Ref the defense - then what?

[tref]

Unfortunately, I was taught to "referee the defense" when first starting out. As you stated in your example, we have to referee the entire play.
See when the defense obtains LGP while picking up the offense players gather, steps, etc.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by tref

Unfortunately, I was taught to "referee the defense" when first starting out. As you stated in your example, we have to referee the entire play.
See when the defense obtains LGP while picking up the offense players gather, steps, etc.

The term "referee the defense" does not mean only watch the defense. It really means is focus more on the defender than just watch the ball like most officials do when they get started or do not have a lot of experience. Just like ball watching is discouraged but that does not mean you should not be aware of where the ball is, but younger officials focus on watching the ball and doing nothing else.

Peace