Goalline coverage and communication

[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.