First game as White hat.
 

We have our first scrimmage tonight and I am working it as the white hat for the first time. Any suggestions or advice that might help me out.

I've had my head in the penalty enforcement section most of the summer so I'm getting comfortable with that. But any other little bits of help would be useful.

S-l-o-w d-o-w-n, & don't over-officiate. Things will look very different from behind the offense.

Don't forget to box in -- you're the "cleanup" man on most plays.

Always know where the ball is when it's behind the LOS.

Protect the QB.

"Box in". That's a new phrase. I'm sure I use a different term. Please elaborate.

>>Be very slow and clear in your signals. Give a good, strong RFP whistle.

Maintain the 12-15 yard distance between you and the QB. When he drops back, so do you, otherwise he'll make a sudden turn and you'll be in the middle of the play. (this is my toughest challenge)

Box-in - keep the play surrounded by officials. You have a wing to one side, umpire on the other side, back judge in front - so make sure you stay in a position behind the play to complete the box.

Did someone say slow down? Well, slow down some more. :)

When giving signals, pretend you're on TV. Slow (no, slower), verbalize your call just like you're on TV, that will force you to slow down - plus it forces you to think of the enforcement.

Don't stare! Keep your head on a swivel and your eyes moving. From that position, it's easy to get tunnel vision.

Thanks for the reply guys. Scrimmage went pretty well, no major problems. Definitely need to work on staying deeper to start the play but didn't get me in the middle of any plays during the scrimmage.

First game this Friday, hopefully it goes as smoothly as the scrimmage did.

Again thanks for the help and any other comments are welcome as well.

Make a list of anything that you might not be sure of:
EX: Penalty Enforcement
Pregame stuff to talk about w coach
overtime rules, etc, etc.

Carry the list with you.

Having them with you will allow you to relax and pretty much guarantee you will never need to refer to it.