[Bob M.]

REPLY: Hope this helps...

The 'spot' as JR said is the responsibility of both wing officials. Often one wing will have a better view than the other, and the 'other' will back off of it. Some local organizations ask the wings to mirror the spot; others ask only the covering official to show the U the correct spot. Be aware that higher level officiating uses a lot more cross-field techniques than lower level ball does. Especially on spots where the runner is driven back in the L's side zone (for example), the L will be trailing the play and may not have a precise view of the forward progress spot. However, the H across the field because of his shallower angle of view, will have a pretty accurate spot. Here's the technique we use: When the L is uncertain of the exact spot, he'll discretely look across the field as he's coming toward the spot to the H. If the H is standing still at a spot with his two feet together, that's the signal to the L that the H has the spot. Obviously, the same technique is used for both wings and in both sidezones.

Now...the jersey grab. Technically, the grab of the jersey is a hold. However, even at the point of attack, such a technique could be ignored if it doesn't result in a restriction of the defensive player. If the defender is content to be grabbed in this manner and just stays face-up with the blocker (NFL calls this a "dance"), there's no real restriction. However, should the defender attempt to pull away to pursue the runner and the restriction becomes obvious, flags should fly.