Kickoff coverage

[Forksref]

Does anyone have any information on kickoff coverage, specifically, what do you do with your sideline guys in covering the kickoff team? Which guys cover which guys on the kicking team as they advance downfield?

[RoyGardner]

From our 5-Man mechanics manual:

FREE KICK PLAYS:

HEAD LINESMAN:
1. Clear your sideline at the beginning of game, and all free kicks.
2. Identify the “get-back” coach, introduce yourself, ask cooperation in keeping sideline clear during game.
3. Take an initial position on B restraining line and assist B in lining up
4. Count B players.
5. After R gives ready for play signal, watch for B encroachment.
6. Watch for illegal touch of free kick by A (less than 10 yards), mark spot with beanbag.
7. Watch for initial touch of free kick by B (less than 10 yards).
8. Watch initial blocks of all players in your area.
9. After ball has gone downfield, move in that direction; observing action away from ball; assume responsibility for runner if he comes into your area.
10. Responsible for your sideline and A goal line.
11. Assist in marking forward progress spot.
12. At end of play, set chains at dead ball spot (1 yard off sideline).

LINE JUDGE:
1. Clear your sideline at the beginning of game, and all free kicks.
2. Identify the “get-back” coach, introduce yourself, ask cooperation in keeping sideline clear during game.
3. Take an initial position on A restraining line and assist A in lining up
4. Count A players and confirm with U.
5. After R gives ready for play signal, watch for A encroachment and free kick infractions.
6. Watch for illegal touch of free kick by A (less than 10 yards), mark spot with beanbag.
7. Watch for initial touch of free kick by B (less than 10 yards).
8. Watch initial blocks of all players in your area.
9. After ball has gone downfield, move in that direction; observing action away from ball; assume responsibility for runner if he comes into your area.
10. Responsible for your sideline and A goal line.
11. Assist in marking forward progress spot.

Stay positioned on the outer perimeter, keeping players in front of you, and watch all action in your area. If ball carrier comes into your area you have primary responsibility for action around ball and getting the forward progess spot. Continue offficiating after whistle until it is clear that all "action" has ended.

We keep primary focus on players in our half of the field and do our best to not get into a position where players are behind us. Focus is more on area than on any specific players. The wing officials also have goal line responsibility so we need to be aware of that at all times during the return.