Counting
Counting players is one of the most essential pre-snap routine components. We need to verify the correct number of players are on the field at the snap. Here are a few counting…
Mechanics
Read MoreCounting
Preventative officiating
Preventative officiating involves communicating essential information to players and coaches to help facilitate the game. Sharing critical information with coaches helps them understand game nuances and removes communication barriers. It helps ensure…
Umpires Moving Up to the Line of Scrimmage
Here is a Ray Lutz “Forward Progress” post from September 3, 2008 (Edited for clarity) Here is the rule: Rule 7, Section 5, ART. 12 . . . Ineligible A players may…
Umpire Love (Part 2)
Here is a Ray Lutz “Forward Progress” post from August 15, 2008 (Edited for clarity) An experienced umpire who is at ease with the position understands about moving obliquely forward (executed by…
Umpire Love (Part 1)
Many of the Ready for Play posts have focused on wing mechanics. It’s time we give the umpires some attention. The umpire interacts with the players more than any other official. The…
Efficient On-Field Pregame
Keep our hands out of our pockets! (Sorry, it’s a pet peeve.) The Field and Markings. Depending on the level of play, officials may find multiple issues with initial equipment placement. The…
Don’t Bounce
Thanks to Dan Munroe who shared notes from a football officiating clinic he attended. Superbowl line of scrimmage official Pat Holt and NFL line of scrimmage official Robin DeLorenzo provided this information…
Ball Handling
In my fourth year I was the line judge on a game with four officials who were arguably the top officials in the association at their respective positions. I was super excited…