Touch Football Officiating Advanced Topics Created by Brian

Touch Football Officiating Advanced Topics Created by Brian Nicholson, Nova Scotia Level III Referee FC Updated April 2013

Outline ªAim of Officiating ªTo be a successful referee and crew ªPositioning Charts for 3 and 4 man crews ªSpecial Teams ªAdvanced Topics ªThe Touch, Punting, Penalty Applications ªRules Study

Aim of Officiating ª To cause the game to progress smoothly within the rules ª Attempt to prevent infractions from occurring ª Establish subtle, unquestioned influence over the game ªBe prepared and know your role/job (warm up&pre game talk) ªBe in position ªReact immediately to infractions ª Active prevention of infractions ªWarning players of ‘close calls’ (HL calling offsides) ªStopping the game to explain a rule/call

Aim of Officiating ª Safety of the players is paramount ª Injury prevention begins with an inspection of the field ª Preventative/protective officiating ª Communication and Education ª Explaining the ruling to the players, benches and fans ª Providing proper choices to captains on penalty applications ª Know the psyche of players and temper rulings accordingly ª Uphold and advance the respect officials enjoy from players, team members and fans.

Successful Officials… ªEnforce rules intelligently ªRespect the rules, respect the players. ªBe concerned with the effect of the illegal act; not the act itself. ªMaintain absolute integrity ªBe honest, neutral, firm and fair ªBe confident and supportive of your crew/team ªAssist– don’t resist your fellow officials!

Successful Officials… ªEarn the respect of players ªFind the balance between friendly and aloof ªCourtesy and respect go both ways ªKnow when to listen and when to ignore ªHustle and enthusiasm increase player respect. ªUnderstand the mindset of the players ªRealize that players possess different levels of experience with the game and have different backgrounds, abilities and emotional responses.

Successful Officials… ªShow good judgement ªWhich comes with experience! ªAttempt to be as consistent as possible ª Which implies correct rule interpretation to each ruling ªHave good reaction times ªSpeed=acceptance ªShow courage to make tough calls in tough situations

Successful Crews… ªAct as a team, not individuals ªAppear neat (Look sharp Feel sharp Be sharp) ªRecognize limits & errors (and admit them) ª Know their assignments and positions ª Provide and accept constructive criticism ª Are life long learners ª Keep up to date with the rules ª Take pride in their work

Positioning Charts: 3 and 4 -man crews ª 3 man crew scenarios ªReturn punts ª 4 man crew scenarios ªIntroducing the Field Judge ªKick offs, scrimmages, goal line stands, punts

Mechanics of Officiating • The 3 basic positions and their responsibilities • Referee • Back Umpire (BU) or Back Judge • Head Linesman (HL)

Mechanics of Officiating • All officials have equal jurisdiction in calling penalties. • Only the whistle kills the play. • Insure that you see the ball and the touch. • Penalties that occur during the play do NOT stop the play.

Preparation for Officiating • Check your equipment – Clean uniform – Whistle, bean bags, score pad & pen, watch, cones, flag and field bean-bag marker (optional) • Attend the pre-game officials conference – Be at the park early enough to set the field for play and inspect the field for any safety issues – Be ready to discuss assignments, coverages – Try and warm-up to prevent injuries

Pre-game Duties • Inspect the Field of play for possible hazards. – Eg. Goal posts padded, boundaries marked, etc. • Have teams complete scoresheet. • 3 minutes prior to kick-off, call for Captains. – Introductions, recording captains, coin toss – Clarify any rules, check equipment, give warnings regarding jewelry and answer player concerns – Record who has first choice in the second half • Start the game on time!

Duties of Officials • Counting of Downs – The referee has the primary responsibility for this with assistance from the headlinesman • Use of Whistle – The whistle is used to stop the play. It must be blown with authority– a loud sharp blast! – If you see it, call it. Don’t assume.

Duties of Officials • Spotting the Ball – If you have the exact position of the ball when it goes dead, move to the spot of the tag—NEVER take your eyes off the spot. You will not find it again. Once you take the spot, then check to see where the spot is in relation to the bags, lines on the field etc. – If you do not have the spot, assist to set up the next play. • The HL should take position on the line of scrimmage before the referee or BU moves from the spot. • The Referee should bring the bags to the BU or vice versa if there is a sack and the referee has the spot.

