In our last Ready for Play article, we introduced the ‘Rule of Two’—a guideline for how officials should signal.
This article provides a few best practices for referee signals.
When blowing the Ready for Play (RFP) signal, you’ll chop or wind.
When you chop, start with your arm high above your head. Remember, the signal is for the game clock operator in the press box. If you start your signal at your head or chest level, the operator may not be able to see it. So start high.
If you wind, start high and windmill one and a half times. Don’t chop, then wind. A clock operator may see the chop and then look away and miss the wind (and think he or she should start the clock on the snap).
Always keep your eyes on the players. Don’t face the press box when blowing the RFP. (What are you accomplishing by facing the press box?)
Be in position (12-15 yards away from the ball) when you blow the ready for play. Don’t blow the RFP and then back up to your position. And NEVER turn your back on the ball after blowing the RFP.
Penalty Reporting
After speaking with the official(s) who threw a flag, turn to the press box and give a preliminary signal.
Think of all components of the announcement before you announce the foul (especially the down). It’s embarrassing to have to glance at the chains or the down indicator on your hand in the middle of the announcement to determine the down.
Find an open spot and be stationary when reporting.
Look at the press box when reporting.
Don’t lean when signaling or pointing to the offending team.
If a TD will stand, give the TD signal first before reporting the foul (“The result of the play is a TD”…then report the foul).
Many of your signals will be at chest or head level. Don’t reach your arm far above your head when showing the down.
Don’t “bounce” your hands when signaling. For example, when signaling encroachment, put your hands on your hips, don’t bounce your hands on your hips. When signaling ineligible downfield, don’t bounce your hand on the top of your head. When signaling personal foul, don’t bounce your fist on your arm.
When signaling false start, don’t excessively spin your arms. One and a half or two revolutions are sufficient.
Practice in the mirror!
Quiz
Read the quiz stem and then choose the best answer.
3/5 from the A-40. A17 catches a legal forward pass at the B-45, is hit, and fumbles at the B-40. B33 picks up the ball at the B-41 and returns it to midfield. B77 is flagged for roughing the passer. From which yard line will the penalty for B77’s foul be enforced?
- A-40
- B-45
- B-40
- 50 yard line
Review Rule 9-4-4 PENALTY