Know Rule Components
Some fouls “scream,” but most times we deal with calls that aren’t obvious and require discernment. We call that “judgment.” Precise rules knowledge underpins good judgment. If we don’t know the rules,…
Rules
Read MoreKnow Rule Components
Press Coverage
Press coverage is a defensive technique used by defensive backs (DBs) to tightly cover a wide receiver at the line of scrimmage. The goal is to disrupt the receiver’s timing, release, and…
Illegal Batting/Kicking and Forward Fumble
This is the first Art of Officiating Ready for Play article in 2025! Since most are beginning to dig into the rules book and take state-mandated tests, I figured I’d start the…
Screwing Up the Overtime
Here is a Ray Lutz “Forward Progress” post from September 1, 2008 (Edited for clarity) In Colorado we use the NFHS procedure for resolving tied contests as written. Some State Associations have…
Defensive Pass Interference
Ray Lutz shared an article by Jon Bible, a veteran football official from Austin, Texas in his October 27, 2010 “Forward Progress” post. (Edited for clarity) The late Woody Hayes, whose Ohio…
Defensive Holding
Here is a Ray Lutz “Forward Progress” post from September 7, 2009 (Edited and amplified for clarity) It is not only the offense that uses their hands illegally. There are four major…
Incomplete Pass or Catch and Fumble
The definition of a catch in the NFHS football rules book was clarified in 2015: Rule 2-4-1 – “A catch is the act of establishing player possession of a live ball which is…
Rules Precede Judgment
We all need to work to be rules experts. We can’t just walk onto the field and officiate “by feel.” Rules precede judgment; how can we make a judgment call if we…