West Coast Officials Association WCOA Officials Association Tampa

West Coast Officials Association WCOA Officials Association Tampa 2016 FHSAA Football Field Clinic “Unofficial” Mechanics

“Unofficial” Mechanics § There are numerous useful mechanics which are not specifically addressed in the mechanics book – These do NOT rewrite the book – These enhance the existing mechanics – Help the crew operate effectively

Field Markings / Reference Marks 30 R Chris Pratt John Reilly 26’ 4” 26’ 8” R R 30 20 26’ 4” 20 Mikaela Hoover

Referee Place Kick Mechanics Referee Place Kick Positioning R For A Try, The 15 Yard Line Is Usually The Correct Place To Be Standing Right Footed Kicker < 10 H < 4 20 K TAMPA BAY 3 - 5 Yards To The Side Of The Kicker 2 - 3 Yards Behind The Kicker Upright LJ BJ Upright And Crossbar

Referee Positioning Save Your Steps § On a long run or pass completion downfield, you are supposed to trail the play § There is NO reason to run all the way up to the new line of scrimmage to signal first down then back out to your position – This is wasted running and energy § Instead, pull up about 10 – 15 yards short of the new line to gain and signal first down – As the box is moving down field, slide laterally to whatever position is appropriate – When the box is in place, give the ready for play – Magically, you are in position without all the unnecessary running

“Unofficial” Mechanics § For a false start or encroachment penalty, please throw your flag about 5 yards toward the direction of the team committing the foul – Toward the offense for a false start – Toward the defense for an encroachment § For a sideline warning – Wait until that team is on offense – Disrupt their team’s rhythm and game tempo – If they have a crappy sideline, it will still be crappy when they get possession of the ball back – If you are going to give a sideline warning, do it early and not in the 4 th quarter

Punt Mechanics Press Box Umpire Rotates Towards The LJ Side LJ Score Board R U <4 0 50 40 HL 4 0 < <3 30 < BJ <1 0 < 2 0

“Unofficial” Mechanics § Long 5 vs. Short 5 – The piece of tape the Head Linesman places on the chains is there for a reason – Will make penalty enforcement clear and the Referee will give the proper signals / announcement → It remains 3 rd down → The penalty will result in a first down 3 Tape, Zip Tie, etc. marks the 5 yard spot

Official Mechanics § Remember signals are given twice (This is in the book) – Incomplete Pass – Stop The Clock – Wind The Clock § Remember no embellishments with the incomplete pass signal – No pounding the ground – No bobbled the ball – No sweeping out of bounds § The “catch” signal is also not a NFHS signal

Position / Key Mechanics Back Judge Mechanics LJ Read Your Key Read The Strong The Outside Most. Side Eligible And Move That Side Receiver To. To The Strong NEVER Move Wider Than The Uprights <10 R 86 40 U 7 24 < 20 84 < 3 H 3 BJ 81 0

Back Judge Press Box Proper Positioning For Strength LJ R BJ <2 0 <3 0 HL 1 0 <4 0 50 40 < <1 U

Back Judge Press Box Proper Positioning For Strength LJ R BJ U X <2 0 <3 0 HL 1 0 <4 0 50 40 < <1

Bean Bag § While fumbles are to be bean bagged, this applies only to fumbles BEYOND the line of scrimmage § There is NEVER a time when a bean bag spot for a fumble behind the line of scrimmage would ever be used – If a penalty was committed during the loose ball time after the fumble, we would not use the bean bag spot we would use the previous spot – The previous spot is nicely marked by the down box

Kaiserisms § Avoid stupidity penalties from poor officiating – Delay of game from letting a team snap the ball prior to the ready for play – Illegal equipment fouls – Encroachment on the offense – Encroachment on the defense lining up in the neutral zone § These are ALL preventable fouls! – It is inexcusable to penalize a team for us not doing our jobs

Chain Crew Don’t Think You Aren’t Part Of The Crew! - You are very much part of the crew! - You can help save the crew • What down is it? • How much time was on the clock? • Short 5 vs. Long 5 • Where was the previous spot? 1