One crew I worked with did it this way...
I remember last season I got flown to Honolulu to do a game featuring private schools. In their association (5 man crew, very good officials in their association!!!), the LJ will start to drift downfield prior to the snap on obvious punt plays.
Its not really a drift though. I believe in their mechanics the LJ will move down the field 20 yards and then hold his position until the play dictates which way he moves.
That way, the BJ will still have primary responsibility for the kick returner (for fair catches, kick catching interference, etc.) but the LJ will be down field just like the SJ or FJ in a 7 man crew. This helps to box in the play because the BJ will be favoring the HL's side of the field.
I'm not sure but I believe they will modify this for short-yardage situations where there may be a fake. Then the LJ will hold the line of scrimmage until the kick is made.
Another interesting thing we should discuss. In 5 man crews the LJ goes back with the BJ on kick tries and field goals. They had me as the U go wider than the tackle on the LJ's vacated side. Theory is the LJ will get back to cover the sideline and then the U is supposed to box in the play from the middle.
To tell you the truth its great to work 5 man when you have 5 gentlemen on the same page! Also, Aloha Stadium was great! (except they replay everything on the big screens...).
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Mike Simonds
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