Something that I've been doing more this year is paying closer attention to substitutes. If no one enters the field, and the previous play you had 11, you know you've got 11. Now, that doesn't mean that you don't count. At that point I start focusing on other things, distance for first down, sideline control, getting a new ball (if needed) and so on and so forth.

The key here is communication between each position. I'm a LJ and we got a new BJ this year. His communication and attention has made a huge difference this year in the overall performance of our crew. It is amazing the difference one person makes.

I seldomnly check to see if A has 11. The only time I look there is when the formation is fishy. For instance the double punch-back from both wings, only 6 on the line, stuff like that.

I do a bunch of two-man, and I've gotten good at counting very quickly. Sometimes it's hard because of hidden players, but as I'm usually the linesman in a two-man situation and counting B, B is usually lined up before A breaks the huddle, so you have a little easier time.

If I get 10 or 12, I count again to be sure. If I get 10 again, I figure it's 10, but if I get 12 again, I go one more time, veryquickly because I'm usually figuring I just counted wrong.

Also, count helmets. They're usually at different levels because players are different heights. Much easier.

As mentioned, as L, I will count backs if I see my partner punch back to make sure we only have one back behind the quarterback.

SoCal counting
 

In Southern California, the R counts offense, U and BJ count defense, and flanks count the teams on their sideline. (As a U, I HATE:mad: counting defense, especially when the offense is in hurry up!!!)

The U should be facing A; 1) To get the signal from the R, 2) To verify that A has 5 linemen numbered 50 thru 79, 3) To count A.
The count of B is the responsibility of the BJ and the sideline officials.
I have never understood why any U would face the wrong direction and in effect not be able to perform his pre-snap duties.

Canadian Mechanics
 

CANADIAN MECHANICS:

• 3-man Crew
  • Team A: R
  • Team B: U
  • Home: none specific
  • Visitors: none specific
  • None: HL
• 4-man Crew
  • Team A: R
  • Team B: U
  • Home: HL
  • Visitors: LJ
  • None: none
• 5-man Crew
  • Team A: R
  • Team B: U, BU
  • Home: HL
  • Visitors: LJ
  • None: none
• 6-man Crew
  • Team A: R, U
  • Team B: BU, BJ
  • Home: HL
  • Visitors: LJ
  • None: none specific
• 7-man Crew
  • Team A: R, U
  • Team B: FJ, SJ, BJ
  • Home: none specific
  • Visitors: none specific
  • None: HL, LJ

JugglingReferee, I sure hope you copied and pasted that and did not have to type it in like that. ;)

As per our mechanics book, the U counts B. I know--I should be facing A and doing my presnap routine, but for some reason or another, I have to count B.

There was lots of C&P'ing! :) I'm just as lazy as anyone else. :D

I was having trouble focusing on my pre-snap progression so, just a couple of weeks ago, I came up with this: 11-11-4. By this I mean (1) count 11 B players, (2) check R/U signal that they have 11 A players, (3) count 4 backs (As A is lining up and we determine who's on or off). Then I focus on the LOS (I'm the LJ). Not sure if this would work for anyone else but has helped me to focus on my duties between downs...

I, too, am interested in what others do. I'm going to have to try 4-4-3. I've been going 2-2-2-2-2-1, and it's always been tough. I'm a math teacher; I should be able to count better!!!!!

3-3-3-2 has always worked well for me. Another way is to see what formation they are using and use that. A 4-3 defense will have 4 linemen, 3 linebackers, and 4 defensive backs. If they are spread out that is easy to count very quickly. You must start trying to get a count as quickly as possible, even before the RFP. It can also be made easier if you are on the sideline of the defensive team. If the play does not approach your sideline and no one goes on or off the field then you will have the same number as played the last play. Count B quickly so that you can then move to count your A requirements as soon as they reach the line.

Never fails though, the whole game you spend counting players, and then the one time you let it go, sure as heck there's an extra player somewhere. Happened last Friday night, fortunately our BJ was paying attention.