Calling penalties • If you have a penalty (thrown your flag) and also have to spot the ball, have another official take your place before reporting to the Referee or use your marker or hat to keep the spot. • Throwing the flag – Try to throw it to where the ball was at the time of the infraction in case the Point Ball Held is required. – Know where the ball was and who was in possession when you throw the flag

Reporting Penalties • When giving your report to the Referee recall: CINS • C-Color of offending team’s jersey • I- Infraction called • N-Number of the offending player • S- Stay for more info. ie. Point of infraction, point ball held, possession of the ball

Retrieving the Ball • Unlike Tackle football, the players are responsible for getting the ball and bringing it to the LOS. • If you do become involved in retrieval, short, underhanded passes should be used to relay the ball to the offense.

Time Outs • Time outs can be made by any on-field player to any official. Once the request is made, the referee will then stop the clock and signal “time-out”. • The offense must remain in the huddle until the time out is over. • A full minute time-out should be given unless both teams agree to resume play earlier. • Inform the players and benches when 15 seconds are remaining.

Quarter Time • When changing ends, ensure you know the down and the distance to gain a first down before moving the bags. By using the nearest line on the field the Referee will pace off and measure the distance of the line of scrimmage from the nearest line. The other bags shall be placed correctly accordingly.

Half Time • Be sure to remain away from the teams so you can discuss the first-half performance and make adjustments in the second half. • 3 minutes prior to the end of half time, the officials will meet with team captains to confirm the score and obtain the choices from the captains to begin the half.

End of Game • Remove the cones and bean bags from the field immediately (usually done by the BU and HL). • Scoresheet – The referee should sign the game scoresheet after checking the scorecard. The referee should also record any ejections or objectionable conducts on the sheet.

Post-game • Discussion – Be prepared to offer constructive criticism to other officials about their views. Accept criticism as you would deliver it. • Complaints – If you feel a complaint is justified against a player, coach, team member or game conditions were unsatisfactory, these should be made in writing to the President of the League or the President of the Officals Association.

Last minute comments • Prior to start of game – Everyone got their flags and whistles? – Does the anyone have the bean bags? – If we make a mistake, we make it hustling!

G 10 20 O 30 Lo. S 40 O O X BU X X • • • C QB O R O O X R X HL

the “officials triangle” G 10 BU 20 O 30 Lo. S 40 O O X X X • • • C QB O R O O X R X HL

BU Duties on Scrimmage Play • Set bean bags • Count defensive players • Look for remote zone interference / rough play • Look for pass interference • Watch for tags and rough tags • After whistle: Reset bags if appropriate G 10 BU 20 O 30 Lo. S 40 O O X X X • • R • C QB R O O O X X HL

Back Umpires Special Duties • Punts – Position yourself 5 -10 yards away from but parallel to the return player – Be alert for laterals – Make a ‘no-yards’ call if applicable – Watch for return punts from the end zone. • Rouge and Safety Touch – Determine the ball position when the ball went dead. • Goal Line Plays – Goal posts: watch for • Ball hitting • Players using to advantage

G 10 20 O 30 Lo. S 40 O O X BU X X • • • C QB O R O O X R X HL

HL Duties on Scrimmage Play HL position G 10 BU 20 O 30 Lo. S 40 O O X X X O • • • C R O O X QB R X • Repeat/confirm down with Referee • Watch for offsides • Watch Rusher for lining up offside • Move at least as far as 1 st down bag or…move downfield with play, watching for infractions and spot of ball HL

Special Situations for HL • Punts • Goal Line Plays – Goal Line becomes 1° – Hold the Lo. S until you are responsibility certain that the ball will – When the ball is snapped, cross the Lo. S, in flight. move downfield but hold at – If the punt is good, hustle the Goal Line. downfield and get parallel – You must determine the to the ball carrier, and forward point of the ball follow them. when the player is tagged. – Call “no yards” where If it breaks the plane of the goal…touchdown! applicable – The above applies on convert attempts.

