Penalty mechanics for the R
 

Dead ball foul. Do you signal, get answer from C, mark off, and signal again? I have seen some Rs use different mechanics on DBFs as opposed to LBFs. What is the correct one?

Removed.

Our most recent mechanics have no preliminary signal on the routine dead ball fouls -- false start, encroachment, delay, pretty much anything except USC and PF. On DB fouls I don't even talk to the captain. The exception would be if there is a choice of enforcements, such as on the try or kickoff. Then I'll give a preliminary signal so the coach can decide what he wants to do. That's the real purpose of the preliminary signal -- to give the coach a chance to decide what he wants to do.

There are some live ball fouls where I may not give a preliminary signal either -- OPI/DPI for example. There is no decision for the coach to make.

Even when I give a preliminary signal, I don't wait until the U has finished marking it off to give the final signal. I'll do it as he's walking.

That way if the U trips over a yard line the attention is on me - not him.

I give the prelim always, and after the enforcement always. Too much to think of to do it differently. KISS...Jim

Canadian Mechanics
 

CANADIAN MECHANICS:

We are to use a prelim signal, but since a DBF can always be applied to the benefit of the non-offending team, most guys, including myself, don't give the prelim signal here.