Initial R stance

[DJ_NV]

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.

[Jim D]

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

[Rich]

Originally Posted by DJ_NV

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.

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

[stevesmith]

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.

[GoodwillRef]

Originally Posted by stevesmith

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.

[stevesmith]

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.

[ljudge]

Originally Posted by stevesmith

Why? Does it help you focus better?

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!

[Rich]

Originally Posted by stevesmith

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.

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.

[Forksref]

Originally Posted by Rich Fronheiser

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

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! :-)

[The Roamin' Umpire]

Originally Posted by Forksref

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.

[MJT]

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