a 5 official system.
To improve rule knowledge and understanding of game administration procedures
Encourage further participation and progress in the FCOCP

Certification Requirements
Participation at all clinic sessions
Minimum of 80% on Level III Exam
Pass practical evaluation of at the
Referee, Umpire or Sideline positions
PASSING MARK 80 %

MEETINGS

LESSON 1

Meeting the Coaches

General Duties
The Referee and Umpire will meet with the coaches 30 minutes
prior to the start of the game.
Meet with each coach for the same amount of time.
Generally meet with visiting coach first.

Meeting the Coaches

Meeting the Coaches

The Referee
- - Introduce yourself and the Umpire
- Allow the Umpire to request the coach sign the coachs
certification
form
A-Ask the coach to identify captains, punter, kicker and holder
and any other players the officials should know about( eg. 3 rd
down centre )
A-Ask if there are any concerns or special plays the officials
should be aware of.
-Advise the coach of any special pre game happening, field
conditions etc.
7

Meeting the Coaches

The Umpire

Serve as the eyes and ears of the Referee after being

introduced.
- Request that the coachs certification be signed.
- Record the numbers of the captains, punter , kicker holder
and any
other player officials should know about
- Listen to the coachs concerns/plays and be able to relay this
information to the rest of the officials.
- Accompany the referee back to the timers bench to meet
with the rest of
the crew.
-

Game Card and Coaches Declaration

Umpire
records captains
place kicker
holder and punter
given by the
coach

Umpire
gets the
coach to
sign the
Coaches
Declaration

If the team with

the choice at the
start of the game
chooses to defer
mark a D by first
half

The Umpire and All

members of the
crew should record
time outs

MEETING THE CAPTAINS

JU
D
G

LI
N
E

JU
DG

SI
DE

FI
EL

UM
PI

JU
DG

RE

G
AN U D
D
M
A S
J
HE INE CK
L
BA

INTRODUCTION
CAPTAINS
OFFICIALS

FIRST CHOICE
WILL THE TEAM WITH FIRST CHOICE TAKE
IT NOW OR DEFER TO THE SECOND
HALF
REFEREE
STANDS WITH BACK TO PRESS BOX SO WHEN
HE TURNS THE ANNOUNCER CAN SEE HIS
SIGNALS

Mechanics for Deferring

1) Stand beside the deferring Team
2) signal incomplete pass

10

MEETING THE CAPTAINS

OPTIONS TO THE TEAM MAKING THE CHOICE
-Kick or Receive
-Choice of End
Mechanics for Identifying and Recording Choices
Referee Signal choice of the Team making the FIRST choice
Umpire - record choices deferred or not
- selections made
Referee comments to Captains
Prior to choices- any questions/concerns
- field conditions or information teams should know
After choices - have a good game
- get Teams out for the Kickoff start in _ minutes
11

Choice at the Start of the Game

How high did he
flip it?

Referee will allow the visiting team first choice at start of the game
To make choice in first half or defer their choice to the second half
Can be decided by a coin toss.
How else can the choice be decided?

12

Meeting the Captains

Start of the Game

Waiting for captains

Captains greeting each other

Introducing the crew and making the choices

Umpire recording choices

Switching sides after choice

13

MEETING THE CAPTAINS TO START

SECOND HALF
Umpire - Advise referee whose choice it is
Referee - Ask the captain of the team who has a
choice
-Ask the other team for their choice.
-Signal choice of the team that had the
first selection

14

Pre Game Meeting with Officials

After the Meeting with the Coaches
-Go over numbers captains punter, kicker ,holder
-Review any special plays that the coaches have stated
-Review any problems with numbering of players
-Review how you will interact with other officials

Done before Meetings with the Coaches

-4man crew- review when you will give Free and Held signal and the
response required.
-Review how kicks from scrimmage will be covered
-Review coverage when ball goes out of bounds
-review the relay of the ball after it becomes dead

15

Reviewing the Umpire Position

LESSON 2

Umpire Special
Communication Factors

Communication with the

Referee
During Penalty Options
Clock Stopped?
Get a Ball
Direct Captains to Referee
Know circumstances of play and foul
Stay by Referee
Remind Referee to give pre-signal
Know options assist Referee if he/she needs help
Mark off yardage and place ball
Confirm penalty application with Head Linesman
Remind Referee when time will start

Communication with the Referee

Time Outs
Make sure the clock is stopped.
Time the time out on your watch.
See that the time out is charged against the proper team and recorded
on the game card.
Stand together with the crew.
Notify the Referee when 50 seconds has elapsed.
Remind Referee that time starts on the snap of the ball.

TIME OUT
NOTIME OUT

The head coach or designated

coach may call a time out
from the sideline
Players on the field may call
18
time outs

Communication with the

Referee (4)
Half Time
Timing of Half Time responsibility
Get game ball
Proceed to dressing room
Discuss problems
Note Team choice for second half
Proceed to field with 5 minutes left

Communication with Sideline

Officials

Indicate responsibility for deep/short pass coverage

Take position when Players huddle
Determine who is HELD? Who is FREE?

Usually HELD Official is on wide side of field

You may wish to hold short side Official on the LS because of formation that offence takes.

When Referee blows ball ready, indicate who will be HELD by extending arm and
pointing with open hand
Check for his/her response signal (pointing to ground) and responses signal of other
Official (salute)
As offence breaks huddle, count defensive team and check for legality of offensive
formation
Prepare for next play

Developing Positive Player

Relationships

Will reduce disputes

Enhance respect for Officials
Show that you care
Facilitate administration of game
Use comments like
let him/her up easily
watch your hands
keep your hand in
Blue, youve got two Players coming in
ball, please, followed by thank you

Communication by the
Umpire
Lesson 3

Communicating with the Referee

During Penalty options
-Be sure that the clock is stopped
-Obtain a ball from the Head Linesman/Line Judge /ball boy
-Direct the captains to the Referee
-Know as much as possible about the circumstances of the play
and foul as you can( g. where was the exact PLS on left or
right hash or centre of field
-Stay by the Referee
-Remind the Referee to give a pre signal
-Know what the options should be, to assist the referee IF he
needs help
-Once an option has been chosen, mark off the distance and put
the ball down
-Confirm with the Head Linesman that the correct distance
penalty has been assessed
Remind the Referee when time will start on the next play

23

Developing Player Relationships

Create a positive relationship with players
Will reduce disputes
Enhance respect for officials
Make players aware that you care
Facilitate administration of the game
Use comments like:
* Let him up easily

* Good work

* Watch your hands

* Blue, youve got two players coming in

* Keep your hands in

* Hard running

* Ball, please, followed by thank you

24

COMMUNICATION WITH THE REFEREE

Half time
- Note when the second quarter ended and the
third quarter should start.
- Get the game ball
- Proceed to the dressing room.
- Discuss problems
- Check game card to see who has choice to
start to start the second half.

