What To Do When (Part 3)
What to do when a head coach asks about a play from a prior game during the pregame conference or complains about the opposing team’s illegal play? Sometimes, during the pregame, a…
Ready For Play
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What To Do When (Part 2)
What to do when you communicate with a receiver about his position relative to the line or backfield and the ball is snapped while the receiver moves? As players leave the huddle…
What To Do When (Part 1)
Our Colorado Football Officials Association President, John Conklin, gave an outstanding presentation called “What To Do When” at our state clinic. I want to devote a few Ready for Play articles to…
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…
Illegal Participation (Stepping Out of Bounds)
Rule 9-6 addresses illegal participation. This article will focus on a player who steps out of bounds, either purposefully or accidentally without being blocked out of bounds. Note: Rule 9-6-1 says if…
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…