Backjudge Breakdown

[Mike L]

Originally Posted by tjones1

I know you can't predict everything. But are there any unusual situations that I should be concerned with?

The "unusual" situation you will run into every game are scrimmage kicks. Your greatest chance for something to really go odd during a game will be then and you are the one everyone will be looking at to make the call. That's why I suggested know everything there is to know about scrimmage kick rules and study, study, study your assoc's mechanics regarding them.
As for bags and flags, carry as many as you feel comfortable with and where they feel comfortable. I only carry one flag but 3 bags, 1 in the belt, one in each front pocket. Makes me look a little bulgy, but I've had a couple situations where all three came in handy and I've never had to throw 2 flags on one play while BJ. And I start all kicks with a "pocket" bag already in hand so I can get to the second bag on the belt fast.

[tjones1]

Thanks everyone.

When the Referee signals ready to play, do you put the whistle in your month and spit it whenever the snap occurs or do you simply just keep it out of your month all the time?

[REQ]

Keep it out of your mouth

[Mark Dexter]

Originally Posted by tjones1

Thanks everyone.

When the Referee signals ready to play, do you put the whistle in your month and spit it whenever the snap occurs or do you simply just keep it out of your month all the time?

As BJ, I'd only have the whistle in my mouth if we were approaching the end of my 25-second count.

[Zebra29]

As a back judge, the only times I even blow my whistle are a delay of game and a fair catch on a scrimmage kick. Other occasions are extremely rare.