Hello Everyone,
I want to officiate football. Currently I officiate Basketball and Baseball.
I read the rulebook and I wanted to know if there are any websites that I can go to; to get information on what each officials (R,U,LJ,BJ,FJ,etc...) job is. Also some basic mechanics and positioning. Thank You

You might want to check this site. It lists some rules and also has mechanics for 5-6-7 man crews. They also offer a workshop that's quite excellent. Also keep coming back here . Great place to learn with lots of good Officials more then willing to help. Good luck .

http://football.refs.org/

Here's basics. May not be true for all associations depending on mechanics used.
R: Stands in the backfield, head referee, enforces penalties.
U: Stands opposite the R. Walks off penalty yardage, gets run over, mostly calls holding.
LJ: Stands on the non-chain side. Sometimes keeps the official game time(sometimes the R or BJ keeps time). Calls nuetral zone enfractions, pass interfence, holding.
HL(linesmen): stands opposite LJ, controls the down and distance markers. Calls same things as LJ.
BJ: (5 or 7 man crew) Stands in deep middle of the field. Keys on the tight end block, mainly calls(or not call) pass interfence. Sometimes keeps the play clock.
FJ/SJ (6 or 7 man crew): Calls same as BJ. Stands deep and on the sideline.


Also the link James provided gives some good information. :)

[Edited by Snake~eyes on Jun 13th, 2004 at 05:14 PM]

REPLY: You can also check out the NCAA rule book online. Rule 11 outlines the specific duties of each official.

http://www.ncaa.org/library/rules/20...ball_rules.pdf

Humor
 

To add to Snake~Eyes...

R: Stands in the backfield, head referee....Makes crazy gyrations with hands, often looks to LJ for correct enforcement.

U: Stands opposite the R. Walks off penalty yardage, gets run over, mostly calls holding....can often be found munching on Snickers during time-outs.

LJ: Stands on the non-chain side. Calls nuetral zone enfractions, pass interfence, holding...Usually the hardest working official on the field.

HL(Head-Linesmen): stands opposite LJ, controls the down and distance markers. Calls same things as LJ....but should not be compared to LJ, howerver, in charge of all the other Linesmen. Understanding Applied Mechanical Mathmatics is a must, so as not to get tangled up in chains.

BJ: Stands in deep middle of the field....usually sleeping, however, usually can be found near the goal line waiting for the "big play" or discussing with the Umpire about calling holding on the TE from 20 yards deep.

FJ/SJ (6 or 7 man crew): Calls same as BJ. Stands deep and on the sideline....can usually be found communicating with the coaches and cheerleaders...err...wait....

Re: Humor
 

Guess what position Uncle Ernie works. Hint: two letters starting with L.

Uncle Ernie gave you the definite run-down of who does what, from his "unique" perspective. ;) But if you feel like it, you can check this link out:

http://www.tech.port.ac.uk/staffweb/.../fbmechs11.htm

You might find something here as well:

http://reflinks.tripod.com