Being A Back Judge Questions

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Ed Hickland

My expectation is that the BJ adjust to the point of attack. Once the POA goes into a side zone he should be on that side of the field but maintain a cushion. If the runner goes OOB he should be 17 yards from the sideline and at least 10 yards ahead of the OOB spot. Maybe he does not make it to the sideline all the time but comes into the side zone and senses whether he should move to the sideline.

My problem is with a BJ standing flat foot on the opposite hash at the end of the play.

I would not suggest the BJ has to be on that side of the field. First he needs to maintain a cushion, but not on top of the play. And players tend to come back to the middle in a lot of situations. This is like asking an umpire go directly toward the running play no matter what.

The bottom line is you stay in the middle of the field until the play is over. If you go to that side, you might be in the middle of the players (and play) and getting blind sided (not good).

And if you BJ is not terribly athletic, then he really might be out of position. Closer is not always better.

Now after the play you might have to move, but that is only if you can get there if you need to get there. Other officials need to help out too.

Peace