BJ Run Mechanic

[Fedex]

Hello All!

First off, I have just completed my first season as a football official. I want to thank everyone on this board for the helpful discussions. They truly helped me this season. I got to work one varsity game as a BJ, and the crew chief is inviting me to become his BJ next year. I had a quick question on the BJ run mechanic. On an off tackle run, I am supposed to observe the POA. If I see a hold from my position at the POA (which is near the LOS), do I defer to the umpire to make the call (If he sees it) or do I launch the flag from my position? Thanks again for all of the help here this season!

Scott

[grantsrc]

From back there it has to be big! I called one last Saturday on a sweep from the B position and it was basically a hug.

This is an area where crew communication is key. Talk with your U or your LOS guys. The hold might be one of the LOS keys. Ask them how they would like you to handle it. Like I said, if you're going to launch it from back there, it should be seen by everyone in the stadium!

Good luck!

[TXMike]

Echoing that sentiment, it needs to be huge! And probably needs to be by the player you were keying at the snap. If it is that close to the LOS then you should still be on your key so it needs to be him that is fouling (or being fouled). It is a bit different once the play has developed and you have transitioned into zone coverage.

[MJT]

Although on the play you described you are watching the POA, you would be watching in front of the ball carrier more than the umpire. You may see a hold that is parallel with the umpire on a LB who is getting blocked by a linemen who is releasing to the next level for his block. This block would be 5-8 yards downfield. I doubt you would see a hold on a DLinemen by an OLinemen from 20 yards deep.

[Jim D]

The one thing you don't want to do is sail a flag over the umpire that lands in front of him. Presumably he sees the play so let him make the call. If it's beside or behind him then you can call it but if it's in front of him, it's his call.

[MD Longhorn]

I think that it all of my games as BJ, I've thrown maybe 2 holds at the point of attack, and they were both just as described above - ahead of the play and even with U, while U is focused behind the hold.

But I've probably thrown 6 or 7 facemasks (in 50-60 games) that U did not see from there. Make sure you're watching for this just as much as you're watching for the holds.