Penalty mechanics for the R

[Illini_Ref]

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?

[Illini_Ref]

Removed.

[ref1986]

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.

[Reffing Rev.]

Originally Posted by ref1986

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.

[jemiller]

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

[JugglingReferee]

Originally Posted by Illini_Ref

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?

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.