In Fed 3 person mechanics, how do you experienced 3-person crews handle the "dual coverage" area shown in the officials book diagrams...what specifically is discussed in the pre-games concerning this area on the floor??

dj,

Call it, if you see it.
On Double-whistles, talk immediately, or give it up immediately.
mick

On our crew, the philosophy on fouls is, "if you see it, go get it." We don't carry our egos around with us. Often times, one official may have a better angle in a dual coverage area than a partner. The call has gotta be made. If there's a double whistle, we make eye contact and one of us will drop. As far as block/charge goes, myself and the crew chief always go up with the fist on a PC, while our other crew member usually goes straight to the back of his head. With that consistency and eye contact, we've not had conflicting calls in 4 seasons.

So technically, when the ball is in that dual-coverage area, both the T and the L will be "on the ball"?? And C has everyone else??

Yes, but let's consider several things.

1- The L should be strong side.

2- You're probably going to have 6-8 players in the L and T coverage areas.

3- That doesn't leave much for the C to watch.

4- Neither L nor T should have tunnelvision. They should be refereeing on the defense, not focusing on the ball.

5- The dual coverage area is not that large, so the ball is probably not going to be there long.

Makes sense...thanks Tony and Mick...