Umpire mechanics

[stegenref]

I worked my first varsity game as an umpire the other night and have a few questions regarding dead ball mechanics...

• After spotting the ball, you're supposed to stand over it...until the RFP or until the offense breaks their huddle?
• When standing over the ball, are you supposed to face the offense, the defense, the press box, or does it even matter?

[IAUMP]

I don't if this is totally correct, but I tend to stand over the ball until the ready, and I face the offense. This give me a chance to count to offense, make sure of the lineman number or if an exception might be in place.

By moving back after the ready, I am in position in the event to offense runs a quick set/snap.

[jTheUmp]

Here's how I do it:
Face the offense. Stand over the ball, hold up both arms indicating the down. Drop my arms on the RFP, but continue to stand over the ball.
Count A players while in the huddle, if possible.
Drop back when the offense breaks the huddle, walking backwards to your pre-snap location (don't ever turn your back to the offense pre-snap, glance over your shoulder to see where the B players are. After a few plays, you'll have a pretty good feel for where the defensive linemen are going to be). If you do this quickly enough, you'll be in position before the snap, even if it's a quick snap.
Signal to R that you counted 11 players on offense, using a fist at shoulder level.

If the offense is in a hurry up or no huddle, I'll spot the ball, indicate the down, and retreat to my pre-snap location before the R gives the RFP.

[Jimmie24]

Or release the ball when the Referee releases you. Most release on the RFP.

[umpirebob71]

Have you figured out where to keep your Snickers bar yet? Since I'm right handed, I keep it in my right front pocket. Don't put it in your back pocket, if you go down, you'll smash it. When they get smashed, they're harder to eat during time outs.

[Jimmie24]

Don't go down. I like to have a couple in my back pockets. These are only high school sized kids anyway. Just chuck them. They will go down.