25

Hurry Up Offense
WITH BALL UNTIL REFEREE IS READY
BALL AWARNESS
CONTINUE NORMAL RESPONSIBILITIES
BEFORE PLAY
DURING PLAY
BETWEEN PLAYS
PLAYER MANAGEMENT AFTER PLAY

26

TIMING AND CLOCK AWARNESS

KICKOFF-SIGNAL-TIME IN
-TIME OUT

DURING THE GAME

-STOP CLOCK WHEN NESCESSARY
-ASSIST REFEREE IN CONTROLLOING THE CLOCK
-KEEP THE REFEREE INFORMED

BE AWARE OF TIMING AND CLOCK CONTROL

27

COUNTING PLAYERS
COUNT PLAYERS IN GROUPS
5 OFFICIAL CREW
-COUNT OFFENSE, NOTE 5 INELIGIBLE LINEMEN IN A
CONTINUOUS ROW AND AN ELIGIBLE NUMBER AT BOTH
ENDS OF THE LINE
4 OFFICIAL CREW
-COUNT THE DEFENCE
WARNING RE: SUBSTITUTIONS
TOO MANY MEN-SECOND COUNT
KICKOFF COUNT DEFENCE
PUNTS- CHECK TEAM ALIGNMENT
- 10 12 YARDS BACK , TURN AS PLAYERS PASS YOU
- 4 MAN CREW FAVOUR SHORT SIDE (COVER THAT SIDE)
HURRY UP OFFENCE- COUNT WHILE GETTING READY
28

COMMUNICATION WITH SIDELINE

OFFICIALS
TAKE POSITION WHEN PLAYERS HUDDLE

4 MAN CREW
DETERMINE FREE AND HELD
- FREE OFFICIAL IS ON THE SHORT SIDE OF FIELD
- MAY WANT TO HOLD FREE OFFICIAL ON LS BECAUSE OF
FROMATION THAT THE OFFENCE TAKES
- WHEN REFEREE BLOWS BALL READY, INDICATE WHO WILL IS
FREE AND HELD BY EXTENDING ARM AND POINTING TO HELD
OFFICIAL
- CHECK FOR RESPONSE SIGNAL (HELD POINTING TO GROUND;
FREE OFFICIAL POINTING DOWN FIELD

FIVE MAN CREW

-SIGNAL DOWNS TO SIDELINE OFFICIALS
-WORK WITH REFEREE CONTROLLING PUTTING BALL INTO PLAY

29

Positioning of the Umpire

LESSON 4

Initial Positioning of the Umpire

Umpire set up 5
to 8 yards
behind L of S
Generally
behind the
Linebackers

31

READING KEYS
UTILIZE PRE GAME INFORMATION
PRIOR TO PLAY
-KEY PLAY FACTORS
-SPECIAL FORMATIONS
-SPECIAL SUBSTITUTIONS
DURING THE PLAY
NOTE PLAYER ACTION
-GO WITH THE FLOW
-WATCH PLAYER PATTERNS
-LOOK THROUGH THE PLAY
-NOTE DEFENSIVE FORMATIONS
SHORT YARDAGE PLAYS
-KICK OFFS
-PUNTS
-CONVERTS
32

UMPIRE SURVIVAL TACTICS AND MOVEMENTS

- AGGRESSIVE FORWARD MOTION
- STEP INTO POCKET OF PASS PLAY
- STEP FORWARD ON PUNTS
- PLAY AWARNESS
-SIDE STEP AND TURN TACTICS
- REACT TO INSTINCTS
-

DONT PILE ON

COMMUNICATION WITH PLAYERS

- VARY INITIAL POSITIONING

How could have the Umpire

avoided this?

- UTILIZE PRE GAME INFO

- LOW PROFILE ON PASS PLAYS
-

LATERAL MOBILITY
33

Umpire-Scrimmage
Running Plays
Watch Linemen for illegal procedure and 1 full second pause
Split the line with the Referee
Watch defensive line charge: holding, illegal use of hands, butt tactics etc.
Then watch the game behind the L of S as defense penetrates, to cover behind
the Referee .
Look through the action to cover behind the Referee.
Pick up ball carrier on short plays through the line
When a man is coming at you step aside and forward and let the play pass you.
Do not back up you may get caught between a ball carrier and a tackler.
When a play has passed you ,or gone around the end, drift with the play,
continuing to watch the line play and the linemen as they proceed downfield
watching for late block, roughness, etc. after the whistle.
Do not be too anxious to spot the ball( you have two side men to help with that).
Move to hash mark, or to point when a ball is dead to spot for the next play
Take a position for next play-assist Referee re :timing if necessary

Pass Plays
The umpire will:
Watch the 5 interior linemen for illegal use of hands and
for being down field illegally.
As the pass defenders back up , MOVE FORWARD, to stay close to the play.
DO NOT CROSS THE LINE OF SCRIMMAGE
TURN on ALL passes to ASSIST coverage
Concede the call to the Official who has the view facing the ball (eye
contact)
Look through to the other Officials to make sure they have seen the playthey may have seen something you didnt (i.e. a trapped ball).
Watch for ineligible Receivers attempting to catch the ball
After a pass is complete or incomplete, keep Players under observation
-box the play in.
Spot the ball for the next down if no measurement is required.
Do not be over anxious to signal an incomplete pass. Hold the signal until
assured the ball has touched the ground

PASSING PLAY
UMPIRE MOVEMENT
Umpire first step (s) is
forward toward L Of S

Dont cross the L of S

Move with the Line

Following the pass turn and

provide support for catch or not

c
QB
Click for motion

Pass Plays

Umpire turns on
pass plays
Provide support to
back officials .Watch
if the ball skips or is
dropped. Do not
worry about Pass
Interference must
see the whole play

Note stays near the hash to insure

the boxing in of the play

37

Short Yardage Positioning

Five Official Crew
When it is third down and less than two yards and Team A
is going for the first down:
- The Umpire shall position himself outside the
tackle on the wide side , and step up into the
neutral zone as the ball is snapped.
- The Umpires duty is to help the side line
officials get the primary spot by boxing in the
play and having a good side view of the
forward progress

38

Short Yardage
The Umpire will position himself behind the tackle on the wide
side to keep the ball carrier between the Umpire and the side line
official

The first step should

be forward

Side line official

Click for motion

COVERAGE ON KICKOFFS
Template - field
What
is the
U s
duty?

