One thing I’ve noticed about the best officials: they use their voice. They don’t just rely on the whistle and their flag—they communicate constantly with players, coaches, and even their crewmates through clear, purposeful words.
Quiet officials often miss opportunities to manage the game. You don’t need to be loud and obnoxious. But if you use your voice at the right moments, you’ll prevent confusion, de-escalate conflicts, and show confidence in your judgment.
Examples Where Your Voice Is a Tool
- Pre-snap alignment: If a wide receiver comes wide toward the line of scrimmage, use your voice to declare the receiver’s location. Let the player know: “You’re on the line” or “You’re in the backfield.” If the player is encroaching in the neutral zone and the snap is not imminent, LOUDLY inform the player, “88, I need you back!” Don’t just stand mute as the Sphinx and then throw a flag at the snap. Preventive officiating means using your voice to correct the situation before it becomes a foul.
- Dead-ball officiating: If you are an umpire, you need to use your voice after every down. When players linger after a tackle, your proximity and words help them separate and return to their huddles. “Use the ground to get up,” “Roll off,” “Way to play football,” or “Back to your huddles” lets the players know you are physically close and paying attention.
- Selling calls: Your whistle isn’t enough. Reinforce your judgment with strong, simple words:
- “Runner is down!”
- “Forward progress here!”
- “He’s short!”
That clarity lets everyone—players, coaches, and crewmates—know what you ruled.
Communicating with the referee: I like vocal wings. I like them to communicate down and distance (if we’re short). If the runner is down beyond the line to gain, I like to hear it: “First down,” or “We’re moving.” (Some referees don’t like verbal wings, so check with your white hat before the game.)
Your voice should be calm, confident, and direct. When it matters, a sideline pileup, after a contested catch, or in a critical short-yardage play, don’t be timid. A strong voice shows command and helps avoid unnecessary confusion.
Great officials use their voice as an essential tool. A quiet official may be correct, but an official who speaks with purpose is both correct and effective.
Quiz
This question is courtesy of the 2025 Redding Study Guide:
Read the quiz stem and then choose the best answer.
While running a crossing route, A33 runs directly at B17, stops, and does not make contact. Due to A33’s location, B17 can’t get to the forward pass, which is caught by A84.
a. No foul
b. Foul for offensive pass interference
Review Rule 7-5-10