Quote:
Originally Posted by ppaltice
Get a decent flipping coin.
Stand back around 10 yards from the NZ. I thought it seemed too far back when I first started, but you will definitely want to be back a ways. I stand about 10 yards back behind the RT for a righty.
Take your time when you signal. Stop moving. Go a little slower than you think you should.
Let your umpire and wingmen work for you. If your umpire is getting the ball, let them. You will want to relay the ball in from the sidezone if it is out a ways, otherwise, don't feel obligated to touch the ball or be in the pile.
Be sure to follow sweeps to the side zone and OOB.
Don't watch the QB. Watch the defenders near the QB. That is where the action is.
Study, study, study. Be sure to talk out what you are going to do with the U and make sure he agrees. Go over the signals.
Don't forget to give a prelim signal on a penalty. Once you get the penalty information, tell your U to get the appropriate captain while you give prelim signal to the pressbox.
Know what side the pressbox is located. Seems obvious, but you don't want to signal to the wrong side.
Write down what you are going to ask the coach. Use a cheat sheet if necessary. Make sure coach confirms that everyone is legally equipped. Make sure he understands the new rules, particularly the restricted area one and the 3 minute warmup one. Get captain's numbers. Make sure home team knows he is supplying the chain crew (can be problematic at some smaller schools).
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I stand even farther back -- probably 12-15 yards, a bit wider than the RT (for a RH QB). My eyes can close that extra 5 yards better than I can backpedal. And I look more relaxed if I don't HAVE to backpedal.
I have 2 Eisenhower dollars. Go to a coin store and spend 2-3 dollars for one. Perfect flipping coin, although I sometimes use a 50-cent piece I got in Australia.
I don't touch the football unless I have to. In 4-man, it's more often cause my umpire will go downfield to get a ball if needed and I'll spot it. If you're going to spot the ball, make sure you know where it goes. As a new white hat, I'd recommend letting your U spot every ball.
Keep a good pace, but slow down.
Wait for a box before winding on first downs. Make sure the box is right before giving a RFP. Try to be in position before a RFP -- no need to be up at the LOS and then have to scamper back.
On prelims. I do NOT signal a prelim on penalties that occur prior to the snap (false starts, encroachment, substitution (dead ball), delay). It's awkward signaling those twice, since 99% of the time it's going to be accepted (the distance aspect). On the ones where it makes sense to decline the distance aspect, you'll know to ask. Otherwise, let the umpire step it off and signal the pressbox once.
This year I'd take any off days and find a game with an experienced WH and watch him work. Pick up all the little things he does.