BU
What signal should the
BU give the U?

G
5
10
15
20
25
30
35

Watch BU and U

40
45

HL50
C

LJ

50

(R , HL, and LJ also

move)
Click (or press n) to
start (to see again
touch p and then click
or touch n)
Answer the two
questions

COVERAGE ON PUNTS
5 official crew
BU

HL

U
L
J
R

Click (or press n) to start motion

Watch the officials and answer the
questions

What does the

Back Umpire
pointing at
HL (arrow)
mean?
What duties do
the officials
assume
a) HL
b) BU

COVERAGE ON PUNTS
4 official crew

Read and answer questions.

Click or press n to see
movements

HL

3.a)The
LJ is the
free or
held
official?
b) When
does the
LJ leave
the LS?
c) What
does the
LJ
watch
for?

U
L
J
R

2.a)What side does

the Umpire favor?
b) When and where
does the U move?

1.a) The HL
is the free or
held
official?
b) Where
does HL
position
prior to
punt?
c) What does
the HL
watch for
when the
receiver gets
the ball?

MEASUREMENTS
LESSON 5

Umpire holds the front picket

Measurements
ENSURE THE BALL IS NOT MOVED
CONTROL FORWARD STICK
CHECK CHAINS AND DOWNS BOX

Umpire
will get
forward
picket

Back official
holds back
picket

44

Change at the End of a Quarter

WHERE, WHAT, WHO
READY TO CHANGE ENDS
CHECK FOR CORRECT BALL PLACEMENT
- POSITION
- DOWN
- DISTANCE
ON BALL UNTILL REFEREE SIGNAL

45

Umpire Penalty
Administration
LESSON 6

PENALTY APPLICATION
OBTAIN BALL
JOIN THE REFEREE

INFO TO THE REFEREE

BE PREPARED TO ASSIST
REFEREE

47

Umpire indicating penalty application

ENSURE PROPER PENALTY
APPLICATION
CARRY THE BALL DISTANCE
GIVEN BYREFEREE
AVOID PACING OFF DISTANCEIF
LINES ARE AVAILABLE
PROCEED TO POINT OF
APPLICATION
APPLY PENALTY YARDAGE
CHECK DISTANCE WITH THE
REFEREE AND HEAD LINESMAN
48

Administration of Penalties

OBSERVE REFEREES SIGNALS

BALL READY FOR PLAY
ASSIST THE REFEREE WITH TIME
(Hold/Go)

Points of Application of
Penalties
1. Point of Last Scrimmage (PLS)
2. Point Ball Held (PBH)
3. Point of Foul (PF)
4. Point of Possession (PP)
5. Point Ball Dead (PBD)
6. Point of Pass (POP)
7. Point of Kick Off (PKO)

APPLICATION OF PENALTIES
POINT OF
PLACEMENT

30

POINT OF PLACEMENT

15 YARD
PENALY

25

20

10 YARD
PENALTY

CROSS TWO LINES

CROSS
THREE
LINES

PONT OF APPLICATION
15
POINT OF PLACEMENT

10
POINT OF APPLICATION

Note distance to the next field line

FIVE YARD
PENALTY

POINT OF
APPLICATION

CROSS ONE LINE

Note distance to the next

field line

51

Classifying Fouls
(See SUPPORT MATERIAL Summary of Penalties

or RULE BOOK)

1. 5 Yards Procedural Fouls

2. 10 Yards Unfair Advantage Fouls
3. 15 Yards Major Fouls
25 Yards + Disqualification R.P.
4. Loss of Down
5. Special Circumstances
Illegal interference on loose ball
Unauthorized participation

BALL CONTROL
COORDINATE WITH REFEREE
WET DAY PROCEDURES

TOWEL FOR WET DAYS

53

Ball Retrieval
PROPER POSITIONING KNOWLEDGE
- PLAY ORIGIN
- PLAY COMPLETION
- POINT OF NEXT DOWN

USE OF SHOVEL PASS

54

The Referee

Referee introducing crew

55

Referee Responsibilities
Leadership
- BY EXAMPLE
-TEAMWORK-BUILD THE CREW
CONSISTENCY
-POSITIVE ATTITUDE TO:
- PLAYERS
- CAPTAINS
- COACHES
- MINOR OFFICIALS
- GAME OFFICIAL

56

Pre Game Meeting with Captains

1. Introduction of crew
2. Special conditions, ground rules
3. Coin toss or choice

Pre Game Meeting with Coaches

1. Introduction of Referee and Umpire
2. Problems, special plays
3.Numbering correct
4. Ground rules
5. Positioning after score
6. Obtain captains' numbers
7.Obtain numbers of kicker, holder,
punter and other number as necessary

Pre Game Meeting with

Timekeeper
1. Clock start and stop.
2. Correction of error
3. Concentrate on timing only (if scorer as well do recording
when play not on)

Pre Game Meeting

with Officials

1. Coin toss/choice.

2. Positioning and responsibilities (encourage each

official to explain ) -don't tell them.

3. Major rule infractions

4. Game equipment
a) ensure each official has carried out
his duty.
-game balls and tee
-distance chains and downs box
-checked for illegal equipment
-inadequate playing equipment
-special protective equipment such a
casts , taping etc.
-tinted visors( permission forms)

Referee - Responsibilities Development of

Rapport
Relationship with Captains
-

Courteous

- Brief
- Correct rulings
- Clear options and explanations
- Address as Captain _____________
-Treat them as you would like to be treated

61

Referee Responsibilities
Relationship with Coaches
- Courteous
- Address as Coach _________
- Pre game opportunity
- None during game (unless absolutely necessary)

62

Referee Responsibilities Relationship with Players

-Understanding
-Calm

- Inform captain of potential problems

-let captain take opportunity to control
his team
-DO NOT TOLERATE
ABUSE FROM
PLAYERS,CAPTAINS OR
COCHES BUT AVOID
RABBIT EARS

63

Referee Responsibilities
Development of rapport
- INTELELGENT RULE INFORCEMENT
- DEFINITION OF A FOUL
- ABSOLUTE INTEGRITY
- SOUND HUMAN RELATIONSIP
- WITH OFFICIALS
- WITH PLAYERS
- WITH COACHES

