[BulldogMcC]

Umpire (Normal - 5 Man Mechanics)
Place the ball and stand over it until the RFP facing A.
Configure my hand marker for the position of the ball between the hashes.
Check the stakes, give the double stakes signal to both wings if that applies.
Try to count A while they are in their huddle, if I can, give the fist to the R right now. If I count 12, I will tell the Referee that he he has 12 in the huddle loud enough for A to hear so when we drop our flags for a replaced player failing to leave immediately, we have made an honest attempt to preventive officiate before hand.
If I am facing the clock I will vocalize that "we are running" or "at the snap" so the Referee can hear me.
If we are inside the 10, I will point out the goal line to both wings.
If we are behind A's 15 yard line, I remind the R that the goal line is behind him or that he is in the endzone depending on how far that particular R lines up behind A.
If we are inside B's 20, I will advise the BJ of our position when I move to my position on the Referee's ready for play.
At the RFP I move straight back and position myself 6 yards heads up over the ball and await the defense's positions.
If I could not count A in the huddle, I do as they appoach the line and punch back to the R if 11. We are not permitted to do any other signals. If 12 players are headed to player positions, whistle and flag for Illegal Substitution.
As A approaches the line, I check for unbalanced line and if present, put my hand to the side of my face that is overloaded and leave it there until the snap.
I note the eligibles and ineligibles while checking for five 50-79. Since we play a lot of levels that have no numbering requirement, I have developed the skill to remember what numbers are eligible and ineligible. I will check with my wings for punch back if it is not obvious.
I will note the defensive formation then position myself so I am not intefering with their linebackers but I can get a clear view of the center putting his hands on the ball and keep the ball in my field of view. I want to be 4-5 yards off the ball. I believe the closer the better. If that might get in the way of the linebackers I will line up a max of 7 yards deep.
I will note which offensive players are on the line and in the FBZ as well as defenders that are on the line and/or in the FBZ. I will make a mental note of the defensive member's numbers that are in the FBZ but not able to be blocked below the waist (not on the defensive line).
I then focus on the guard opposite the side of the ball I end up lined up on, keeping the ball in view. I will adjust with defensive adjustments so I can maintain view of the ball. If I am heads up on the center, I will focus on the guard on the side the referee is as my primary key to get my initial read when the ball is snapped.

On punts, PAT's and FG, when the LJ vacates either before the snap or at the snap, I line up over the Guard/Tackle on the LJ side with a view of the ball, vocalize as the center puts his hands on the ball, "Do not charge into the center until he has had a chance to block." while giving the rolling fists to the Referee which he should mirror back to me.

[Edited by BulldogMcC on Oct 22nd, 2005 at 11:16 PM]