Mechanics Summary

CCFOA 2006 Mechanics Summary

PRE-GAME DUTIES:

All arrive and be in the dressing room 1 hour prior to game time for varsity games.
Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to game time for all other games.
All have all uniform items with you at every game, at all times.
Referee conducts a pre-game meeting.
Back judge in 5-man games review goal line, pass coverage, and sideline mechanics with flank officials.
All enter the field together 15 minutes before game time.

ON FIELD PRE-GAME DUTIES:

All inspect the field; request home team to make corrections if needed.

Referee and Umpire visit with each head coach to confirm/ask:

Get captain’s numbers.
Ask coach if players are equipped according to rule.
Have umpire inspect and rule on any questionable pieces of equipment.
Ask about unusual plays or formations.
Sportsmanship.
Ask for medical personnel and have coach point out medical person on the field.
Confirm length of half time.
If given any medical waivers keep a copy and forward to the association.

Head Linesman, Line Judge and Back Judge:

Introduce yourself to your respective head coach ask whom you should report penalties to, only one coach. Ask who the “Stay Back” coach is, introduce yourself to him and ask for assistance in keeping the team in their team box.
Inspect the field, move the yard markers off the sidelines and back 2 to 3 yards.
Line judge secure games balls and instruct ball boy to bring ball in to the umpire after a change of possession. Also instruct ball boy to be behind the goal posts on try and field goal attempts.
Line judge also instruct clock operator (4-man) if directed to do so by referee. In a 5-man crew the Line judge will secure game balls and instruct ball boys.
Head linesman instructs the chain crew. Have one member of the crew to be behind the goal posts on try and field goal attempts.
Back judge in 5-man crews introduce yourself to each head coach; instruct clock operator.

COIN TOSS:

Five-man crew:

Umpire bring captains from HL side of the field to the 50 yard line, introduce captains to Referee, face Referee and record results.
Referee bring captains from LJ side of field to the 50 yard line turn with his back to the clock.
Back judge at inbounds mark at the 50 yard line on HL sideline between team and captains.
LJ at inbounds mark at the 50 yard line on LJ sideline between team and captains.
Referee in the middle of the field at the 50-yard line with back to the clock.
HL finish chain crew instructions and secure ball for kick-off from LJ.
Have spokesperson captain next to R.
R will have captains introduce themselves to each other.
R reminds captains about sportsmanship.
R show both sides of coin to captains, ask visiting spokesperson captain his choice, repeat the choice for all to hear, tell all you will catch the coin, if you drop the coin repeat the toss.
U step forward during coin toss and record results.
R indicate winner of toss and give options to defer, receive, kick, or defend a goal. Loser gets remaining choices.
If winner defers place hand on captain’s shoulder and give incomplete pass signal. The other team captain now can choose one of the above options.
Have captains face each other with their backs to the goal line they will defend and indicate the choice of the winner.
All double-check and notate the toss results and break to positions.
Second half procedure same as above.

Four-man crew:

R and U follow above procedure.
HL and LJ remain the at 50 yard line inbounds mark at your sidelines.
Follow above mechanics.

Three-man crew:

R in middle of the field.
U/LJ and HL on sidelines walk captains in on R’s signal.
Follow above mechanics.

FREE KICKS/KICK-OFF:

Five-man Mechanics:

BJ has the ball, hand ball to the kicker or place ball on K’s line. Instruct kicker to wait for R’s signal and whistle. Count K players and go back to your sideline on K’s kicking line and signal Referee when ready. Pick up blocks in front of you and if return breaks long you have coverage to the goal line. Know if kick was punched into the ground, you have kicker for first 5 yards to ensure he does not get blocked.
LJ on the sideline at R’s line, count R players, signal ready to the Referee. On kick move downfield along your sideline observing blocks, cover 15 yards downfield pick-up and maintain coverage until play ends.
HL on your sideline at R’s 30 yard line, count R players and signal ready to R. If kick is to your side of the field rule if kick is across R’s goal line and is a touchback. If kick is returned and runner is on your side of the field cover run and maintain coverage until runs ends.
Umpire position at R’s 20 yard line on LJ’s sideline. Count R players and signal ready to Referee. If kick to your side pick-up coverage and follow until runs ends.
Referee deep at R’s goal line on HL side of field. Count R players, get ready signal from all officials sound whistle and motion for K to kick the ball. Rule on all kicks that cross R’s goal line. If kick is returned cover run until U or HL pick-up coverage. Continue to move up field keeping all players boxed in and observe action behind the runner.
If kick is short and in the middle R will pinch in and observe the play. All others will maintain above coverage.
All have beanbag in hand; do not allow play to begin if a team does not have 11 players.
Closest covering official give the wind clock signal when R first touches the kick.
Closest covering official will mark spot where the run ends.
Onside situation U and HL move up to R’s line, LJ bump up to K’s line opposite the BJ.

