[Mike Simonds]

As the umpire in a 5 or 7 man crew, I try never to blow my whistle unless: I see the ball in the possession of the runner who is down near my feet between the hashmarks. When you think about it, the ball is already dead anyway.

As for touchdowns, I never signal but if I see the runner in possession of the ball over the goal line I give a thumbs-up to the wing officials (very subtle with the thumbs close to my chest and I make eye contact). We discuss this in pre-game so all the wings have to do if unsure is to look at me.

This year I did signal touchdown once in a 5 man crew. Team is lined-up to go for the extra point. They run to the vacated Line Judge's side. The line judge is hustling to get over to the sideline and the runner, blockers and several defenders arrive near the goal-line at the same time. Runner dives for the pylon and knocks it over with the ball in his possession. I look over to the line judge momentarily. No signal. Then I signal a touchdown.

We discussed afterwards and the line judge was positive the runner was not out of bounds. The referee was also trailing the play and he had a good look from behind. The linesman said he did not mind the umpire making the call because the umpire was already on the goal line and much closer to the play.

However, I prefer not to blow my whistle and make these types of calls. But its good to be prepared for them just in case.