BU & HL coverage areas and position G 10 BU 20 O 30 Lo. S 40 O O X X X • • • C QB O R O O X R X HL

Referee’s coverage area G 10 BU 20 O 30 Lo. S 40 O O X X X • • • C QB O R O O X R X HL

R Duties on Scrimmage Play • • • G • 10 20 O 30 O O Lo. S 40 • • • BU X X X • • R • C QB O O O X R X • • HL • • Count offensive players Announce down Whistle the play in/start 20 second play clock Indicate when 5 seconds are left on 20 second play clock Watch for interference on rush Note side R is on & watch for double rush Watch for interference on rush or remote zone interference on center Watch for QB tags and rough tags Signal direction of pass (on or offside) If QB scrambles and throws note point of release (was he over the Lo. S? ) After whistle: Give bags to BU if appropriate

Referee’s Special Scrimmage Duties Goal Line Plays • Confirm coverage • with other officials • Check with other officials before • signaling touchdown Converts Asking the offensive captain what type (1 or 2 point) they are attempting Informing the defense and benches of decision Safety Touch • Make sure the ball is still in the end zone. • Signal Safety Touch • BE SURE TO STOP CLOCK • Inform captains of choices for the next play

Referee’s Duties– Calling Penalties • If there is a flag, wait for the official to come to you to report the infraction • Check for multiple flags • Inform captain of non-offending team of the infraction and available options. • Signal the benches (Team, Number, Infraction, Accepted/Declined)

Kick off set up G O 10 O BU O 20 O O 30 O O 40 HL 50 C X X X • K X X X R

• R moves downfield after determining there has been no offsides. • Call tags & rough play • HL moves downfield after determining the kick has travelled 20 yards, keeping outside the widest player on the receiving team. • Call tags & rough play • BU moves behind ball carrier to watch for touch. • Signals onside or offside pass. WATCH for ROUGH PLAY! G O 10 O BU O 20 O O 30 O O 40 HL 50 C X X X • K X X X R

PUNTS BU Referee Duties • Position yourself with the punter • Cover the sideline opposite the HL • In short punts– be prepared to move up to cover the punt return and rule on “no yards” O G Back Umpire Duties • Position yourself parallel to the return player • Rule on “No Yards” • Rule on the direction of muffs • Follow behind ball carrier looking for tags & ruling on direction of pass 10 20 O 30 Lo. S 40 O O X X X • • R • C P R O O X X HLHead Linesman Duties • Stay on the Lo. S until the punted ball crosses the Lo. S. • Move downfield to get parallel to the ball carrier. • Assist the BU on ‘No Yards’ and ruling on laterals.

Return Punts P BU X G X O HL X X O O 10 X 20 R 30 40 O O X O Back Umpire Duties • Position yourself with the punter • Watch for roughing the punter • Prepare for another punt R • • • Head Linesman Duties • Position yourself on the goal line (if applicable) and rule on whether the ball has left the end zone. Referee Duties • Establish the “No Yards Zone” around the new returner. • Prepare for another punt.

Four Man Crew ‘introducing the Field Judge’ G 10 BU 20 30 FJ Lo. S 40 O O O X X X • • • C QB O R O O X R X HL

BU, FJ & HL coverage areas and position G 10 BU 20 O 30 Lo. S 40 FJ O O X X X • • • C QB O R O O X R X HL

Field Judge Scrimmage Duties BU, FJ & HL coverage areas and position G • Line up parallel to rusher and outside the widest receiver • On the snap, move downfield, covering the outside two receivers. • Cover the sideline • With the FJ present, the HLcan hold the Lo. S until the rusher crosses the Lo. S. 10 BU 20 O 30 FJ O O Lo. S 40 X X X • • O R O • C QB O X R X • On goal line stands– line up on the goal line and 5 yards outside the widest receiver. Hold this position. • This allows the HL to stay on the Lo. S. On a punt, move downfield and go HL parallel to watch for tags and lateral passes and to cover the sidelines.

The Touch– the little understood fundamental 1. A touch must be deliberately intended. ª 2. Touching any part of the player is a touch ª 3. This includes: skin, the ball, clothing, or extras, such as a towel, a bracelet, or even an unraveling shoestring Using the word "hand" in the rule is intended to mean the open hand / or fingers. ª ª 4. If the defender plays the ball and, while swiping at the ball, accidently touches the opponent no touch. The back of the hand, not just the palm side, is included in this definition. This allows a fist to be considered a touch. If an official clearly sees a finger tip touch, no matter how slight the contact, the touch , must be called. If the hand is not used no touch.

