[MJT]

Originally posted by sloth
I just got the call last night from the referee on our crew. He's not going to be there Friday night and wasn't able to find a sub outside of the crew, so yours truely has been elevated to do the honors. The only problem is that I've never worn the white hat...at any level and now I'm in full panic attack mode.

I've done LJ and BJ and through several clinics have a short list or cheat sheet on what you need to be doing pre-snap, during the down and then post-scrimmage in terms of reads, assignments and things to account for. Does anyone have something similar for the referee? If I can get a solid sequence to go through, I think I'll be okay.

Any advice any one can offer up?

I had my guys do this for a pregame, we shared them to each other, last year. It would good to hear from everyone on their presnap thoughts.

Here are mine I created for my spot as the R. Hope it helps.

Running plays: As the referee
1. look for chin straps of defensive players
2. declare ball RFP
3. jog back to 12-14 yards while looking for chin straps of offensive players
4. once a series, check for 5 lineman numbered 50-79
5. offense player count with Marly
6. watch backs for FS
7. after snap – watch ball, runner, blocks around him until he reaches NZ
8. run parallel to LOS if sweep or option
9. continue to watch QB after handoff for illegal contact, then watch blocks around runner – I can help on key blocks on sweeps in front of runner or behind – whichever look like possible problems.

Pass plays: As the referee
1. def/off chin straps, RFP, lineman #’s, player count with Marly, watch backs for false start
2. watch for holding especially of tackles or anyone close to QB
3. stay behind QB and roll with him
4. yell “balls away” and stay with QB until no longer any jeopardy
5. watch Marly throw flag 30 yards when Mark and Todd are within 5 yards of push off (this was a wisecrack of a OPI we had this year.

Punts: As the referee
1. def/off chin straps, RFP, lineman #’s, player count with Marly, watch backs for false start
2. set up 2 yards in front of punter and very wide
3. see punter gets snap and does not have knee touch ground
4. watch for holding especially on rush ends and yell “balls away”
5. see that punter does not get “run into” or “roughed”
6. see that ball is going downfield and if going OOB’s, watch and line up wings with OOB’s spot
7. move chains after making sure no flags are down

Free kicks: As the referee
1. count R and K players
2. watch “Haas” for onside kick signal
3. signal RFP
4. wind clock on touching by R
5. if deep kick, watch ball till release to U and L
6. watch for BBW, BIB, clips, and holds by R

Field goals and trys: As the referee
1. def/off chin straps, RFP, lineman #’s, player count with Marly, watch backs for false start
2. set up on hash and on 14 yard line
3. watch for holding especially on anyone threatening blocking the kick, yell “balls away”
4. see that holder or kicker does not get “run into” or “roughed”
5. don’t blow whistle if FG gets blocked and try to stay ahead of runner on block return
6. turn and give good signal of “good” or “no good” to press box


Penalties: As the referee
1. go and meet official to meet him half way.
2. repeat the foul to the official (to ensure you've heard it correctly).
3. make sure you understand status of the ball for enforcement spot.
4. if it is a FS/Encroachment type of dead ball foul, no need to give prelim – just tell umpire/clear self/signal
5. come to a complete stop and give preliminary signal to press box.
6. put your back to offended team's bench so the captain can see his coach.
7. give captain the best choice of option first, if very obvious tell him “you want to back them up, right?”
8. if penalty is accepted, state the penalty and what the enforcement is to the umpire to see that he agrees.
9. L goes to end of enforcement spot, LJ stays at PS
9. clear yourself from players and come to a complete stop and give final signal to press box while U is enforcing penalty.
10. double check ball position as the H should be where the U ends up


Good luck!!! Presnap routine is huge! Slow your self down when you see a flag on the field. Have a good pregame!!