Comment boxes
labeled RH#

- WITH FANS

64

Referee Responsibilities
Concern for the Athlete

PLAYER SAFETY

- SPORTMANSHIP
- CORRECT RULINGS AND PLAYER MOTIVATION
- ANSWER RULES QUESTIONS
- PREVENT NEED FOR DISQUALIFICATION
- DISQUALIFY WHEN NECESSARY
- PROTECT THE PLAYERS

65

Referee Responsibilities
Attitudes and Mannerisms
PRE GAME
BE POSITIVE TOWARD GAME
KNOW TEAMS, COACHES, MANNERISM
BE RESTED AND SHARP
GAME
DO NOT TRY TO OVERSELL YOURSELF
AVOID MISTAKES SUCH AS :
- OVER ANTICIPATION
- RUSHED SIGNALS
- LAXITY IN RULE ENFORCEMENT
- BEING OUT OF POSITION
- OVER REACTION TO COMPLAINTS
- SHOWING NERVOUSNESS

66

Referee Responsibilities
POST GAME

REVIEW THE GAME WITH OTHER OFFICIALS

REVIEW OWN PERFORMANCE
SET HIGH OBJECTIVES
TRY TO END ON A POSITIVE NOTE

67

Referee Responsibilities
CODE OF ETHICS
RULES STUDY AND KNOWLEDGE
ASSIGNMENTS BY COMPETENCY
HONOUR COMMITMENTS
DRESS AND APPEARANCE
CONDUCT AND CHARACTER EXAMPLE

PLAYERS ARE MOST IMPORTANT

BUSINESSLIKE
RESPONSIBILITY OF TEAM WORK
IMPORTANCE OF GAME
SAFETY AND WELFARE OF PLAYERS
FAIR AND UNBIASED DESCISION
BE FIRM,COURTEOUS,POSITIVE,DEIGNIFIED,FRIENDLY,CALM
NO DRINKING PRIOR TO THE GAME
NOPRIVILEDGED INFORMATION TRANSMITTED TO OPPONENTS

68

Referee - Responsibilities GAME MANAGEMENT

AND CONTROL
ESTABLISH INFLUENCE
- THE POTENTIAL OF PRESENCE BE IN POSITION
- REACT IMMEDIATELY TO FOULS-EARLY IN GAME
-THROUGHOUT THE GAME
PREVENTATIVE OFFICIATING
-HELP PLAYERS TO AVOID FOULS
-AVOIDS POTENTIAL PROBLEMS:
-TALK PLAYERS OUT OF IT
-USE CAPTAINS
-CONTROL PLAYER REMARKS TO OPPONENTS
-AWARNESS OF UNSUSAL PLAYS
-CLEAR ,SHARP WHISTLE
IMPARTIALLITY
COOPERATIVE WITH COACHES
PROTECTION OF PLAYER
COUTESY AND RESPECT- 2 WAYS-COACHES ,PLAYERS

How would the Referee

talk and act with the
player
69

Referee - Responsibilities
UTILIZING CAPTAINS

- COMMUNICATIOR WITH OFFICIALS,THROUGH REFEREE

- EXPLANATION
- CHOICE OF OPTION
- REQUEST FOR MEASURE- THE CAPTAIN AFFECTED BY
DECISION OF THE REFERE
-REFUSAL WHEN OBVIOUS
-PREVENTIVE OFFICIATING
- ENLIST AID OF CAPTAIN
- PREVENT POTENTIAL
-BUILD STATUS OF CAPTAIN
70

Referee - Responsibilities
COMPOSURE UNDER STRESS

CONTEST BECOMES EMOTIONAL

MAY GET OUT OF CONTROL WHEN EMOTIONS HIGH
CONTROL OWN EMOTIONS, SHOW POISE
CONFIDENCE AND CALMNESS
DO NOT TRANSMIT TENSION
SLOW, DELIBERATE ACTION
DECISIVE ACTION, SURENESS
FIRM DECISIONS-NOT BELLIGERENT
STRONG VOICE AND SHARP WHISTLE
DOS AND DONTS
71

Referee Responsibilities
SITUATION AWARNESS
AWARE OF:
- WEATHER, FIELD CONDITIONS
- GAME SITUATIONS-ONE SIDED SCORES, PERSONAL PLAYER CONFICTS
- ABUSE OF RULES-SPIRIT AND INTENT, FAKE INJURY
- PLAY SITUATIONS- TIME ,DOWN, YARDAGE
-TEAM TENDENCY- RUN ,PASS
-QUICK REACTION BASED ON AWARNESS, ANTICIPATION

EXPERIENCE:
-DEVELOPS THE FUNDAMENTAL SKILLS ABOVE

72

Referee Responsibilities
UTILIZING OTHER OFFICIALS
TEAM WORK
COOPERATION
- FAITH IN EACH OTHER
- SENSITIVITY AND SUPPORT
- COVER FOR EACH OTHER
CONDITION AND APPEARANCE
-TOP PHYSICAL SHAPE
-TOP APPEARANCE
-BE SHARP,FEEL SHARP,LOOK SHARP
INTEGRITY- HONEST AND BUSINESSLIKE RELATIONSHIPS
RELIABILITY ALWAYS HONOUR ASSIGNMENTS
UNIFORMITY CONSISTENCY BY
- ATTENDENCE AT CLINICS
-PRE-GAME MEETING, AGREEMENT
-NO SECOND GUSESSING OTHERS CALLS

73

Referee
MECHANICS AND POSITIONING
- BE AT THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME
- COVER OTHER OFFICIALS AS REQUIRED,BEHIND PLAY
-CHECK ANY ERRORS QUIETLY AND PRIVATELY
-KNOW DOWN AND YARDAGE
-HUSTLE

74

Referee Positioning
Initial

referee

75

Kickoff Positioning
After counting the Kicking Team
Check if the other Official are ready.
Each official will raises his arm vertically in the air
and holds it up until acknowledged by the Referee
The kick off should not take place until both teams
have twelve players on the field

Once the Referee signals time in

what does he watch for?

76

KICK OUT OF BOUNDS

1. Where should the Referee
position himself when it
appears the punt will go out
of bounds
2. What signals will the down
field official give the
Referee?
3. If the ball goes Out of
Bounds (OB), in the air, how
does the Referee use the side
official to locate the point
where the ball went OB?

REFEREE
GENERAL SEQUENCE OF COVERAGE
1.

Timing

2.

Numbering of Linemen

3.

Procedure (split line with the Umpire). Take the right side.

4.

Watch for the snap

Watch movement of Q.B. (Drawing opponent offside)

Protect Q.B. (late hit)

7.

