Mental check lists for umpires.

[Ed Hickland]

Originally posted by Mike Simonds
Thanks guys. I really appreciate the insights, especially: 1. Snickers are tasty and good for energy. Just don't wipe your hands on your knickers.
2. Never turn your back when going into position and during play.
3. Observe action from the inside out. This sounds so simple yet it is very important for complete coverage on each play.
4. Ignore doubleteams (except for chop blocks).
I have to admit that I like being an umpire. Its been my main position for the last 5 seasons (out of 9). But every year I learn something new. So every little bit of help is appreciated and I look forward to recruiting other officials into the umpire position (I just ask them to make sure their health insurance is up to date).

Mike,

Really liked your checklist. I will be training a new umpire this year coming up from JV and the checklist makes a lot of sense.

Let me add what I expect from my umpire during a play.

1. Be on the LOS when you detect a pass play in order to confirm the ball crossed the line.
2. Be on the LOS in case of an illegal pass and throw a bean bag to mark the spot where the pass was thrown.

One attribute I look for in a umpire is being talkative but not too talkative. That is, talk to the players, let them know you are there and in the game.

One last important point, DO NOT signal a touchdown, ever.