The pregame meeting with the coaches is the only chance to make a positive first impression. Your state’s mechanics manual should provide pregame meeting instructions. In Colorado, the referee decides which officials will attend the meeting, but at least one other official, preferably the umpire or the appropriate wing official, must be present. In Colorado, no more than three officials should meet with the head coach.
Speak with the home team’s coach first so you can ask about the chain crew (sub-varsity) and relay any important information (such as halftime length or other unique information) to the visiting team’s head coach.
While the referee speaks to the home team’s head coach, the head linesman should identify the visiting team’s head coach. The HL can then point out the head coach to the R as he approaches the visiting team.
Provide good eye contact and a firm handshake. Be relaxed and professional, not too “chummy.” As much as possible, don’t spend more time with one coach than with the other coach.
Acknowledge complaints about the other team, but do not spend much time discussing those complaints unless the coach needs a rules interpretation. Coach – “We’ve been watching game film and…” Referee – “Understand coach, we’ll be looking out for that”
Do not disparage other crews or other crews. Coach – “Last week, this happened…” Referee – “I’m not familiar with that particular play, but by rule…”
Here is a recommended list of questions and comments you can use during the meeting:
Are all players legally equipped
Any casts or braces we need to inspect
QB right-handed or left-handed; Kicker right-footed or left-footed
Any special plays or formations to discuss
Remind the coach about the coach’s area that becomes the restricted area when the ball is live
Instruct the coach to speak with the wing if he has issues; we’ll get an answer as soon as we can
Get-back coach’s name
Additional coach designated to call TO
Ball person’s name
Will the team go into the locker room after warm-up?
Remind the coach to have his captains at mid-field with 5 minutes remaining on the game clock
(optional) Captain’s numbers (speaking captain)
(optional) Win toss choice. Defend which goal if kicking
Any questions or comments for us?
Inspect footballs
(Sub-varsity optional questions)
(home team coach) Do you have a chain crew identified
(Lower levels) Any numbering issues
Will you kick extra points or field goals
Quiz
Read the quiz stem and then choose the best answer.
4/8 from the K-35. A42 is flagged for an illegal shift. During the kick, R60 blocks K11 in the back at the R-45. R35 signals for a fair catch and possesses the ball at the R-48.
- The penalties will offset and the down must be replayed
- Team R can decline A42’s penalty; their penalty will be enforced from the spot of the foul (R-45)
- Team R can decline A42’s penalty; their penalty will be enforced from the end of the kick (R-48)
Review Rules 2-16-2h, 10-2-3, 10-4-3