The Touch– the little understood fundamental 5. When a defender deliberately avoids a collision by jumping over the ball carrier, we must award a touch. 6. The bobbled ball routine must be called a touch. 7. When a player kneels down to concede points, a touch should be awarded. ª ª ª e. g. a quarterback kneels down to concede a play Do not confuse loss of balance with a kneel to concede As for the fallen ball carrier, if the player hesitates to get up, one can assume there is no intent to advance further.

Punting— all you wanted to know…and more! ª“No Yards” ªPunt vs. Whiff vs. Dribbled ball ªPossession after a punt ªDeflected Punts ªBlocked Punts ªReturn Punts ªMuffed Punts

Punts– The “No Yards Rule” ª After a punt, players of the punting team cannot touch the ball or be touched by the ball before the opponents touch the ball. ª After a punt, all players of the punting team must be 5 yards away from the ball when an opponent first touches the ball. Violation of this rule is a “no yards penalty”. ª If the offending player affects the play, it is a 10 yard, while a 5 yard “no yards” is for the player who did not affect the play ª Bad luck and poor awareness of the ball do not negate this penalty!

Punts ª Definition ª A punt is a ball that is dropped from the hand kicked with any part of the body below the knee before the ball touches the ground. ª Anyone may punt the ball, at any time, with the exception being on a convert play or using a punt to replace a kick off. ª A dribbled ball is like a punt except the player striking the ball does not have control of it. The ball remains live until it hits the ground and is considered as either an onside or offside pass depending on its direction.

Punts (placement of Dribbled Ball) ª After the ball is ruled ‘dead’, the ball will be placed at 1 of the 3 following spots, whichever is closest to the dead line of the dribbling team. ª Where the ball was first kicked ª Where the dribbling team touched the ball last ª Where the ball touched the ground ª If the non dribbling team touches the ball before it becomes dead, the ball will be placed at either of the first two above options, whichever is closer to the dead line of the dribbling team.

Possession after a Punt ª Possession changes immediately after a punt, unless the punt is blocked, or is considered to have never left the end zone. (Rule 19. 3. 1)

Deflected Punts (Rule 20. 1) ª A deflected punt is one that touches any player immediately after being punted but continues in a direction away from the punter’s dead line. ª A deflected punt by any player will be considered as not having been touched at all. ª A defected punt is dead when it touches the ground behind the line of scrimmage or in the punter’s end zone.

Blocked Punt (Rule 20. 2) ª A blocked punt is one that touches any player immediately after being punted but continues in a direction parallel or towards the punter’s dead line. ª A blocked punt by a punters team mate will be considered as not having been touched at all. If a player from the punting team subsequently touches the ball. No yards must be called. ª A blocked punt by the receiving team is considered an onside/offside pass. The ball is free to both teams until it hits the ground. No restraining zone restrictions on either team after a block. ª A blocked punt is dead when it touches the ground behind the line of scrimmage.

Possession after a Blocked Punt (Rule 20. 3) ª A blocked punt is free until it touches the ground. ª After a blocked punt in the end zone, the ball is still considered in the possession of the punting team until they lose possession. ª If a team has earned a first down when their punt is blocked, they will be awarded a first down if they legally regain possession of the ball. ª The punting team must earn a first down within the 3 consecutive downs provided or lose possession.

Return Punts ªOften occur at the end of a half when the score is tied or very close. ªA source of much chaos and confusion ªIt is important to remember that with each punt (regardless of number) ªEach team gives up possession of the ball when they punt ªEach team receiving the punt is entitled to a chance to play the ball that is in the field of play

Muffed punts ªA muffed punt is free to both teams until it hits the ground. ªA offside muff is dead when it hits the ground. Recovery of the ball in this case is penalized as if it were an offside pass. ªAn onside muff is still live after it touches the ground.

