We use signals to communicate with our crewmates on the field. We use signals to communicate to game clock and play clock operators. And we use signals to show our judgment during a play. Officials can sometimes signal excessively. In other cases, brief signals can be missed by the intended recipient. Here are some mechanics to consider:
The “Rule of Two”
When the ball is dead by rule, the covering official will raise an arm to signal to the play clock operator to start the 40-second play clock. Putting the arm in the air for 2 seconds is sufficient. I’ve observed many wing officials keep their arm in the air for 5 seconds or more, and some keep their arm in the air until the umpire spots the ball. Just 2 seconds…
When giving the “stop the clock” signal, two waves is sufficient. I’ve observed an official give a half dozen waves without looking at the clock. Just give two stop the clock signals. When you look at the clock, if it’s still running, by all means, keep waving (and add a beep, beep, beep whistle to get the clock operator’s attention).
When signaling a field goal or try is successful, apply the rule of two: A verbal “yes, yes”, two steps into the end zone, and then raise the arms for 2 seconds. It looks sharp when the two officials under the uprights are synchronized.
When a runner is downed close to the sideline or when a runner’s forward progress is stopped inbounds and then he is driven backward or sideward out of bounds, wings should give the “wind the clock signal” to let the game clock operator know to keep the clock running. More than two signals is unnecessary repetition.
If a pass is clearly incomplete, just give one signal. When you must sell the call, give just two incomplete signals. More than two is excessive.
When signaling touchdown, a 2-second signal is sufficient. We don’t need to keep our arms in the air for a longer time.
When the “Rule of Two” does not apply
Sometimes an official must sustain a signal for longer than the “rule of two” dictates. Here are some examples:
A wing official will signal to his crewmate on the opposite sideline that his widest receiver is in the backfield. The official should hold the signal until it is acknowledged by the opposite wing.
When officials count and then signal they have 11 players on the field, they should hold the signal until the appropriate crewmate acknowledges the signal. For example, if the referee and umpire are counting the offense, the two officials should hold the signal until their crewmate also signals.
When a runner races down the sideline and into the end zone, the wing official will “punch in” to indicate the runner did not step out of bounds. Hold the signal until the back judge (who has the goal line) signals “touchdown.”
Quiz
Read the quiz stem and then choose the best answer. (Choose all that apply.)
3/5 from the B-12. There are 5 seconds left in the fourth quarter. B33 intercepts a pass in the end zone, runs downfield, and is downed at the A-45. During B33’s run, the line judge collides with a Team B coach in the restricted area.
- The game is over
- Enforce the penalty half the distance to the goal
- Team A will have one untimed down
Review Rules 9-4-8, 9-4-8 PENALTY, 3-3-4b(2)