Field Goal Coverage

[MNBlue]

Originally Posted by bisonlj

I think the best mechanics work toward the things most likely to happen. Putting the U at the upright places a whole on anyone watching for holding, etc. as mentioned in an earlier post. This is something that is likely to happen on any play. Putting the LJ or HL under the upright places a whole on that sideline in the event of a fake or broken play that challenges the sideline. In my 9 years of officiating that has happened 2 or 3 times. And in none of those instances did the sideline really get challenged. I'll go with the odds and keep the U in their normal position and bring a wing under the upright.

I agree that the breakdown on a field goal/try is rare. But, with that in mind, how often have you had a flag for roughing the snapper, holding by those middle three, or any other foul by the interior lineman?

It has been equally rare in my 22 years of officiating football.

I have had 'wing' blockers go low on B players charging from the outside much more often than interior lineman getting flagged for anything. I would rather have the wings stay and the U go back with the LJ. That is what we are instructed to do in MN, for a number of years.

[bisonlj]

Originally Posted by MNBlue

I agree that the breakdown on a field goal/try is rare. But, with that in mind, how often have you had a flag for roughing the snapper, holding by those middle three, or any other foul by the interior lineman?

It has been equally rare in my 22 years of officiating football.

I have had 'wing' blockers go low on B players charging from the outside much more often than interior lineman getting flagged for anything. I would rather have the wings stay and the U go back with the LJ. That is what we are instructed to do in MN, for a number of years.

Yes, but there is a snapper on every play and blocks are made on every play so you still need to be in position for it. If nobody is watching for it, they can get away with it. The threatening of a sideline is much more rare so from a mechanics philosophy it makes much more sense to give up the sideline than to give up blocking in the middle.

[MNBlue]

Originally Posted by bisonlj

Yes, but there is a snapper on every play and blocks are made on every play so you still need to be in position for it. If nobody is watching for it, they can get away with it. The threatening of a sideline is much more rare so from a mechanics philosophy it makes much more sense to give up the sideline than to give up blocking in the middle.

When we vacate a position, whether it be a LJ, HL, or U, that same argument can be made every time about something.

Rougher the snapper has never been an issue for us up here on the tundra.

I'm assuming that is why we are instructed to have the U under the posts. Our State 'Rules' interpretor wants the goal line covered, the outside defenders protected, and the line play observed by the wings. The U is to observe the center until he can be legally engaged, and then pick up the ball.

[PSU213]

First of, no matter what you do, you will have some hole in coverage with 5 officials. In PA we were lucky enough to work with 7 officials in the playoffs. In this senario, the BJ and FJ would be under the posts and then the SJ moves inside to be a 2nd umpire. Now it seems to me, this would only be done if someone felt there was something very important to be seen there that it necessitated a 2nd set of eyes. It, therefore, seems unlikely that in 5 person mechanics, we would totally 'vacate' the middle by have the umpire under the posts. And, once again, you can make an argument for/against any coverage sheme based on the areas that don't get covered so well.