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; in this article we’ll look at just a few and discuss how the crossover concepts can make us better football officials.
Don’t be a ball-watcher; observe the players moving without the ball
In basketball, the best officials do not follow the ball. Instead of being reactive, they anticipate action by players without the ball (i.e., a post player changes sides of the lane; a ball screen is set at the high post or 3-point line; cutters move across the court assisted by screens). Many times, the most important action is not at the ball location, but elsewhere on the court.
In football, only one official should have eyes on the runner. All other officials should be looking at the point of attack, the area ahead of the runner, where blockers are engaged with defenders. This is where most of the meaningful action is for the officials not observing the runner. Looking in front of the runner is one of the hardest habits for new officials to master. In fact, in my film study, I see veteran wing officials who are laser-focused on the runner as he takes a pitch and runs toward the sideline.
Anticipate a foul
In both basketball and football, certain situations tend to produce certain fouls. Good officials recognize these patterns and get ready for them before they happen.
In basketball, during a 3-on-2 fast break, an official should mentally gear up to rule on “block/charge”. If an offensive player races up to set a high screen for the dribbler, the official should sharpen his focus to look for an illegal screen.
In football, the developing action should cause us to anticipate specific fouls. After a change of possession, we need to think “blindside block!” when colors are going against the flow. On free kicks or wide running plays, a blocker in open space might block a defender below the waist or reach out to grab a defender who’s about to get past the block. When Team A lines up in shotgun with an empty backfield, be alert for illegal picks as receivers cross.
Move with a purpose
Basketball officials are taught to adjust their position to improve angles and see the space between players—not just the back of the dribbler. By moving opposite the dribbler’s path, they keep both the ball and the defender in view. The goal is simple: get into the best spot for the clearest, most open look at the play.
As football officials, we should also “move to improve” our view. But movement should have a purpose. Too often, I see wings drifting downfield on passing plays even though their key is only a few yards past the line of scrimmage. Stay connected to your key(s) and only move when necessary. In Colorado, we teach wings to start moving downfield when their key(s) advance more than 10 yards. Don’t move unless/until the play compels you.
Quiz
Read the quiz stem and then choose the best answer. (Choose all that apply.)
A12 scores a touchdown and is tackled by B22 near the endline. A12 stands and fires the ball at B22’s head.
- A12 is guilty of a personal foul
- A12’s and B22’s fouls will offset
- Enforce the penalties for A12’s and B22’s fouls separately and in the order of occurrence
Review Rules 9-5 and 10-2-5b