Back Judge Down! Pitt/Minn

[JRod37]

Since years before I became an official I have been an advocate for getting at minimum a hockey-style helmet for officials, especially the ones who end up in the middle of the field. I know that means more money to spend on equipment, but we don't seem to care about chest protectors for baseball.

[jaybird]

Originally Posted by InsideTheStripe

I'm not familiar with NFL 7 man mechanics.

Can someone tell me what the BJ was doing on the hash on a KO return? What position was the other official on the other hash and why was he there?

On kick-offs, the B and U start on the sideline at the kickers restraining line. Once the ball is kicked, they come onto the field at about the hash marks.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by JRod37

Since years before I became an official I have been an advocate for getting at minimum a hockey-style helmet for officials, especially the ones who end up in the middle of the field. I know that means more money to spend on equipment, but we don't seem to care about chest protectors for baseball.

Yes we do. I do not see a need honestly. Maybe if they get more agile individuals, this would not happen. The problem is the age and mobility of the officials, not just a helmet.

Peace

[jTheUmp]

Or they need less-agile guys who are able to take a hit.

Heck, in my last game, I got hit/run into by players on 4 separate occasions. Luckily for me, I'm 6'4", 270 and I can absorb it. In one case, I think I (accidentally) knocked the guy over. I even had a couple of players apologize to me for running into me.

In all seriousness though, agility and mobility are a big asset to the umpire, along with being able to anticipate what's going to happen. But there are times where you'll still get caught in a bad spot, and there's not much you can do about it.

I've heard rumblings of possibly moving the U to a position behind the offense, opposite the R. I'm not sure if I like that idea or not. It would be a safer position, to be sure, but I'm concerned that we would be less able to see the action that we need to see to officiate properly.

[umpirebob71]

Mike Pereira addressed this on the NFL Network the other day, and he said changes are coming. They're not sure if it will be to move the umpire to a safer spot or to actually put equipment on them.