Lineman/judge pre-snap hand signals.

[Agreen_14]

Originally Posted by Zebra29

Different areas use different signals, so check with your local Board to see what signal you are supposed to use for 2,3,4,etc.

The "punch back" is signalling that the widest player on your side is not on the line of scrimmage.

No one technically counts the center. You are counting the number of players on your side of him. So if you have 3, and your partner has 3, you've got 7, because the center is added to your total count.

Every play has to have a center, no matter the formation, so just count the number on your side, add it to the number on the other side, add the center to the total, and make sure you have at least 7.

Another mechanic is to count the number of offensive players, making sure it is no more than 11, than counting the number of players in the backfield. By subtracting, you find the number of players on the LOS.


Again, check with your local Board, or crew members, to make sure you are using the same mechanics/signals as everyone else.

Thanks Zebra! Does anyone else have any tips for a linesman position. Tonight will be my first game.

[Jim D]

Tips for a new linesman:

1) Make sure you discuss with your referee that he needs to allow you time, especially at the start of the game, to get the chains set on a first down. Agree on a signal that you will give him once you are satisfied that the chains are set and ready to go. He shouldn't signal the 'ready for play' until you give him the signal that you are ready.

2) After every play, as you mark the forward progress or mirror the LJ's spot, give the signal for the next down with your hand against your chest. The referee will look to you and will then signal the next down. Then you can raise your hand and signal the next down to the box man. How you and the box man communicate is up to you but he has to take his signal from you and not the white hat or anyone else. He only moves to the new spot and flips the box after you tell him to.

3) On long plays, don't forget to move the chains as soon as you are sure there are no flags and that it's clear. Nothing will tick off the chain crew than a HL who tells them not to move until his signal and then forgets to move them on a punt until it's almost time to run the next play.

4) On a penalty, find out what the ruling is and make sure of the next down. You should mark off the penalty the same as but independently from the umpire. If you have the same spot, you both did it right. If not, the LJ should be still on the basic spot so you can see where you went wrong.

5) Keep the chain crew safe. Remind them to drop the sticks and run if needed.

6) Relax and have fun.