Determine if Q.B. is contained

8.

Watch for deliberate grounding

78

REFEREE
GENERAL SEQUENCE OF COVERAGE
continued

9.

Watch for deliberate throwing the ball out of bounds

10.

Determine if Q.B. throws a lateral or forward pass

11.

Contacting the kicker (has the ball been touched)

12.

Follow Q.B. out of bounds (stay with the Q.B.)

NOTE MOST DEMANDING POSITION ON THE FIELD

MUST BE MENTALLY ALERT !!!!!!!!!!!
79

Referee Covering Quarterback

Referee will take his staring position
on the throwing arm of the quarter
back in order to see the quarter
backs throwing arm
Roll out with quarter back in order
to provide protection but also to see
the release of ball on an attempted
pass.
Rule on pass/or fumble when quarter
back contacted by an opponent and
the ball is released
80

Referee
Contacting the Passer

Should a defensive player have initiated his attempt to block a pass while the
ball is still in possession of the Passer, he shall not be penalized for such contact
unless, in the opinion of the Referee, it constituted Unnecessary Roughness or
Rough Play.
81

Referee Positioning
Punt

POSITION AT START PARALLEL WITH PUNTER

STEP UP WITH PUNTER SO YOU CAN SEE CONTACT WITH
KICKING FOOT
BALL KICKED IN AIR TOWARDS OUT OF BOUNDS , MOVE
BEHIND KICKER SO YOU CAN FOLLOW FLIGHT PATH OUT OF
BOUNDS
POINT TO OFFICIAL LOOKING TO MARK O.B. SPOT AND
DIRECT .RAISE ARM WHEN THE OFFICIAL IS AT THE SPOT

82

Contacting the Kicker

Contacting the Kicker while he is in the act of kicking from scrimmage is

illegal, unless the contact is slight and incidental.
Penalty -loss 10 yds P.L.S. (7-1)
-if contact is Unnecessary Roughness, 1D and 15 yds (7-3)

83

Blocked Kick
Team B breaking through and
the kick is gone
1. What should the referee do?
2.What type of call could be
made here?
3.When would there be no call?

84

Field Goal

Where should the Referee position himself for a field goal:

a) Inside the ten yard line
b) Outside the ten yard line
c) What are the duties of the referee in (a) and (b)
d) Whose duty is it to support the Referee ?
e) What does this support official watch for?

Referee Responsibilities
RULES
- KNOW RULES THOROUHGLY
- KNOW RULE INTENT
- RULES INTELLIGENTLY ENFORCE
- FOUL DEFINITION
- JUDGEMENT
- PHILOSPHY
-KNOW CORRECT APPLICATION
- OPTIONS
- POINT OF APPLICATION
- DISTANCE TO APPLY
- DOWN
-CONSISTENCY
- IN CALLING FOULS
- THROUGHOUT THE GAME
86

REFEREE ADMINISTRATION
MEASUREMENTS
REFEREE DECIDES
MAY CONSULT AFFECTED CAPTAIN
AWARNESS OF DISTANCE TO GAIN
CLOSE

-SIGNAL TIME OUT

MAKE CALL
CHECK WITH CAPTAINS
- MAY DECLINE REQUEST, BUT MUST BE OBVIOUS
3 rd
DOWN

MEASUREMENT
PLEASE

SORRY
NO

87

REFEREE ADMINISTRATION
MEASUREMENTS

IF BALL OUT OF BOUNDS, MEASURE AT O.B. SPOT

IF BALL DEAD INBOUNDS, MEASURE AT PBD
IF BALL IS TO BE MOVED TO HASH MARK, MARK SPOT
ON CHAIN FOR PLACEMENT

Referee
holding the
ball in place
awaiting the
stick.
Measure
where the ball
went dead

88

Measurements
Role of the Referee
Your this
much short

GIVE DECISION, START PLAY WHEN HL IS READY

89

REFEREE PENALTY OPTIONS

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Follow the Kiss system

Remember- Play or Penalty
Dual Penalties- clean up other
penalties, then apply U.R or R.P. calls.
Obvious options- inform the captain (s)
rather than ask.
Keep game moving
If unsure, ask other officials
Assist captains rather than demand
quick decisions.
Umpire should stay close, to act as a
safety valve.
Call both captains together rather than
repeat on dual foul situations.
On dual penalty situations, offer
option (s) to first non offending team.
90

REFEREE ADMINISTRATION
SIGNALS
1. Be Sure of the information provided to you.
2. Find an open spot on the field ( Position clearly visible to both sides of field).
3. Know the sequence of announcing the infraction.
4. Be comfortable.
5. Display deliberate movement.
6. Do not hurry (your in charge).
7. Do not turn back to check on anything once you have started into your routine
8. Do not over signal
9.Display good composure
10. Develop your own style
PRACTICE YOUR SIGNALS : - CRISP -CLEAR

91

REFEREE ADMINISTRATION
CHANGE AT QUARTER TIME

- DOWN AND YARDAGE

- BALL POSITION
- AFTER PLACEMENT
-POSITION
-DOWN
-YARDAGE
- SIGNAL PLAY TO START

92

REFEREE ADMINISTRATION
SPECIAL SITUATIONS
HURRY UP OFFENSE
-CO ORDINATE WITH UMPIRE
-CONTROL START OF PLAY
CONTROL OF CLOCK
-STARTING THE CLOCK

-STOPPING THE CLOCK

-3 MINUTE PERIOD
-NO AUTHORITY TO CHANGE TIMING REGULATIONS
TIME COUNT
-20 SECOND COUNT - METHOD OF COUNTING
- CONSIDERATION BEFORE STARTING
-

93

REFEREE ADMINISTRATION
TIME COUNT

-20 SECOND COUNT - METHOD OF

COUNTING
CONSIDERATION BEFORE STARTING

PREVENTIVE OFFICIATING

Player being sent in with plays explain to

the coach in pre game as to when you will
whistle the time count in.
Will wait for messenger if he is in the
process of coming when ball is ready for
play
Will not wait if the messenger is engaged
in a conversation with the coach

Messenger player

94

REFEREE ADMINISTRATION

HALFTIME
GET BALL
GO DIRECTLY TO DRESSING ROOM
REVIEW FIRST HALF
MAKE ADJUSTMENTS
3 MINUTE WARNING
RECHECK WHISTLE, FLAG, GAME BALL, TEE
CHECK GAME CARD
MEET CAPTAINS

95

REFEREE ADMINISTRATION

Post Game

-Conduct a review of key plays or areas of concerns

-Have all members of the crew contribute

-Negative concerns with individual officials should be discussed in private
-Fill in any information on game sheet that the league may require eg:
names of officials, disqualifications other concerns visors etc.

