Being A Back Judge Questions

[Ed Hickland]

Originally Posted by Mike L

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2) until the ball is thrown, I try to maintain my initial cushion of 18-20 yards. Realistically, an 18 old year can run a whole lot faster going forward than I can backpedalling, so that cushion is going to drop as we both run. When I do have to turn and run (cushion down to 10 yds), I make sure I'm still looking at my coverage responsibility by widening away rather than just getting into a race to the goal line. If I'm beat, I'm beat, but I still have to officiate (but I don't want to get beat). Once the ball is in the air I'll close to where I think the ball is going but I still want to maintain no less than a 7-10 yd cushion to view the play/catch. If the receiver has beaten the defender on a deep throw, I'll stay with trying to maintain the cushion rather than closing. On a long pass it's ok for me to pick up progress.

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When do you quick backpedaling and start running forward.

Know the few times as the R when I get an interception return coming my way I start backpedaling but have no idea when I turn, I just do it.

[LDUB]

Originally Posted by Ed Hickland

When do you quick backpedaling and start running forward.

It is hard to explain when to do it. It depends on the speed of the official and the speed of the players. As you said I would expect the official to just know when to turn, maybe not in his first game but it shouldn't take too long to pick up.

[RMR]

Originally Posted by Ed Hickland

When do you quick backpedaling and start running forward.

Know the few times as the R when I get an interception return coming my way I start backpedaling but have no idea when I turn, I just do it.

That's one of those things that you just develop a feel for over time. I try to maintain a backpedal as long as possible, but usually, eventually, you need to turn. The longer you cna hold off though, the better look you are going to get at the play.

And there are times when it is unrealistic to expect your B to make it to the sideline, but he shouldn't be standing still in the center of the field.

[Mike L]

Originally Posted by Ed Hickland

When do you quick backpedaling and start running forward.

Know the few times as the R when I get an interception return coming my way I start backpedaling but have no idea when I turn, I just do it.

When my "lead" drops to 10 yds.
Now that I'm a R, those interception returns depend on where the interception happens. Downfield, it might be a while before I even realize what's going on since I'm focusing on the QB. If it's near the line, I'm most likely turning immediately but I still have to watch the play. So I try to widen away from the ball while I'm running to get the best look I can.