Football Mechanics Tips
The ABC's of the Dead Ball Period
By Dave Ingersoll; Reprinted with permission of Pete Schiavone
A. All Assure the Accuracy of the Succeeding Spot and the Next Down.
Applicable to everyone on the crew, especially after a penalty or at the change of the period.
B. Blow It 'Ready'
Ball Position
Bench Area
C. Clock Status
Count Players
D. Details of Down and Distance
· R, BJ need to be on the same page to start the play clock, the status of the game clock-eye contact helps.
· Umpire needs to know this if we need to return to the previous spot after a penalty or incomplete pass.
· HL, LJ need to make sure the sidelines are clear and teams and coaches are where they should be.
· After the ready for play, did the game clock start on R's signal.... Is the visual play clock running .... Did the BJ stan his wristwatch? Basically, are the clocks correct? Time remaining? .
· This may be early in 'the process', but we all know that we have the responsibility to count both teams. Note to officials: If you don't count, don't signal!!!
· Anticipate the play, don't anticipate the call!! This is a reminder to give brief thought to what might happen during the next live ball. Rules or clock issues with free kicks and 4th down plays; potential passing situations, short yardage situations, threatened goallines.
The assumption at this point in the dead ball period is that the teams
will be active with substitutions and/or breaking the huddle.
E. EnteringlExiting Players
Eligible Receivers
F.Formation
False Starts
G. GET READY!
Is the substition that I just saw legal? Back to "D"; do we have numbering exceptions, trips, two tight ends, #75 at fullback, or a punter/kicker/snapper with ineligible
number or exception?
R, U: balanced or unbalanced. HL, LJ for legality issuessignal to your line partner. Establishes pass coverage keys for HL, LJ, BJ. R, U, HL, LJ, need to be ready to react to movement prior to the snap and shut things down quickly on false starts to avoid extracurricular actions by players. Focus on the play; let it happen.
Dead Ball Officiating
Most of a football game is during the interval between downs, herefore to be a great official you have to be a good DEAD BALL official.
Three things ruin a football game:
a) Fights
b) Excessive penalties
c) Injuries
A good DEAD BALL official will:
· Stop problems from occurring by using preventive officiating hustle, presence, voice and whistle)
· Understand that player safety is a primary concern and have ZERO TOLERANCE when it comes to personal (player safety) fouls, i.e. cheap shots, hits away from the play, late hits, etc.
· Not tolerate taunting, baiting or any unsportsmanlike acts. These only lead to more problems during the game. Again, preventive officiating goes a long way. BE firm, but fair. Warn, don't threaten.
· Maintain his poise throughout the game. When you lose your temper, you lose credibility and respect from coaches and players.
· Get into a flow and maintain a tempo.
· Continue officiating after a foul has occurred, whether it is your flag or another official's.
· Watch the players after the play is over, even if he has the progress spot.
· Works as a part of the entire crew. Dead ball officiating is a crew effort, help your crew members.
· Continue officiating when players go out of bounds and get there as quickly as possible to prevent problems (preventive officiating).
· Pinch in and clean up when the play is on the other side of the field. Watch the players, not the ball.
· Maintain concentration throughout the entire game and stay focused. Fatigue affects concentration, effort and judgment.
Remember, Take pride in being a good DEAD BALL official.