Umpire mechanics

[refbuz]

I would check and see what your commissioner(s) want you to do. I ONLY stand over the ball if there's a time out or an injury. There's no need to stand over the ball until the RFP between downs anymore as most centers should already know that they can't snap the ball until they hear a whistle, but I am also reiterating that fact to them to the point where they are tired of hearing it.

Between downs, I'll put the ball down, using a soft spot as the situation dictates, check my down with the wings and get out of there ASAP by BACKING out through the defense if the opportunity presents itself or looping around them while facing the offense if they are still in a huddle.

But, that's what my commissioner wants us to do.

[jjrye22]

We are also not supposed to hold over the ball. I spot it and take a quick look then drop back to my position.
That way I'm not tripping over a NG on D, and have more time to adjust to the LBs.
If the offense comes out quick, I will tell them to wait for the RFP, but as soon as the whistle goes they can snap. They should not have to wait for me to get clear beforehand.
(we do NCAA rules, not sure if it is the same for NF) If there is something going on with subs, and I think the D needs time to adjust to the substitutes I will charge back up to the ball, but it is not normally an issue.

[ajmc]

Originally Posted by refbuz

I would check and see what your commissioner(s) want you to do. I ONLY stand over the ball if there's a time out or an injury. There's no need to stand over the ball until the RFP between downs anymore as most centers should already know that they can't snap the ball until they hear a whistle, but I am also reiterating that fact to them to the point where they are tired of hearing it. .

Perhaps the most effective tool the Umpire has is his voice, and the fact he's close enough to the players to be able to use it effectively. In situations like this, how effectively the Referee and Umpire communicate is also important, but you can calm players down simply by reminding them to "wait for the whistle" as you retreat into the defensive formation.

A good Referee will wait until you're clear and settled before signalling the ball RFP with his whistle.