Penalty Applications ªFixed distance vs. Variable Distance ªPlayer Conduct Fouls

Fixed Distance (FD) Penalties Distance Foul 5 yards Time Count Violation 10 yards Delay of Game Illegal Procedure Illegal Re entry Offside Illegal Substitution Minor Objectionable Conduct Illegal Use of Hands (Extension) No Yards/Restraining Zone Minor Personal Foul Objectionable Conduct (incidental head touch) Obstruction Pass Interference In the Remote Zone 15 yards Personal Foul 25 yards Major Foul

Variable Distance (VD) Penalties ª Illegal Participation ª A touchdown is awarded if a team player is involved; a replay is awarded if a fan is involved. ª Offside Pass ª The ball is brought back to the spot where the offside pass began. ª Pass Interference In the Target Zone ª The ball and a first down can be awarded to the non penalized team at the spot where the foul occurred. The defense can also elect to have the pass be considered as an incomplete pass. If this occurs on a first or second down play, this will simply be a loss of down. If this happens on a third down play, the defending team electing to declare the pass incomplete may take over at the previous line of scrimmage.

Penalty Options ªA team can always refuse or decline a penalty except— ªA major or personal foul must be recorded on the score sheet, as must objectionable conduct. ªA team may not refuse to apply an ejection, if the rules deem it necessary.

Application of FD Penalties ªIf a FD foul occurs before the snap of the ball– the down shall be repeated. ªIf a foul occurs prior to the offense making a first down, the application point is the prior Lo. S. ªIf a foul occurs after to the offense making a first down, the application point is the point ball held (PBH).

Application of FD Penalties ª If a foul occurs prior to the offense losing possession, the application point is the prior Lo. S. ª If a foul occurs after the offense losing possession, the application point is the point ball held (PBH). ª If a foul occurs after the offense gives up possession, but before the ball is touched, the application point is the point ball first touched.

Extension of the Ball ª This is a ‘flag play’. ª The penalty is applied from where the ball becomes dead, even if a change of possession occurs after the foul. ª If the offending team retains possession, a 5 yard penalty will be applied from the ball carriers torso the moment the extension occurred or the point ball dead (at the discretion of the non offending team) ª Officials should throw the flag to where the foul occurred. ª This is not a live ball foul. I. e. – A team does not get another chance on third down to replay.

Extention of the ball ªThis includes diving (but might incur a personal foul penalty if excessive contact with another player was made). ªA touchdown CANNOT be scored by extension of the ball!

Objectionable Conduct and Major Fouls ªUsing profane language, uttering threats ªMaking demeaning or intimidating remarks or actions ªPersistent arguing or delaying smooth flow of game ªFaking an injury or loss of balance

Objectionable Conduct and Major Fouls ªIf serious in nature, an OC foul may result in ejection. ªA major foul is also grounds for ejection from the game. ªStriking another player, official, fan or coach with intent to injure. ªDeliberate tripping

New Rules for 2013 -2015 ªWhen a QB throws a lateral pass and it hits the ground (regardless if the intended receiver touched it at all), the ball is dead. ªThe definition of “Control” no longer contains the sentence-- The player must also exhibit a ‘football move’ after catching the ball.

More Rules… ªThe definition of “Loose Ball” and “Snap now contains the sentence A snap is considered loose in flight from the centre to the quarterback. ªRegulation 4. 6. 1 4. 6. 3 has been added. It deals with the use of “ 5 Plays” option to end each half and the mechanics of penalty applications during this time.

ªRule 8. 1. 1 Control of the Ball no longer contains the sentence The player must also exhibit a ‘football move’ after catching the ball. ªRule 9. 2. 1 Ball Carrier on the Ground no longer contains the phrase—(e. g. jumping over)

More Rules… ªRule 10. 2. 1 Now defines a dribbled ball as “free” until it strikes the ground. ªRule 10. 6. 10 is now named “Muffed Snap” instead of Snap or Muffed Onside Pass ªThe last sentence of Rule 16. 5. 1 now says “When it touches the ground, the ball is dead. ”

More Rules… ªRule 21. 5. 2 has been added. Extension of the ball cannot be used to score points. Extension of the ball cannot prevent points from being awarded. ªRule 22. 1. 3 has been added. If the non offending team has possession of the ball, an automatic 1 st down will be awarded with the distance penalty.

