Lineman/judge pre-snap hand signals.

[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.