NCAA Umpire Mechanics

[Theisey]

Unless this is a "conference" thing, the "R" should rarely need to touch the ball after a down ends.

The U rarely will help out at the sidelines either. That's what the R and the two deep officials (F and S) do all day long with their respective partners (L and H). U can hold back to get the approximate succeeding spot and dead ball officiate with the middle official (B) from the inside out.

[Blue37]

Originally Posted by Theisey

Unless this is a "conference" thing, the "R" should rarely need to touch the ball after a down ends.

The U rarely will help out at the sidelines either. That's what the R and the two deep officials (F and S) do all day long with their respective partners (L and H). U can hold back to get the approximate succeeding spot and dead ball officiate with the middle official (B) from the inside out.

Interesting. Thanks for the information! I have been out of the college game for about 10 years and we used 6 officials, but our umpires were very active into the team bench area when the play ended there. I can see the benefits of him staying home, IF the deep wings get there. It seems they were the ones not providing the support.

I would guess the referee spotted the ball at least 50% of time.