2016 REGIONAL CLINIC – Side Officials
Side Officials In a four-official crew the sideline officials have to be able to move with the play and cover the sideline from endzone to endzone. It is a big responsibility for a newer official, in addition to learning the rules, penalty applications and learning not to ball hawk.
Pre Game HL is tasked to check the sticks and complete a pregame meeting with the stick crew that may not be very knowledgeable in football. Strive to build a rapport and get them to work with the on-field crew throughout the game. Two critical aspects of the stick crew: SAFETY – when to drop the sticks and how to drop them) When to move – not move until told to move and never move if there is a flag on the field. (use/refer to EOTFOA Pregame with sticks card)
Pre Game Inspect the field and ensure there are no safety issues. Any observations should be passed to the Referee at the pregame meeting. The inspection should include, but not limited to: the goal pads are properly mounted Garbage, foreign objects, sprinkler heads Benches and other moveable items are at least five yards from the sideline or dead ball line
Pre Game The sideline officials should confirm the signals they will be using to signify Free/Held during the game and near goal line Who has primary / secondary spot Confirm with the Umpire on who will go deep for punts and FG. Standard in managing sidelines: with benches, with spectators
In-Game – Scrimmage Develop a pre-snap routine, for example: Check downs box and ball position Count your players (HL – home team, LJ – Visitors) Check for substitutions (look over both shoulders) Take up your position straddling the neutral zone Watch the action of the center with ‘soft eye’ along LOS Ensure there is an eligible receiver on their end Watch defensive offside or early movement by the offensive line
In-Game – Scrimmage Preventive officiating: Early in game, detect and warn slight movement Work with ends / wideout to ensure the player is / isn’t on the LOS Know the protocol for centre moving the ball forward Responsible for spots majority of the plays. During pregame, ensure clear understanding the division of dead ball spots between the sideline officials and the Umpire. If the ball is going dead in your area take a hard spot, be aggressive and “own” the spot. This instills confidence in your fellow officials and reduces questioning from players, coaches and spectators.
In-Game – Scrimmage For substitution of players on and off the field – be clear and vocal in adjudicating whether a player substitution is legal or illegal. If a substitution is made late but legally, yell out “He’s OK” or “He’s off”. If a substitution attempts to come on the field too late, yell out “Too late, get off”. Preventative officiating should be used in such instances.
In-Game – Pass Both sideline officials are responsible for pass coverage in their respective zones. Use shuffling technique and facing the field of play to move along sideline. On long running plays, you will eventually have to turn and run with the play When does Free official move off LOS? For Held official? Have to quickly decide whether a scrimmage play is a pass or a run and adapt his coverage to the play. Respond to the situation accordingly and appropriately, i.e. 3 rd and last play of a tight game, may be wise for Held official to move off LOS at the snap to cover long pass.
In-Game – Pass Once detect pass play, get to target area without focusing on the ball in flight: Get in good angle to see interaction between intended receiver and defender Work with partner to get inside / outside coverage (who has spot, who has possession?) At or near conclusion of a play, take an extra second to make eye contact with partner (U or Deep) to ensure possession / forward progress. Play ends OB: spot, whistle, signal and focus on players’ actions DO NOT stare at spot!
In-Game – Kick Play Kickoff is one of the hardest plays to not ball hawk. Everyone wants to see where the ball goes, deep, middle, outside the hash. Once the ball is in flight and you have a general idea the target area, switch to your responsibility (ball or blocking). On a punt play, be alert: When to leave LOS? Bad snap, where to focus? Trick play: run / pass (normal coverage responsibility), on-side player (especially in motion to become onside), etc. Punt short in the middle
In-Game – Kick Play Short FG / Convert – if you face holder, do not stare at holder/ kicker unless they’re threatened. Still have LOS as primary duty Kick into EZ, it’s not a race to get down to the GL. Observe and respond accordingly. Be mindful you have sideline coverage all the way if the returner breaks a long one.
In-Game – Misc. Flash the next down once you kill the play be mindful of the down and distance on every play. On short yardage play on 3 rd down, if you have the spot, move in aggressively (and safely) to mark the spot. Leave the ball at your spot for possible measurement. On hurry-up offence, gates go up when U leaves the ball.
In-Game – Misc. Bench control – 3-step process Crowd control – safety is the priority. Ensure spectators are well off the sideline (5 yards min.) so your stick crew can operate safely and efficiently. Do not confront belligerent fans. Stop the game, report to the referee so the home team can handle the situation to the crew’s satisfaction.
In-Game – End of Quarter TO HL – know down, distance, ball placement, clip placement and confirm with stick crew. Once R / U go, go to the next point independently to setup the stick. LJ – know the next spot, get there and help set the ball, if necessary. Get together with the crew to review plays or significant situations, if necessary. Confirm # of TO remain. 3-min warning – also inform HC # of TO remain.
In-Game – Penalty If you’re the non -calling official, crowd control. Pick up fellow official’s flag. HL – be sure to march off penalty independently to ensure everyone gets to the same spot.
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