Goalline coverage and communication

[BktBallRef]

1. I don't have a problem with the whistle if the play is obviously over. But it better be damn obvious.

2. NO. The U is looking for the ball to break the plane. He is not looking for a knee touching the ground, forward progress being stopped, etc, nor should he. He should simply use a pre-approved signal that the ball is in the end zone, not that a TD has been scored.

3. I do not put my fist in the air. I punch to the end line. That way the wingmen can usually see my arm even if they can't see my torso. I like that signal better than the two clenched fists that a lot of crews use.

Also, sounds like your wings need to pinch in and not be afraid to move to get a better angle. Somebody's got to make a call.

Originally Posted by BktBallRef

Also, sounds like your wings need to pinch in and not be afraid to move to get a better angle. Somebody's got to make a call.

Speaking of pinching in, what kind of formation were they showing? More and more now, I'm seeing teams spread their offense from one sideline to the other on the goalline in an effort to "take out" some of the defenders.

[MJT]

I agree with BBR on all 3 parts. We also have our U extend one arm straight out so they can see it pretty easily thru their periphial vision. It is a little more visual to them than just grabbing his laynard or putting a fist on the chest. No one sees or knows what the signal is anyway accept for the crew or other officials.

[Rick KY]

I don't think it matters what signal is used, but the umpire should be giving a signal only his crew knows. We are told to use 2 fists against your chest like grabbing your own shirt, while looking down at the ball/runner.

If you are the wing, and you see the U give this signal, AND you have not seen the runner down short of the GL, you should look to your opposite wing and see what he has before signalling. Knowing that U has a ball in the EZ in possession of an A player would indicate a TD unless the wings have seen the runner down prior to crossing the plane of GL. This must be done quickly to prevent the situation you had with B taking the ball the other way.

Some U signals for this type of play are: 2 fists on chest, tug on whistle lanyard, thumb up. Never use a verbal signal such as "he's in, he's in", as this can lead to problems if wings have the runner down short of GL.

[GPC2]

Originally Posted by Ref Ump Welsch

Speaking of pinching in, what kind of formation were they showing? More and more now, I'm seeing teams spread their offense from one sideline to the other on the goalline in an effort to "take out" some of the defenders.

I think this is a great question and one that I would like to hear some opinions on. If the team spreads players out on 4th and Goal from the 1/2 yard line and runs a QB sneak, as a wing official, should we haul *ss and pinch in (and leave players behind us), or be a little more deliberate, being mindful of the players (while not appearing to have good coverage of the goal line).

I guess in short, what is more important, the goal line or the players?

[Jim D]

Originally Posted by GPC2

I think this is a great question and one that I would like to hear some opinions on. If the team spreads players out on 4th and Goal from the 1/2 yard line and runs a QB sneak, as a wing official, should we haul *ss and pinch in (and leave players behind us), or be a little more deliberate, being mindful of the players (while not appearing to have good coverage of the goal line).

I guess in short, what is more important, the goal line or the players?

Stay wide and never let a player be behind you. What if they fake a run and lob a pass to the corner?

Originally Posted by Jim D

Stay wide and never let a player be behind you. What if they fake a run and lob a pass to the corner?

Exactly. That's the dilemma we are slowly facing now, especially since the HS teams are starting to look towards the spread option offense Florida runs. A couple of schools we've worked this year have gone completely to the spread option offense, while a couple others have incorporated some of the spread option looks into their multiple formation option offense. The stuff they are doing out of these formations can make the wing guys go nutty, especially in the red zone.

[JugglingReferee]

The Coalition of Canadian Football Umpires can come down to the US and teach US Umpires how to watch for forward progress and a touchdown.

Originally Posted by JugglingReferee

The Coalition of Canadian Football Umpires can come down to the US and teach US Umpires how to watch for forward progress and a touchdown.

Do you have a coalition of wing guys who can give us some solutions to our spread out dilemma I was talking about earlier?

[HossHumard]

Originally Posted by JugglingReferee

The Coalition of Canadian Football Umpires can come down to the US and teach US Umpires how to watch for forward progress and a touchdown.

Don't even go there JR! I'm still hurting from the last time I suggested that concept!

[Welpe]

Originally Posted by JugglingReferee

The Coalition of Canadian Football Umpires can come down to the US and teach US Umpires how to watch for forward progress and a touchdown.

JR are you going to join forces with the NCAA TV announcers that complain the U won't make a touchdown call?