NFL Umpire position change

[JasonTX]

This has appararently been approved. I also heard from an SEC officials that the NCAA will also be doing some experiments with this during spring scrimmages.

[Reffing Rev.]

We have to prevent concussions...

[Texas Aggie]

They tried this several years ago and I didn't think it worked very well. Who's going to cover the LOS for ineligibles downfield and passer over the line?

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by Texas Aggie

They tried this several years ago and I didn't think it worked very well. Who's going to cover the LOS for ineligibles downfield and passer over the line?

I don't think any of the umpire's responsibilities will change, only his perspective on them. It might, however, be difficult for him to get to the LOS through all of the blockers, esp. on plays to his side of the field.

[Sonofanump]

Originally Posted by Texas Aggie

They tried this several years ago and I didn't think it worked very well. Who's going to cover the LOS for ineligibles downfield and passer over the line?

In 7 man, the LJ holds the line of scrimmage.

[Sonofanump]

Also, I thought that they were going to have the umpire wear a helmet since the experiment a few years back did not work well.

[JasonTX]

Other problems may arise when the QB runs toward the U side of the field. Does the U then pick him up?

[bisonlj]

There will probably be signicant changes in responsibilities with this move that didn't happen when they experimented with it a couple years ago. You may essentially have 2 referees (based on responsibilities) on either side of the offensive back field. For example, the R may take the RG, RT and QB initially while the U will take C, LG, LT, and QB if he rolls to his side. If that happens, the R would then pick up back-side blocking and action while the U would do what the R would normally do on a QB run to that side. Same for other running plays. There will definitely be re-training of keys and responsibilities, especially for the R and U and to some extent the other 5 guys as well. Things they do naturally today will change. It should be interesting. I wonder if and when it will trickle down to lower levels or if they keep it after this 3-year period.