Mechanics

In high school football, we work with either a 25-second or 40-second play clock. Late in a half, when the game clock is winding down, coaches will sometimes ask the referee to…

Braveheart, with Mel Gibson as William Wallace, is one of my favorite movies. One of the most gripping scenes comes when the English and Scottish forces sprint toward each other and collide…

While on active duty in the Air Force, I served two years at Yongsan Army Garrison in Seoul, South Korea, as the Joint Staff’s Theater Missile Defense Officer. One of the radars…

I officiated basketball for 4 years starting in 2011. It’s a different ball and a different surface—but I’ve found a lot of basketball officiating principles apply to football. There are numerous examples;…

Here is a Ray Lutz “Forward Progress” post from October 1, 2008 (Edited for clarity) FOCUS ON MECHANICS…Continue officiating Keep players in view after ruling on a score. Too many times, you…

Some may serve as a game clock operator during varsity games. Here are a few items to consider. Determine if your state or association has a play clock document. There is a…

Rule 2-33-1c says a loose-ball play is action during a fumble by Team A from in or behind the neutral zone prior to a change of team possession. A few years ago,…

Here is a Ray Lutz “Forward Progress” post from September 7, 2009 (Edited for clarity and amplified) Bracketing is an essential concept for officials to understand and discuss within the crew. It…