Being A Back Judge

[Bob M.]

REPLY: One thing I'm always concerned with in observing B's is how they respond when the play ends in a sidezone close to or outside the sideline. Too many go rushing over there focused on nothing else but getting to the dead ball spot. Generally, that's not necessasry. There's a different sense of urgency when players go into a team box downfield from the previous spot. But under other circumstances there's no real need to rush over there. Move over cautiously, keeping your head on a swivel watching the activity ahead of the dead ball spot. And then scan back toward the middle of the field especially looking for the block coming from the weak side WR against the safety. I can't tell you the number of times I've seen a questionable block of this sort missed. Even in this, the weak side wing needs to move into the field of play and watch for this stuff.