Umpire Responsibilities

Samdog · #1 (**permalink**) Sat Sep 13, 2003, 08:04am

OK, I'm just trying to learn. On those short passes over the middle where the umpire is suppose to rule on, does that include complete, incomplete and may the umpire rule whether pass interference has occured?

Warrenkicker · #2 (**permalink**) Sat Sep 13, 2003, 10:21am

When the pass goes past the neutral zone you should turn with the ball to follow the play. R takes responsibility for linemen and making sure things don't get out of hand back there. If U sees ball is incomplete then he had better signal it. L, LJ, and BJ could be shielded by players on quick slants where receiver has to go down to try to catch the ball. U might be the only one who saw it hit the ground. As for pass interference it isn't his primary responsibility but if there is no BJ then U might be in the best position to see that as well. So U can call PI but if he starts calling that too much then L and LJ might not be too happy with him for making their calls. If U is making the correct call then R should be talking to L and LJ to get them in better position so they can make the call that they should be making.

SWFLguy · #3 (**permalink**) Sat Sep 13, 2003, 07:52pm

really not an easy issue-------
when the U gets one of those passes zipping by his ear--
he turns to see what is going to happen-------
basically if there is no call by the wingmen or BJ---
make eye contact with the closest covering official--
if they have that "what was that ?" look in their eyes----
make a call-- and SELL IT !!!
that's my 34 years of experience on that topic !
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have fun out there-
and keep everything in front of you !!

Ed Hickland · #4 (**permalink**) Sat Sep 13, 2003, 08:07pm

Quote:

Originally posted by Samdog
OK, I'm just trying to learn. On those short passes over the middle where the umpire is suppose to rule on, does that include complete, incomplete and may the umpire rule whether pass interference has occured?

U may well be in the best position to see complete/incomplete on passes over the middle. Sometime a wingman may ask for help if he is screened ro if U definitely has a call.

It is hard to imagine a U seeing enough of a play to call pass interference if he is watching line play and turns with the ball to see it to completion. In order to properly make any call you need to see the beginning and the end. Convince me how could a U turning to follow the ball see the beginning of a PI foul.

Mike Simonds · #5 (**permalink**) Sat Sep 13, 2003, 08:15pm

Yes, we always preach at least two officials getting a good look on each play and this puts the umpire in a variety of boxing-in-the-play positions with the H, L, S, F, B and R (depending on 4, 5, 6, or even 7 men crews). It may not be the U's primary responsibiity, but making eye contact with your fellow official is the best mechanic to practice before making the call.

keystoneref · #6 (**permalink**) Sun Sep 14, 2003, 06:13am

In Pa. we are working 6 man varsity football (in our area). Without a deep official in the center of the field, the umpire can give a great deal of help to the wing officials on low passes over the middle. There are many times he is in the best position to rule wether or not the ball was cleanly caught or wether it bounced into the receiver. However on the issue of pass intereference calls, I disagree that the umpire may or should call it. In my humble opinion the umpire does not call pass interference (at least in a 5, 6 or 7 man crew). He is only spinning on the play after the ball crosses the neutral zone, and could not possibly have seen the whole play.