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 stadium staff sometimes does not correctly position yard-line markers and pylons. Yard-line markers should be no closer than 5 yards to the sideline (1-2-2) and many times officials must move them. The stadium staff also may not properly set the pylons at the intersections of the sidelines and the goal lines and end lines. While not mandatory, the endline pylons at each intersection of the hash marks extended can be placed 3 feet beyond the endline to give the back judge an unobstructed path (1-2-4). If games are conducted on practice fields or fields shared by other sports teams, officials should be concerned with the proximity of blocking sleds, soccer or lacrosse goals, hurdles, or other potential obstructions that could present a player hazard. When inspecting the field, officials should look for holes or divots (grass) or flaws (turf) that could cause injury.
Game Equipment. Inspecting footballs and the yardage chain sometimes falls into the “trivial” category. It’s interesting to note in a high school state championship game held a few years ago at a professional stadium, the linesman discovered the yardage chain was two inches too short. In the same game, the coaching staff presented game balls that did not have the NFHS Authenticating Mark. The linesman should inspect the down indicator to ensure it properly functions and while not prescribed by rule, should ensure tape is properly positioned five yards between the two rods.
Player Equipment. Detecting player equipment problems is likely one of the most important pregame activities that can prevent game time disputes and possible player injury. While officials should not be self-appointed “equipment police,” they should take time to look for and correct equipment errors. It’s interesting the same equipment errors seem to occur every week of the season; this may be indicative of our lack of attention to detail or indifference in enforcing the rules. Common NFHS equipment infractions include jerseys that do not completely cover the shoulder pads or pads worn above the waist on the torso (1-5-1b1), pants that do not completely cover the knee (1-5-1e), eyeshields that are not completely clear (1-5-3c4) including polarized eyeshields, and play cards incorrectly worn on the waist (1-5-3c8). In 2024, a Rules Book editorial change stipulates that players can have a single tooth and mouth protector. They can’t have one in the mouth and a second mouthpiece that dangles from the facemask.
Meeting with Coaches. A firm handshake and good eye-contact will help make a good first impression. While the referee and umpire meet with the home team’s head coach, the linesman can identify the location of the visiting team’s head coach to assist the referee when he transitions to the other side of the field. Sideline officials can greet offensive and defensive coordinators; this will help if they need to address one of the coordinators during the game.
Numbering and Formations. Officials can accomplish valuable research prior to the pregame by learning names and numbers of the most prominent members of each team. MaxPreps and team websites will provide information on top passers, receivers, and rushers. (It will also offer evidence regarding a team’s proclivity to run or pass.) During the on-field team warmup, officials should position themselves to view formations and plays and mentally note numbers of the linemen and skill players. The practice plays will provide valuable clues about what to expect when the game begins. Umpires can view linemen splits and determine player positioning relative to the free blocking zone lateral boundary.
Player Prowess. The on-field warmup is a great opportunity to ascertain the physical abilities of the players who will handle the ball. Officials should note quarterback arm strength, skill player speed, receiver ability, and placekicker and punter leg strength.
Official Warmup. Officials should try to carve out time for personal warmup. Simple stretching in the locker room may not be sufficient to prepare to sprint downfield on the opening kickoff. This warmup should be as inconspicuous as possible, preferably in one of the end zones.
Crew Observation Discussion. At a predetermined time, the crew should meet in one of the end zones to discuss observations from the coach’s conferences and the team warmup period. Special plays and formations should be shared with all officials. This is a final opportunity to mentally prepare for kickoff and ensuing scrimmage plays.
Preparing for the Coin Toss. The referee will inform each head coach when the coin toss ceremony will occur. It is not uncommon for team captains to arrive late on the sideline. To keep pregame events on schedule, wing officials should be cognizant of remaining warmup time and be prepared to get the captains from their respective locker rooms in plenty of time to transition to the proper sideline.
Quiz
Read the quiz stem and then choose the best answer.
A33 is on the field during a touchdown play. He then leaves the field as the kicking team enters and lines up for a kick try. Following the referee’s ready for play, the head coach changes his mind and quickly sends A33 and other players onto the field to attempt a 2-point conversion. A33’s substitution is ________________.
- legal
- a foul at the snap
- a dead-ball foul
Review Rule 4-7-3