96

The Back Umpire

97

PRE GAME DUTIES

BACK UMPIRE

- PREGAME MEETING
- CHECK GAME BALLS
- KICKING TEE/GAME TOWELS
-FIELD CHECK
-MARKINGS
-OBSTRUCTIONS
-HAZARDS
-PLAYERS FOOTWEAR.CASTS ETC.
-REVIEW WITH REFEREE
-PROCEED TO FIELD WITH CREW
98

CORDINATION OF CREW
BACK UMPIRE

-KICK OFF WITH UMPIRE

SIGNAL
COVERING BALL & RECEIVER
BLOCKING
-PLAYS

FROM SCRIMMAGE
EARLY POSITIONING
INDICATE FREE SIDE AND HELD SIDE

- CLEAR AND DECISIVE POSITIONING BY THE B.U. WILL

REMOVE DOUBT FOR THE CREW

99

UMBRELLA CONCEPT
BACK UMPIRE

KEYS
-POSITIONING FOR OVERALL VIEW
-AVOID GETTING TRAPPED
-BOX IN THE PLAY

PREVENTATIVE OFFICIATING
LOOK

- OFF THE BALL

- THROUGH THE PLAY

MAKE PRESCENCE KNOWN

- DURING THE PLAY
- AFTER BALL IS DEAD
100

KICK OFF
BACK UMPIRE
-TAKE UP INITIAL POSITION
-CARRY OUT FIELD CHECK(END ZONE, RECEIVERS, PLAYER
COUNT)
- COORDINATE COVERAGE WITH UMPIRE
- SIGNAL REFEREE
-POSITIVE SIGNAL FOR RETURN COVERAGE (BALL CARRIERBLOCKING)
-SIGNAL TIME IN
-AWARNESS OF DIFFERENT PLAY SITUATIONS
-MECHANICS OF PENALTY APPLICATION
-POINT OF POSSESSION
-POINT BALL HELD (AT TIME OF FOUL)
101

SCRIMMAGE
BACK UMPIRE

A) RUNNING PLAY
-TAKE UP INITIAL POSITION
-NOTE DOWN, NUMBER, DISTANCE TO BE GAINED ,
FIELD POSITION
-SIGNAL FREE AND HELD POSITION TO SIDE OFFICIALS
- PLAYER COUNT
-CHECK AND BE AWARE OF NUMBERS OF PASS RECEIVERS
-CHECK INTERFERENCE
-UMBRELLA COVERAGE

102

SCRIMMAGE
BACK UMPIRE

B. PASSING PLAYS
-TAKE UP INITIAL POSITION
-READ PLAY FOR PASS SITUATIONS
-SIGNAL FREE AND HELD SIDE OFFICIALS
-PLAYER COUNT
-CHECK AND BE AWARE OF ELIGIBLE PASS RECEIVERS
-CHECK INTERFERENCE (LEGAL AND ILLEGAL)
- PASS COVERAGE AND SIGNALS
-LOOK THROUGH THE PLAY (UMBRELLA COVERAGE)

103

SCRIMMAGE
BACK UMPIRE

C) SHORT YARDAGE
(3RD D : B 2 OR 1 YD LINE , GOAL LINE PLAYS)
-SPECIAL INITIAL POSITIONING
-SIGNAL FREE AND HELD
-COUNT PLAYERS
-ASSIST UMPIRE WITH LINE COVERAGE
-ASSIST WITH PLUNGE PLAYS
-BE PREPARED FOR A PASS
-EXTRA COVERAGE NEAR GOAL LINE (5YARD LINE TO 2
YARD LINE)
-B.U. DESIGNATES GOAL LINE POSITIONING
A) SCORE MADE
B) NO SCORE MADE
C) INFRACTION ON PLAY

104

SCRIMMAGE
BACK UMPIRE

D. PUNT AND RETURN KICK

-SPECIAL DOWNFIELD POSITIONING
-BRING FREE (SHORT SIDE OFFICIAL ) DOWNFIELD
-POSITIVE SIGNAL FOR :

receiver, restraining zone, interference

-POINT BALL HELD

No Yards?

105

SCRIMMAGE
BACK UMPIRE
PUNT AND RETURN KICK

-SWITCHING COVERAGE (GIVE AND TAKE)

-PLAY SITUATION AWARENESS
-LOOK THROUGH PLAY (UMBRELLACOVERAGE)
-SPECIAL DUTIES RETURN KICK
-PENALTY APPLICATION MECHANICS
-POINT OF POSSESSION

FIELD GOAL ATTEMPT

BACK UMPIRE

A) OUTSIDE THE 10 YARD LINE

- POSITION IN THE END ZONE WITH FREE OFFICIAL
- COORDINATE COVERAGE WITH FREE OFFICIAL
- WHISTLE AND SIGNAL
- WHEN FIELD GOAL IS NOT GOOD

SPECIAL COVERAGE
-SIGNAL

B) 10 YARD LINE IN
- INITIAL POSITIONING IN END ZONE
- COORDINATE FREE AND HELD OFFICIALS
- WHEN FIELD GOAL IS NOT GOOD KICK COVERAGE(BE CONSCIOUS OF
GOAL LINE AND DEAD BALL LINE)

C) CONVERTS
- INITIAL POSITIONING
- COORDINATE FREE AND HELD OFFICIALS
- ASSIST UMPIRE WITH LINE PLAY
- BE ALERT FOR 2- POINT ATTEMPTS

107

MEASUREMENTS
BACK UMPIRE
-DO NOT MOVE THE BALL IF POSSIBILITY OF MEASUREMENT
-WATCH REFEREE FOR SIGNAL FOR TIME OUT FOR MEASUREMENT
-TAKE CLIP AND CHAIN-ENSURE CHAIN IS PARALLEL TO SIDELINE
(COORDINATE WITH UMPIRE)
-PLACE CHAIN ON BACK OF BACK LINE
-IF REQUIRED , TAKE CLIP AND CHAIN TO HASH MARK FOR BALL
PLACEMENT BY THE REFEREE

108

MEASUREMENTS
BACK UMPIRE
Back Umpire goes
to back line for
placement of clip

109

Back Umpire
Positioning and Mechanics

POINTS TO REMEMBER
A) BEFORE THE PLAY

-KNOW THE DOWN AND DISTANCE

-BE PLAY AND SITUATION CONSCIOUS

B. POSITIONING
-KNOW YOUR POSITION
-KNOW OTHERS POSITION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
-AVOID GETTING TRAPPED. CAUGHT UP IN PLAY

