Lots to learn

[Cyber-Ref]

Hello to my football reffing buddies. This is my first post on the football forum. I've had many questions answered in the basketball forum (I'm a b-ball ref) and I'm now on the Board of Directors for a city run youth flag football league. My job is that of Referee's Coordinator. My duties include recruiting, training, and evaluating ref's from Jr. and Sr. Highs for the league.

Now I need to learn about football officiating before I can become effective in my position.

The understanding is that the majority of the rules follow NFHS guidelines. However, many rules and parameters are adapted to fit the flag game.

So my first question, to get started with is:

Four man crew, R, U, HL, LJ + down box operator.

Both teams and coaches on same side of field. Spectators on opposite side along with down box operator.

What side of the field belongs to HL? LJ? Does it matter?

[Cordileran]

What rules are you using? NIRSA? There's an official's manual in the back of the rulebook. Four official's used are R, LJ, FJ, BJ. A U isn't really necessary as contact at the line can be watched by the R and LJ. Book covers positioning for goal line, scrimmage kicks, and other plays. I think you can order the book at http://www.nirsa.org, costs about $7.

[Mike Simonds]

Normally the down box and chains operate opposite the press box side of the field.

In your case I would suggest placing the box and chains on the sideline opposite the two teams. At least they will be out of the way of the players, substitutes and coaches on that side.

The box-man can help with sideline control on his/her sideline.

Good luck with your league! We used to officiate a high school summer flag football league and its a great opportunity to sharpen pass coverage and forward progress.

Just a quick question: does your league have 15 yards for a first down? I think thats how the adult flag football league over here does it. Their players officiate themselves and I'm not sure what set of rules they follow.

Funny incident a few years ago when the municipal employees brought the equipment to the stadium for the Hula Bowl, they brought the flag football chains which are 15 yards long. Luckily we had a 10 yard set in the officials' locker-room to switch before ESPN caught our gaffe.

Mike, you say the box-man takes care of sideline control on his/her sideline. How does he/she do it? The pole can be a nasty weapon when ya feel like it!