Four-man Box:

HL has the ball at K’s line between the hash marks. Count K players, instruct kicker to wait for R’s signal and whistle then go off to sidelines and signal ready to the Referee.
LJ at R’s line at the sidelines. Count R players turn and signal to Referee when ready.
U deep on HL sideline around the 20 yard line. Count R players and signal ready to Referee Help bring play up with R, responsible for blocks in front of the ball carrier.
Referee at R’s goal line in middle of field, you have goal line coverage. Count R players, get ready signal from U, LJ, and HL, sound whistle and motion for K to kick the ball.
All have beanbag in hand; do not allow play to begin if a team does not have 11 players.
Closest covering official give the wind clock signal when R first touches the kick.
Closest covering official will mark spot where the run ends.
Onside situation U moves up to R’s line opposite the LJ.

Three-man Triangle:

HL has ball on K’s line in the field, count K players, hand ball to the kicker or sit ball on K’s line, turn to HL and go off to LJ side of field at K’s line and signal ready to R.
U/LJ at R’s line in the field, count R’s players, turns to U/LJ and go off to your side of field at R’s line. Note both U/LJ and HL go to sidelines at the same time and signal ready to R.
Referee deep in middle of field, you have deep coverage and goal line. Count R’s players get ready signal from U/LJ and HL, sound whistle and signal kicker to kick.
All have beanbag in hand; do not allow play to begin if a team does not have 11 players.
R will cover the runner to R’s 35 yard-line where the HL and U/LJ will take the coverage until the play ends.

SCRIMMAGE PLAYS:

Running Plays, Five-man:
Referee:

Signal down number to HL, then to U, LJ, and BJ.
Mark ball ready for play. (Chop/wind).
Count A’s players, if there are 11 give closed fist signal.
Be on QB’s throwing arm side of field, outside TE, about 10-12 yards deep.
Key on offensive tackle on opposite side, you have primary coverage of offensive backfield.
Rule on false starts by offensive backs.
Trail runs up the middle keeping players and ball in front of you.
Follow runs from sideline to sideline until runner crosses neutral zone where BJ will pick-up coverage. Follow runner out of bounds cleaning up after play is over.

Umpire:

Spot ball and stay over ball until R signals ready to play.
Double check that all officials have the correct down.
Take position 4 to 5 yards behind B’s line and between A’s guards.
Key on G-C-G on A’s line.
Count A’s players, give closed fist signal if there are 11(hold fist directly in front of chest, so flanks can see it). 4-man, count B
Check for 5 A players numbered 50-79 and ineligible receivers.
If run is between the hash marks observe action, if ball becomes dead beyond neutral zone and you are the covering official blow your whistle.
If run is outside the hash marks observe action, when run is over go get the ball, remember the hash marks are not a “fence”, go outside of the hash marks and get the ball.
Spot forward progress marked by flank officials; never spot the ball on your own.

Flanks, HL and LJ:

Line up and stay on sideline until ball is snapped.
LJ & BJ count B’s players; give closed fist signal if there are 11 players. 4-man, flanks count your sideline.
Signal on or off for the A player nearest to you.
Key on A tackle on your side.
Rule on A false starts and B encroachment.
If A player on your side goes in motion take it all the way even if he reverses direction. .
On running plays between the hash marks follow play and mark forward progress when run ends.
Forward progress is marked with both feet together facing in (downfield foot marks forward most point of ball), spot forward progress on all plays.
Mirror forward progress spot.
Hold forward progress spot until U releases you.
On running plays to your sideline, take a step back, let all players get in front of you, follow play until run ends, spot forward progress.
If runs goes out of bounds mark spot at sideline facing OB, observe action while holding spot, the R or BJ will clean up beyond the sideline.
On running plays to opposite side of field move up field with your eyes behind the play, you must clean up behind the play. WATCH ALL PLAYERS BEHIND THE PLAY, NO CHEAP SHOTS!
At 10 yard line going in first move is towards goal line, be there first.
Any play that ends inbounds close to the sideline give wind the clock signal. If play results in a first down give signal then kill the clock.

Back Judge:

Line up 20 to 25 yards deep in B’s secondary, have all players in front of you at all times during each play.
Key on the tight end.
Count B players and signal when you have 11 players.
Runs between the hash marks you have the ball and ball carrier beyond the neutral zone.
Runs to the side zones you have coverage beyond the neutral zone, sideline to sideline. Follow ball and ball carrier OB and clean up.
Must be at goal line before ball carrier.
Inform HL and LJ when they will have goal line, usually around the 15 yard line in.
Double TE formation favor HL side.