Scenario 1 ªThe ball is dead the instant it is dribbled. ªNo! Rule 19. 6. 3

Scenario 2 ªA deflected punt is dead when it hits the ground behind the line of scrimmage, even if the ball crosses the line of scrimmage after bouncing along the ground. ªYes! Rule 20. 1. 3

Scenario 3 ªOn a third down and ten, Team A punts from scrimmage. On the play, the Team B rusher is called for offside and Team A is called for “no yards” downfield. Assuming both teams accept the penalty, the down is replayed from the line of scrimmage. ªYes! Rule 24. 12

Scenario 4 ªOn a bad snap, the ball goes over the QB’s head without being touched. The QB runs back to retrieve the ball, but is touched by the rusher before reaching the ball. Should the play be whistled dead at this point? ªNo! Rule 10. 6. 10 (if no other player is back)

Scenario 5 ªQB A 1, has started the forward motion of the arm in an attempt to pass but the ball comes loose and the hits the ground behind the line of scrimmage. Is this considered an incomplete forward pass? ªYes! Rule 17. 11

Scenario 6 ªTeam A is charged with a delay of game before the kick off. Time will start when the ball is kicked off. ªYes! Regulation 11. 9

Scenario 7 ªTeam A kick off strikes the back umpire and then hits the goal post in flight. The ball is next put into play on the B 25 yard line. Is this correct? ªNo! Rule 10. 7. 1 and Regulation 10. 4. 1

Scenario 8 ªTeam A kicks off and the ball bounces on the three yard line and goes through the Team B end zone, without being touched by anyone. Will Team A be awarded one point? ªYes! Rule 12. 6. 2

Scenario 9 ªOn a kickoff return, the ball carrier throws a lateral to a teammate and is then severely contacted. A personal foul is called on the defense. Is this a live ball foul? ªYes! Rule 24. 11. 3 Case 24 Player conduct 12

Scenario 10 ªOn a hurry up offense, the center snaps the ball before you, the Referee, have whistled in the play. Blow your whistle to stop play, but let the clock run. ªYes! Rule 15. 4. 4

Scenario 11 ª On third down at their own five yard line, the QB while in the end zone, throws the ball deliberately to the ground at the 2 yard line, where there is not receiver to avoid being touched in the end zone. The defense can: ª a) be awarded a safety touch ª b) take possession at the 5 yd line and a first down, goal to go ª c) take possession at the 2 yd line and a first down, goal to go ª d) choose either a) or b) ª D – Rule 24. 3. 3

Scenario 12 ª After having lost rights to an unobstructed path to the QB, the rusher automatically regains his rights: ª a) after passing the center. ª b) after passing the last player. ª c) after crossing the line of scrimmage. ª d) at the start of the next play. ªC – Rule 15. 7. 2

Scenario 13 ª When one team is offside and the other team is guilty of obstruction, and both teams accept the penalties: ª a) the down is repeated, five yards from the previous line of scrimmage ª b) the down is lost and the next down is played at the previous line of scrimmage ª c) the down is repeated from the previous line of scrimmage ª d) none of the above ª C – Rule 24. 12. 2

Scenario 14 ª Team A’s third down scrimmage punt is blocked by B 1 on A’s one yard line. The ball goes into the end zone in flight and is caught by A 1 before it hits the ground. A 1 is touched in the end zone. The ruling is: ª a) two points awarded to Team B and Team A must kick off ª b) one point awarded to Team B, Team A scrimmages on the A 35 yard line ª c) no points awarded, Team B gets the ball at the A one yard line ª d) no point awarded, Team A retains possession at the 10 yd line ª B – Rule 20. 2. 3 and Case 20. 8

Scenario 15 ª With two plays remaining in the half, Team A takes possession of the ball on its own 8 yard line. The Team A captain informs the Referee they do not wish to run the last two play of the half. The Referee must: ª a) indicate it is half time. ª b) refuse the request and continue the game ª c) penalize Team A for delay of game ª d) none of the above ª D – Case 4. 1

G 10 20 O 30 Lo. S 40 O O X X X • • • C QB O R O O X X

G 10 20 O 30 Lo. S 40 O O X X X • • • C QB O R O O X X

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base diagram G 10 20 30 40