In the movie “Gladiator,” Maximus is in the Roman Colosseum to reenact the Battle of Carthage, where he and a group of gladiators are expected to be slaughtered by a heavily armed Roman force with chariots. Instead, Maximus organizes the men, uses disciplined tactics, and leads them to an unexpected victory.
This is the first time Commodus sees Maximus fight as a gladiator, and he wants to meet “the Spaniard” in person. Commodus praises Maximus and then says, “Why doesn’t the hero reveal himself and tell us your real name…you do have a name?” Maximus responds, “My name is Gladiator,” and then turns and begins to walk away.
Commodus is indignant and exclaims, “How dare you show your back to me!”
Of course, that line made me think of high school football officiating. One of the most important officiating precepts is: Don’t show (turn) your back to players behind you.
Officials seem conditioned to face inbounds when marking forward progress or to stare down the goal line when signaling touchdown. We need to recondition ourselves to face players, or at least keep them in view, when they’re beside or behind us.
After a Flag: When a flag is thrown, don’t immediately turn your back to players to report the foul to the referee. First, dead-ball officiate and watch the players until the colors separate. Then move toward the referee.
When Signaling Touchdown: I often see back judges run to the goal line from the field of play, then as the runner crosses the goal line into the end zone, they pivot to face down the line while signaling touchdown. Turn your torso toward the players, not the goal line. The same goes for wing officials who sprint to the pylon and then face the goal line to give their signal. If the players are not on the goal line, you are officiating air.
When Players Go Out of Bounds: Forward progress isn’t a “spot.” It’s a plane; a vertical wall extending through the sideline. You can be anywhere along that plane and still accurately mark forward progress, whether on the field or off. The key is to face the players, not the field. Don’t look inward. Look toward the players who just went out, especially when they end up in the team box.
Umpires, During Transition: When moving from the ball to your pre-snap position, never turn your back to the ball. Keep your eyes on it, and on the linemen. You have multiple pre-snap responsibilities, including checking offensive numbering (50–79), identifying who’s on the line within the free blocking zone, and monitoring the defense for disconcerting signals.
Referees, On Touchbacks: When signaling touchback, don’t stare at the ball as it rolls in/through the end zone. Look at the players in the field of play while giving your signal. The ball won’t commit a foul, but the players might.
You are Maximus. The players behind you, out of bounds, or in the end zone are Commodus. Never turn your back to them.
Quiz
Read the quiz stem and then choose the best answer.
Free kick from the K-40. K12 drives the ball into the ground. The ball travels at about shoulder height and, after striking the ground a second time, bounces high into the air. While the ball is still high in the air after it has crossed midfield, and while R88 is reaching for the ball, K65 slams his shoulder into R88’s chest.
- No foul
- Foul for illegal block
- Foul for kick catching interference
- Personal foul for illegal personal contact
Review Rule 2-32-16, 6-1-6, 6-5-6, 9-3-7