Running plays, four-man box:

R, U, HL, and LJ same as above except:

R starts on wide side of field, follows all runs OB and cleans up.
HL and LJ have coverage downfield.

Running plays, three-man triangle:

R line up on U/LJ side just outside the tackle and in A’s backfield.
U/LJ line up 7-10 yards deep and opposite R or on sideline opposite HL if the Referee requests this coverage.
HL line up on your sideline.
Keep all players inside the triangle.
Closest official spot the ball.
10 yard line in (or short yardage for line to gain) U/LJ moves up to LJ position on LOS; both move towards goal line on snap.
10 yard line in R stays in A’s backfield same as 4 man and 5 man.

Passing Plays, Five-man: All perform above duties of counting players and positioning at the snap then:

Referee:

Keep QB in front of you, stay with QB at all time.
Rule on roughing the passer, illegal forward pass, and intentional grounding.

Umpire:

At snap move towards line of scrimmage.
Watching for holding and line play action.
Help on illegal forward pass, QB beyond the line when pass is thrown.
Rule on ineligible receivers downfield.
Spin to help cover short passes over the middle.

Flanks, HL and LJ:

Rule on defensive or offensive pass interference.
Prepare to rule if forward or backward on quick pass in the flat to your side.
HL read play and move downfield.
LJ release down field, primary coverage is your side of the field.
HL and LJ primary coverage is the receivers inside the widest receiver closest to you.
Make eye contact with BJ on catches in end zone and along sidelines to confirm catch.

Back Judge:

First move is back, key on tight end, if A is in spread formation key on widest receiver on the strong side of the formation.
If double TE formation favor HL side.
Primary coverage for goal line and end line.
Make eye contact with HL or LJ on catches in end zone and along sideline.

Passing Plays, four-man:

R and U same as above
HL and LJ both release downfield and cover all action downfield.

Passing Plays, three-man:

R stay with QB at all times.
U/LJ and HL have downfield coverage.

SCRIMMAGE KICKS:

Punts, five-man:
Referee:

On kicking-leg side about 3 yards in advance and 5-7 yards outside of kicker.
Mentally note numbers of upbacks and kicker.
Stay with kicker throughout the play, be prepared to rule on roughing or running into the kicker.
Know if kick goes beyond the neutral zone.
If kick is blocked be ready to cover action behind LOS.
If kick goes OB line up and signal to covering official spot where ball crossed the sideline.
If return breaks long pick up coverage to goal line.

Umpire:

Mentally note numbers of 5 interior linemen.
Move towards LOS on the snap.
Observe action on the snapper.
Know if kick goes beyond neutral zone.
Signal if kick is tipped by R.
Let all players go downfield, turn and observe blocking during the return.

Flanks, HL and LJ:
Mentally note numbers of eligible receivers on your side.

LJ on snap release down your sideline observing blocks in front of the deep receivers.
HL stay at LOS until kick clears neutral zone and you are sure it will not bounce back into or behind the LOS, release up your sideline observing the action. If bad snap, stay on LOS.
HL has primary coverage for kicking crossing the LOS.
If kick goes OB be prepared to cover sideline and line up with referee for his signal.
LJ have two bean bags.

Back Judge:

On HL side of field 7-10 yards than and in front of the deepest receiver.
Watch for fair catch signal.
Get to the sideline if kick is OB and get referee signal.
Have two bean bags.
Mark spot where kick ends with bean bag.
Mark spot of first touching, if any, with bean bag.
Release ball carrier to flanks and continue to officiate behind the play.

Punts, four-man:

R line up on LJ side.
R and U same coverage as above.
LJ line up 7-10 yards than and in front of the deepest receiver.
LJ mark spot where kick ends with bean bag.
LJ and HL mark spot of first touching.
LJ watch for fair catch signal.
HL stay on LOS until kick clears the line then move up your sideline.
HL responsible for blocks in front of the deepest receiver.
LJ and HL get to sideline if kicks goes OB and get referee signal.

Punts, three-man:

R line up on U/LJ side of field in front of and to the side of the kicker.
HL stay on LOS on your sideline release downfield when kick goes beyond LOS.
U/LJ back with deepest receiver; have two bean bags.

Field Goals and PAT, five-man:

R line up 1 yard to the rear and 2-3 yards to the side facing holder and kicker.
R rules on roughing/running into kicker and/or holder.
U line up over the center about 3-5 yards behind B’s line.
U rules on roughing the snapper.
R and U signal if B touches kick in or behind the neutral zone.
HL and LJ stay on LOS if kicker and holder are facing you. If kicker or holder has back to you go with BJ behind goal posts to rule on kick.
BJ behind goal posts.
If kick is clean LJ/HLand BJ rule if kick is good: BJ has upright and cross bar, LJ/HL has upright. Look at each other and come out to end line and signal if good or not.
BJ has whistle on all PATs and field goals. On PAT sound whistle when kicked by the kicker.
On field goals the ball is alive until it reaches the end zone, all hold your whistles.
If field goal kick is blocked the ball is alive all cover play as if it is a fumble.
If the play breaks down due to a bad snap or fake kick, HL/LJ covers goal line on his sideline; LJ/HL get to goal line on your side, BJ has end line coverage.

