Initial R stance
 

I know that this is a highly personal preference, but just looking for pros and cons of the Referee either starting with hands on the knees or standing straight prior to the snap.

Standing straight up gives you a better field of view because your eyes are higher up.

I stay down on FG/try situations. I'm up otherwise.

As mentioned previously, it is personal opinion. Personally, I've never understood the hands on knees thing. From that position, your only first move can be to raise up before you can do anything else. By starting from the standing position, you are free to move your arms and legs as necessary without any wasted time.

I am just like Rich, I am up for all plays except PAT Kick and FG attempts.

Why? Does it help you focus better? Not trying to be a smart***, just trying to understand the reasoning why you'd do it on one type of play and not another.

This was precisely the question that was asked of me when being evaluated in a game where I put my hands on my knees. I couldn't give an answer. I watched another referee who worked at the D-1 level who always stands up. I started to emulate his mechanics and try to pick up on his habits. That's what I do now and it's working. I never have my hands on my knees any more, and frankly, feel I'm in a better position to cover the play with my positioning...which is approx. 45 degrees from the center and about 12 yards back from the LOS.

Think about one thing. When your hands on your knees you're LOWER to the ground. The parents are sprinkling miracle grow or something on these freaking kids these days. I need all the height I can get! Stay high!

When I get a chance I like to watch Ed Hochuli's mechanics as I believe him to be one of the best officials on the planet. I think he starts every play with hands on knees. I do not think he is over 6 feet tall so I guess I don't really buy the seeing over the lineman thing. I also think Mike Carey starts with hands on knees.

I generally do start with hands on knees as I feel it helps me to read my initial keys at the snap. Of course, I started my officiating career at the umpire position so it was always hands on knees. Maybe tonight I will experiment with the upright stance.

As I am always holding my whistle in my hand I can't have my hands on my knees unless I am some sort of contortionist. Stand up with feet shoulder width apart and be ready to move.

My main focus on FG/try plays is getting roughing on the holder/kicker. The focus is down.

That's why I do it -- for no other reason, really.

Darn, I agree again. I get down for kick tries and FG's. Otherwise am up in the R position. When I am the U, I am down for better vision of the ball and my keys as well as better vision for the defense. At 6-3 I get in the way of the D. My BJ, at 5-4 would be better suited for the U position! :-)

Wow, I couldn't agree less. I'm also 5-4, and I can't see a damn thing when I work at U. The defense can move to see around me, but there's almost nowhere I can move to see around the D-line.

I personally feel more comfortable standing tall at the beginning of each play.