Umpire signals down

to side officials

-UMBRELLA COVERAGE -BOX THE PLAY IN

-WHEN NOT COVERING THE BALL CARRIER,LOOK OFF THE BALL FOR INFRACTIONS.
LOOK THROUGHT THE PLAY FOR OTHER ACTION

BETWEEN PLAYS
-ASSIST IN RELAYING THE BALL
-ASSIST IN COMMUNICATION TO THE BENCHES
-TAKE CLIP AND CHANGE ON MEASUREMENTS

110

Team Work
Back Umpire
1. WITH SIDE LINE OFFICIALS
A) GENERAL 5 OFFICIAL CREW
- TAKE YOUR POSITION
- SIGNAL Held OFFICIAL
- CHECK RESPONSE SIGNAL FROM HL & LJ

B) FORWARD PASS
-POSITION
-LOOK THROUGH THE PLAY
-OTHER OFFICIAL MAY BE
SCREENED
- APPROPRIATE ACTION IF HE
IS SCREENED
-CONCEDE CALL TO OFFICIAL
FACING THE RECEIVER
-EYE CONTACT

111

Pass Interference

What
penalties
can be
applied to
Team B?
What
penalty is
applied to
Team A?

Once a pass is in the

air, neither the
receiver nor the
defender can interfere
with each others
attempt to catch it 112

PASS INTERFERENCE

When either team is guilty of illegal interference on a forward

pass.
By Team A -- 1,2,3,4,D L15 DR
By Team B Behind the L.S. 1D PLS
Across the L.S.
1D at point of Foul, if less than 15 yards from PLS
1D plus 15 PLS, if PF is more than 15 from PLS

113

Pass Interference
1. Exam the photo ,why is
this a classic example of
illegal pass interference?
2. What is the penalty if the
interference was caused
by Team B is
A) 7 yards across the Line of
scrimmage

3.What if Team A
was charged with
illegal pass
interference.
What is the
penalty for this
Team A foul?

B) Twenty five yards down

field
C) In the Team B end zone
with the ball and Team A
2nd and 8 @
i) B 17 yard line
ii) B 23 yard line
D) On a potential team A
receiver 5 yards in the A
back field

114

Team Work
Back Umpire WITH SIDE OFFICIAL

C. SCRIMMAGE KICK
-POSITION 5 X 8
- FREE OFFICIAL BACK WITH BACK UMPIRE
-SIGNAL IMMEDIATELY AFTER KICK
-BACK UMPIRE RECEIVER AND RESTRAINING ZONE RESPONSIBILITY
-BE PREPARED TO SWITCH COVERAGE

D. FIELD GOALS
OUTSIDE THE 10 YARD LINE:
-POSITION; IN END ZONE WITH FREE OFFICIAL
-COORDINATE DUTIES WITH FREE OFFICIAL
-WHISTLE AND SIGNAL
-COVERAGE, IF UNSUCESSFUL
INSIDE THE 10 YARD LINE;
-POSITION; IN END ZONE-CLOSER TO GOAL LINE
-SIGNAL HELD OFFICIAL
-COVERAGE AS FOR SCRIMAMGE KICK

115

COVERAGE ON PUNTS
5 official crew
BU

HL

U
L
J
R

Click (or press n) to start motion

Watch the officials and answer the
questions

What does the

Back Umpire
pointing at
HL (arrow)
mean?
What duties do
the officials
assume
a) HL
b) BU

Team Work
Back Umpire

BALL CARRIER COVERAGE

A) GENERAL
COVER BALL CARRIER IN YOUR ZONE
ALL PLAYS
WHISTLE PLAY DEAD
SEE THE BALL

B) AFTER THE WHISTLE

What is the official indicating with all

his new found officiating friends

ALERT FOR DEAD BALL INFRACTIONS OFF THE BALL

ON INFRACTIONS, IF THE FLAG IS BY THE SIDELINE
OFFICIAL,TAKE DEAD BALL SPOT OF THE SIDELINE OFFICIAL TO
ALLOW HIM TO REPORT TO THE REFEREE
117

Team Work
Back Umpire

BALL CARRIER COVERAGE

C) IN AND OUT OF BOUNDS
ON PLAYS WHICH GO DEAD NEAR THE SIDE LINE OR OUT OF BOUNDS
IF OTHER OFFICIAL HAS THE BALLCARRIER:
CHECK OFF-BALL INFRACTION BEFORE WHISTLE
FOLLOW ACTION OUT OF BOUNDS AFTER WHISTLE
CHECK DEAD BALL INFRACTIONS
DEFUSE AND CONTROL
COMMENTS; OKAY GUYS,WHISTLES GONE ETC.
IF YOU HAVE THE BALL CARRIER
WHISTLE PLAY DEAD
SIGNAL TIME OUT IF BALL DEAD OUT OF BOUNDS
MARK THE SPOT
WATCH THE ACTION

118

Team Work
Back Umpire

CONTROL OF BALL BOYS

USE THEM OR LOSE THEM
CHANGE BALL EVERY PLAY
POSITION:
SCRIMAMGE PLAYS -+10 FROM LS
SCRIMAMGE KICKS - +10 AHEAD OF RECEIVERS
RETRIEVE OLD BALL
TOWELS:WET WEATHER
BALL TO BACK UMPIRE,UNLESS DEEP PASS PLAY
CONVERT AND FIELD GOALS

BALL HANDLING AND MOVEMENT

QUICK RELAY TO NEST LS
SHORT UNDERHAND PASSESS
TRIANGLE FORMATION

119

Team Work
Back Umpire

READING KEYS
A. PRIOR TO THE GAME
SPECIAL PLAYS,ETC. FROM MEETING WITH COACHES

B. PRIOR TO THE PLAY

BE AWARE OF : TIME
DOWN AND DISTANCE
FIELD POSITION
SCORE
TEAM TENDENCIES
UNUSUAL FORMATIONS
SUBSTITUTIONS

120

Team Work
Back Umpire

READING KEYS

C. DURING THE PLAY

KEY ON OFFENSIVE LINE MEN
QUARTRERBACK ACTION
3RD AND SHORT; TEAM A ALIGNMENT

ON KICK OFFS
SHORT KICK OFF POSSIBILITY

121

Team Work
Back Umpire

TIMING AND CLOCK AWARNESS

KNOW TIMING RULE

SIGNAL TIME IN ON KICKOFF

SIGNAL TIME OUT

- BALL OUT OF BOUNDS
- INCOMPLETE PASS
- PENALTY ON THE PLAY, AFTER BALL DEAD
- PLAYER INJURY. AFTER BALL DEAD
- EVERY PLAY AFTER 3 MINUTE WARNING

