2016 REGIONAL CLINIC - Umpire
Umpire The Umpire is the deputy on the crew and needs to support the Referee in all aspects of the game. This support is often silent but nevertheless important and critical to the success of the crew. If the Referee misses any other points listed under the Referee’s duties, the Umpire is expected to suggest tasks and provide reminders to the crew and Referee. “Referee runs the game. Umpire runs the crew.”
Pre Game – Crew In the Pregame meeting, participate when called upon and raise questions or situations that the Referee may have missed. A good Umpire can add to the pregame meeting without trying to take it over. Ensure that the Referee has covered all the points/questions that the Coaches meeting have brought up.
Pre Game – Crew Ensure that the sideline officials know what is expected of them in terms of spotting the ball (primary and secondary). Some will spot the ball between the hash marks and some will rely on the sideline officials to get all spots unless the ball goes dead at his feet. Ensure the sideline officials know what you are doing in terms of pass coverage and zone(s) that will be covered by you. Discuss short punts in the middle, penalty application as it relates to HL and stick crew, etc.
Pre Game – Coach Defer to referee as the lead in conversation with HC but be prepared to answer questions directed to you or when the Referee asks for your input. Be sure all the necessary information is acquired before ending the meeting, i.e. special plays, numbers, etc. If another team personnel attempts to get involved in discussion, attempt to restrict this involvement as subtly as possible without adding to the confrontation. Assist the Referee in debriefing the crew after the Coaches meeting.
In-Game Based on the experience of the sideline officials be prepared to adjust your coverage and responsibilities – assist pass coverage and punt coverage. Work with the sideline officials to ensure that the center doesn’t move the ball forward after he takes his position over the ball. (Review what’s legal and note deviation in higher level of football). On kick plays, i.e. punt return out of EZ, following a rouge, start approaching the appropriate yard line as info from crew comes in.
In-Game Key emphasis on the centre on kick plays – remind D to stay off centre. When the play comes directly at you, be aggressive, step forward and to one side. At the same, turn and keep your eyes on the ball carrier. Vary your initial positioning, taking into account the play situation (down and distance) and location on the field. Vary your position laterally.
In-Game Some Umpire will wear additional down-counter to indicate previous point of scrimmage, i.e. left, centre, right hash. Develop a communication signal as to when referee can blow a play in on a normal scrimmage play. In Hurry-Up Offense, the Umpire should stand over the ball to ensure that the offence doesn’t put the ball into play, until he is waved off (hand push signal) by the Referee.
In-Game On rainy / muddy condition, go to the home team for towels that can be used to wipe the ball and keep the ball as dry as possible. Use the towel to dry the ball after each play and either place the ball on the field as the offence breaks their huddle or hand the ball to the center and make the forward point of the ball with your foot. After each play be prepared to move laterally (by a yard or two) to place the ball in a dry spot or as dry as possible. If the spot will be close to a first down, don’t move laterally until the Referee reviews the spot and confirm whether a first down is gained or there will be a need for a measurement.
In-Game – End of Quarter Every official on the crew has a responsibility. In coordination with the Referee, Umpire verbally confirms placement of the ball, the down and distance for the next play, and mentally note the location of the clip. The end of quarter change is mechanically simply, so when mistakes are made the crew looks incompetent. Take your time to double check the placement of the ball before moving. DO NOT RUSH
In-Game - TO The Umpire should time the timeout and notify the Referee when there are 10 seconds left in the timeout. Therefore, a stopwatch is highly recommended. Check the number of timeouts remaining with the Referee and sideline officials. Get the crew together, while the Referee signals time out, to review plays or significant situations.
In-Game – Penalty Be alert and anticipate – the Umpire should hear the penalty as it is reported to the Referee. Along with non- calling officials, ensure players are not getting involved in any penalty discussion. The Umpire should process the penalty and the penalty options and silently confirm the options or ruling and point of application by the Referee. In applying the penalty, try not to pace off the yardage with one-yard steps, use the five yard stripes. If the ball is one yard short of a marked yard line, move the ball to one yard short of the appropriate yard line.
In-Game – Penalty Once penalty yardage is flashed to HL / Stick Crew, each should move independently to the next point of scrimmage where everyone should arrive at as a way to ensure the correct yardage is marched off. Preventive officiating – in constant communication with both O and D-lines as a way to: Build rapport Assert presence Deescalate tense situation
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