|
Determining eligibles is primarily the responsibility of the wings - the Head Linesman and the Line Judge. It's pretty simple. First of all, numbers 50 through 79 are ineligible no matter where they are (we won't get into 4th down numbering exceptions now). By position, backs and ends are eligible so....
You have to look at the player on the end of the line on your side, he could be split wide on in tight, but whoever in on the end is eligible (assuming proper number). Make note of him.
Second, look to see who is on the line inside him. If its' an illegible number (it's usually a tackle numbered in the 70's) then no problem. You don't have to track or remember him. If it's an eligible number and he's covered (inside the end and on the line) make note of his number and see where he goes on a pass play. If he goes downfield on a pass that crossed the line, you have a foul. This usually happens when a wide out sets up on the wrong side of the field or a player, who should be in the backfield, mistakenly lines up or shifts to the line.
You also need to note the backs on your side (see the keys in the official's manual on who you have to track.)
That's pretty much it. As far as eligible/ineligible goes, the only worry you have is tracking a player with an eligible number who is lined up in an ineligible position.
Example, 88 is split wide on the line. 86 is on the line inside him. You are probably the only one on the crew who will know 86 is ineligible. The BJ can't always tell if 88 is on the line or not. Once the ball is snapped and 86 goes down field, there is no way for anyone to tell if he's eligible so you better have noted it and watched him.
It's also good to remember who your eligible were in case there is a question. If a coach or even another official suggest that number 88 or number 32 wasn't eligible, you can tell them that 88 was on the end and 32 was legally in the backfield. If they ask about 88 and you have a blank look on your face, you have problems.
|