Field Goal and PAT, four-man:

R, 15 yard line in, line up behind kicker and rule if kick is good or bad.
R has whistle on PAT and field goals 15 yard line in.
If snap is outside the 15 yard line, LJ will be under goal posts and R will rule on roughing/running into kicker/holder.
U same coverage as five-man.
HL stay on LOS, rule on roughing/running kicker/holder on kicks from the 15 yard line in.
LJ stay on LOS on kicks from the 15 yard line in; help with over/under if referee looks to you. Outside the 15 yard line move behind goal posts and rule if kick is good or bad.
If kick is critical in determining the outcome of the game the referee can send both the LJ and U behind the goal posts to rule on the kick.

Field Goal and PAT, three-man:

Same coverage as four-man except U/LJ lines up in the U position.
If U/LJ moves under goal posts still must cover roughing the snapper.

PENALTIES:

Dead Ball:

Sound whistle, toss flag into the air, and give time-out signal.
Verbally report information to the referee.
Do not give penalty signal, only the referee will signal.
HL, LJ, and U discuss false start/encroachment then tell referee the situation.

Live Ball:

Do not sound whistle keep officiating the play.
Drop flag at yard line of the foul; do not throw flag towards a player.
Note spot of foul, offending team, and offending player.
Know status of the ball at time of foul and if in player possession or not.
When ball becomes dead follow above steps.

Referee:

Give preliminary signal to press box, except dead-ball fouls.
Give options to captain of offended team.
If penalty is accepted and after enforcement give signal to press box.
Give signal from the yard line at which ball will next be put in play.
If penalty is declined go to the spot of the ball, give penalty signal followed by incomplete pass signal.
If double foul occurred, signal each foul to the press box followed by the incomplete pass signal.
Give signal for all fouls.
Double check yardage marked off by U.

Umpire:

Secure the ball.
Be with R when penalty options are given.
Mark off penalty as instructed by R.
Walk briskly on 10 and 15-yard penalties.
Know if first down or not before walking off; do not measure after walk off.

Flanks:

Mirror U walk off, make sure it is right.
Assist in knowing if it is a first down or not after acceptance of penalty.
Hold end of run if fellow official needs to report a foul.
Let one coach know what the penalty is.
Report penalty and number of player to designated coach on your sideline.

Back Judge:

Be at enforcement spot.

All record number of player for all USL penalties and advise the coach.
All be sure the call is correct and the referee has given the correct options, get it right.

MEASUREMENTS:

Covering official hold spot of forward progress.
All relay ball to covering official by handing the ball to the official who will place ball at their feet.
HL have down box move to the forward stake. Do not have the down changed on the box. If a penalty down box to stay at previous spot until after measurement
HL secure clip on the yard line closest to back stake.
HL brings chains in holding the clip and chain at the spot of the clip.
LJ mark yard line of measurement on the back edge of the yard line your bean bag.
U take forward stake and when HL is ready pull chains tight and mark at the ball.
R rule if line to gain has been made.
If 5 man crew, BJ will secure the ball at the spot of measurement.

TIMING:

BJ has 25-second count and one minute time-outs in 5-man crew.
If facing the game clock in a critical situation late in the game and it is running take the 25 second count off of the game clock.
If R is facing the game clock in this situation he has the option to take the 25 second count.
LJ has game clock if time is kept on the field in 5 man crew.
R has option to keep 25 second count or have LJ do so in 4 man crew.
LJ has one-minute time-outs in 4-man crew.
LJ has game clock if time is kept on the field in 4 man crew, R will have the 25 second count.
All always know status of game clock.
Referee will instruct clock operator to set clock for three minute half time warm-up and run clock.

SIGINALS:

One hand above head when ready for free kick.
One hand extended forward with fist closed for 11 players.
Flanks will signal on or off of the closest A player to them.
Wind clock signal and kill the clock signal.
Incomplete pass signal and then kill the clock signal for incomplete pass.
Both fists closed and cross wrists with arms above the head for double stakes.
Both hands open at waist with palms facing out of boundst for a play out of bounds.
R and U signal when snapper requires protection with closed fists in a circular motion.
If pass is backwards use same signal as above off the line signal.
Hand to face to signal unbalanced line.
Index fingers in a circle motion at the waist for a play in bounds.

ALL ALWAYS GET IT RIGHT!

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