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 stepping either foot forward and to the left or right) when the ball carrier is coming toward him.
He then finishes the sequence with a smooth “matador” move that allows him to continue to observe the play while mitigating his personal peril.
We also want our umpire to get to the pile quickly, and to make his presence felt verbally. Catch the guys in the pile doing something right!
Our umpires are point-of-attack guys. They read their interior keys and then turn their eyes to the point of attack.
They are front-end guys!
On plays to the perimeter, we want our umpires to pivot and pursue the play under control to observe the action in the side zone.
On plays that become dead in a side zone, we want our umpires to go to at least the numbers to retrieve the ball or to be closer to the ball relay.
After receiving the ball, we want our umpire to move crisply to spot the ball.
After a change of possession, we want our umpire to dead-ball officiate for at least 3-seconds before participating in the clean ball exchange.
On short passes, the umpire should pivot and help the wings and/or back judge with the catch/no catch ruling. If the ball is thrown deep, the umpire should continue to observe the linemen and should not pivot to watch the ball’s flight.
Quiz
Read the quiz stem and then choose the best answer.
3/9 from the B-45. A15 takes the snap and drops back to pass. B35 holds receiver A81 at the line of scrimmage. A15 scrambles and runs to the B-40 where he is hit and fumbles. The ball goes out of bounds at the B-35. Enforce B35’s foul from the _____________.
- B-45 (previous spot)
- B-40 (spot of the fumble)
- B-35 (dead-ball spot)
Review Rule 10-4-6a