Being A Back Judge Questions

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Ed Hickland

1) On a run up the middle what do you look for?

When you read run, you watch mainly in front of the ball. Then when the ball is dead, look around the ball to make sure no one cheap shots or comes in late. Then clean up any activity around or outside of where the ball is located if there are no other officials located.

Originally Posted by Ed Hickland

2) How deep a cushion do you keep between the deepest receiver and you?

This really depends on where the ball is located and the circumstances. The goal is not to get beat. But I would say it is best to be around 5 yards in front of the ball, but circumstances might make that difficult. There is no one size fits all standard other than not getting beat. If the goal line is threatend and I have the goal line, I might stay right on the goal line to make sure it is crossed or not crossed appropriately.

Originally Posted by Ed Hickland

3) If the runner goes into a side zone how to you position yourself to cover and what do you look for?

I am looking at blocks ahead and around the ball carrier. Then when the ball comes closer, I try to pick up the ball carrier and players around them to make sure all blocks are legal and no one is grabbing the facemask of the ball carrier. And if I have the goal line, I am trying to get there as fast as I can.

Originally Posted by Ed Hickland

4) When the runner goes out of bounds do you go to the sideline to assist the wingman?

Yes if I can get there. And definitely yes if players go deep into the sideline. I want to make sure an enemy player gets out safely or is not hit or confronted in an unsportsmanlike manner.

There is no one size fits all for all these situations. These are just some basic things I look for when covering plays you described.

Peace