IF YOU FACE THE FIELD CLOCK;

- ADVISE REFEREE IF TIME ERRS
- ADVISE REFEREE ON APPROACH OF 3 MINUTE WARNING

ADVISE TEAM COACHES OF 3 MINUTE WARNING

122

Officials Signals

GROUPED INTO RELATED CATEGORIES

5 YARDS-PROCEDURAL FOULS
10 YARDS- UNFAIR ADVANTAGE FOULS
15 YARDS-MAJOR FOULS
25 YARDS- ROUGH PLAY
-DISQUALIFICATION
POINT OF FOUL
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
123

Officials' Signals

DOWNS

First

Second

Third

124

SCORES

Touch Down

Field Goal

Convert

6 points

3 points

1 or 2 points

Safety Touch
2 points

Rouge
1 point
125

GAME ADMINISTRATION

START CLOCK

INCOMPLETE PASS

STOP CLOCK

NO MOUTH GUARD WARNING

PENALTY DECLINED

MEASUREMENT
126

5 YARD FOULS
PROCEDURAL FOULS

ILLEGAL PROCEDURE

Time count prior to 3min

OFFSIDE

ILLEGAL
EQUIPMENT

No yards (bounce back)

127

10 YARD FOULS
UNFAIR ADVANTAGE FOULS

HOLDING

ILLEGAL SUBSTITUTION

TIME COUNT AFTER 3MIN 3RD D

INELLEGIBLE RECEIVER
DOWNFIELD
OTHER

ILLEGAL BLOCK

BLOCK BELOW THE WAIST

ILLEGAL CONTACT
ON A RECEIVER

OBJECTIONABLE CONDUCT

CONTACTING THE KICKER

ILLEGAL FORWARD
PASS

TRIPPING
CROSSING ONE FOOT
128
OVER THE

15 YARD FOULS
MAJOR FOULS

UNNECESSARY

ILLEGAL PASS

BLOCKING FROM

ROUGHNESS

INTERFERENCE

THE REAR

UR + PILING ON

UR+ FACE MASK

UR + SPEARING

UR + CRACKBACK

129

25 YARD FOULS

DISQUALIFICATION

130

POINT OF FOUL FOULS

PASS INTERFERENCE

INTENTIONAL

OFFSIDE

LESS THAN 15 YARDS

GROUNDING

PASS

131

Loss of Down Fouls

Offside Pass

Time Count 1st

and 2nd Down last
3 minutes of a half

Team A
penalty on
own 1 yard
line
Applicable
penalty signal

Intentional Grounding

132

Special Circumstance Fouls

Illegal interference on a
loose ball

Unauthorized participation

Comment
boxes labeled
RH#
133

No Distance Penalty
No mouth Guard Warning
at one time was one hand behind the head signal removed
from rule book
Improper Registration
Player (s) sent off until properly registered with the
scorer
Restraining Zone Foul-short kick falling )into a group of
players
No signal as play whistled dead no foul has occurred

134

POSITIONING CHARTS
5 OFFICIAL CREW
Also 3 and 4 official crews
Open support material file
Role of mechanics and positioning reviewed in next two slides

Positioning and Mechanics

Mechanics refers to the routine procedure surrounding what the official does.
The two primary areas of mechanics are signaling and positioning.
When more than one official is involve Teamwork becomes a third areas of mechanics,
wherein additional signaling and positioning responsibilities are necessary.
The mechanics of positioning, signaling and teamwork are all of the essential importance to a
professional performance.
Good positioning, is necessary if you are to see what you are supposed to see.
Sharp, unhesitating and un-hurried signals are necessary to communicate your decisions and to
build the confidence of everyone regarding your officiating ability
Commonly recognized teamwork procedures are necessary to ensure to the greatest extent that
(a) every conceivable action is covered and ruled upon and
(b) disagreement is eliminated or minimized
When proper mechanics are performed precisely, the game progresses without confusion of
unnecessary delay.
Good mechanics are not too difficult to develop if correct habits are established early in the
officiating career.
136

Positioning and Mechanics

continued

Difficulty does occur when the new official unsuspectingly forms bad habits.
Mechanics, good or bad, are habitual actions.
It is much easier to learn the correct habit first than to unlearn an incorrect habit later.
Like the playing rules, mechanics have evolved from the efforts of many people over many
years and therefore, they should command the respect and acceptance of new officials.
The first two obligations of a new official are to:
a) learn the playing rules
b) develop correct habit of mechanics
AN OFFICIAL WHO IS IN THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME,
AT LEAST LOOKS EFFICIENT

137

Goal Line Coverage

What is the official watching ?

138

Whats the Call

A

1. What foul is shown?

2. a) Are both A and B fouls?
b) Explain your answer
139

Whats the call?

Same or different fouls?

What is (ARE) THE
PENALTY APPLICATIONS?

140

Whats the Call?

Offensive player blocking
on a punt return with
the ball
a) at the Team A Twenty
five yard line
b) In the Team A end zone
, with block in the end
zone and ball dead in
the end zone
c)

Same play as (b) , but

the the block is at the
Team A 10 yard line.

d) Same play as ( c ) but

Team A returner gets
the ball out to the
Team A 2 yard line.
141

Point of Last Scrimmage

(PLS)
The majority of penalties are applied
from this point.
The PLS is the point of application used
for penalties occurring
Prior to the 1st down distance being
gained

Point Ball Held

(PBH)
This is the point where the ball is held at
the time of the foul
It is the point of application for penalties
that occur after distance gained and/or
after a change of possession

Point of Foul
(PF)
This is the point where the foul
occurred
It is the point of application on loose
ball fouls affecting the possession
It is the point of application for pass
interference less than 15 yards from
the line of scrimmage

Point where the Ball is Dead

(PBD)
This point is used on dead ball fouls, in some UR
and RP situations, and for Objectionable Conduct

Point of Possession
(PP)
This is the point where possession is gained
It is the point of application for fouls occurring
while the ball is in flight

Point of Pass
(POP)
This is the point from which the pass is thrown
and is the point of application for offside
passes, and deliberate grounding of a forward
pass

Point of Kick Off

(PKO)
This is the point of application for fouls
occurring on a kick off, offside on the kick
off, kick off out of bounds, etc.