After you toss...

[Nevadaref]

You have a responsibility to not interfere with game action. So you need to figure out how to get out of the way or at least extend your arms and guide the player around you so that she doesn't crash into you.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

You have a responsibility to not interfere with game action. So you need to figure out how to get out of the way or at least extend your arms and guide the player around you so that she doesn't crash into you.

The only thing that players can accurately react to is you holding your spot. If you move, odds are you move into that player or someone else.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

You have a responsibility to not interfere with game action. So you need to figure out how to get out of the way or at least extend your arms and guide the player around you so that she doesn't crash into you.

Not the way I was taught and not the way we teach it. Let the players clear then move. If you move then you have more of a chance to interfere or get hurt.

Peace

[Texref]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

Not the way I was taught and not the way we teach it. Let the players clear then move. If you move then you have more of a chance to interfere or get hurt.

Peace

Same here.

[just another ref]

This is the same as other situations in my opinion. When in doubt, freeze.
Neither is good, but better for a player to run into you than for you to run into a player.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

Not the way I was taught and not the way we teach it. Let the players clear then move. If you move then you have more of a chance to interfere or get hurt.

Peace

I know neither of us work umpire in football, but have you ever seen an umpire try to move out of a running back's way? And then get run over?

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Rich

I know neither of us work umpire in football, but have you ever seen an umpire try to move out of a running back's way? And then get run over?

That is why I am a back judge, I have more time to figure out how to get out of the way.

Peace

[Rich]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

That is why I am a back judge, I have more time to figure out how to get out of the way.

Peace

Did you see that the Big12 is going to experiment with an 8th official? They're going to try having a usual umpire AND a second guy in the backfield. Will he be called the U2?

[maven]

Originally Posted by Rich

Did you see that the Big12 is going to experiment with an 8th official? They're going to try having a usual umpire AND a second guy in the backfield. Will he be called the U2?

Hm, what to call that guy? Here are some options.

Front judge
Back Linesman
Schmeferee
The Ocho

I'm sure you can come up with a few more.

[Welpe]

Originally Posted by Rich

I know neither of us work umpire in football, but have you ever seen an umpire try to move out of a running back's way? And then get run over?

As somebody that has worked umpire and will be a U this year on my crew, this is a great analogy. Different sport but same concept. Hold your spot and let the play run around you. Not moving is usually the better bet but sometimes you just have to sack up and go for the ride along with everybody else.

[jTheUmp]

Originally Posted by Welpe

As somebody that has worked umpire and will be a U this year on my crew, this is a great analogy. Different sport but same concept. Hold your spot and let the play run around you. Not moving is usually the better bet but sometimes you just have to sack up and go for the ride along with everybody else.

I've been the Umpire on my football crew for several years. How you move depends on how the play develops. Most of the time, you want to stay where you are at the snap. If the pile/scrum comes toward you, take a step or two sideways. If the hole opens up in front of you and the runner is running directly towards you, freeze and get as skinny as you can. Your brain will be screaming "BACK UP", but that's the worst thing you can do, because then all you're doing is lead-blocking for the runner.

It's a feel thing... took me about half a season to start to figure it out.

I'd apply the same principle to basketball... there's no doubt that the tosser is vulnerable during/immediately after the toss. The best thing to do is hold your position until you have a clear path out of there to your new trail position.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

If you move then you have more of a chance to interfere, or get hurt, ...

... or set an illegal screen.

[scrounge]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

You have a responsibility to not interfere with game action. So you need to figure out how to get out of the way or at least extend your arms and guide the player around you so that she doesn't crash into you.

I agree with others, I don't think this is wise - standing still minimizes the chance of someone reacting wrong to your actions.

Plus, let's just say you extend those arms and try to guide that player....and she accidentally trips over her feet or something - BUT, to her mom or dad or crazy fan in the stands who already hates you, it looks like you pushed her down and now you're going viral on youtube!

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

You have a responsibility to not interfere with game action. So you need to figure out how to get out of the way or at least extend your arms and guide the player around you so that she doesn't crash into you.

Goodness that's horrible advice. Took the cake this time.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by MD Longhorn

Goodness that's horrible advice. Took the cake this time.

I was trying to be more diplomatic in my response.

Peace