First Varsity Game Tomorrow
 

I am doing my very first varsity game tomorrow night. I'll be the Line Judge. I've studied rules and mechanics extensively.

advice or words of wisdom?

Have your ear plugs ready...?

As a wing, never, never, never call intentional grounding! ;)

Edit: In all seriousness, I can give you 2 tips: keep the whistle out of your mouth and see the ball. My mechanic as a wing is to immediately spit the whistle out of my mouth at the snap. And don't even reach for the whistle unless you see the ball dead (i.e. in player possession if downed or incomplete). If you think you see it dead, stop and think, then reach for your whistle.

Just a few:

Slow down - I don't mean don't hustle but don't rush your calls
Call only what you see
Have fun

You are the spokesperson for your crew. Speak mainly to the head coach and have him do the same for the crew through you.

Keep the sidelines clear at all times.

Slow the game down and do your job.

Have fun and good luck. This is just the beginning.

Peace

If you have a whistle on a lanyard spit it out at the snap or carry it in your hand all the time.

If the runner goes down with his back to you and you don't see the ball when he's down don't blow your whistle.

Have fun.

Let us know how it goes.

Take a moment just before the start of the game (just before the National Anthem, while the starting lineups are being announced, whatever) to allow yourself to soak in the atmosphere a little bit.

Then clear out your head and focus on the matter at hand.

Focus on your pre-snap routine. When working as a wing, here's mine:

1) Before the teams get to the line, count defensive players and verify with BJ.
2) Determine eligible receivers.
3) Make sure 4 or less players in backfield.
4) Determine which receivers I have for pass coverage
5) Watch for encroachment/false start, illegal shift or illegal motion
6) Key on offensive line. If they retreat, read pass, if they advance, key on a run play.
7) See the ball! Then make sure you saw it. Then blow the whistle.

Oh, and keep your sideline clear.

Most importantly, relax and have fun!

See ball- see ball - see ball:D

Keep treats in your pocket for the umpire.

post-game report
 

just got home from the game. It was amazing. Big rivalry, close game, homecoming week. The energy was amazing. I took your advice and really soaked it all in pre-game.

made a few mistakes, mostly involving stopping the clock while moving chains on first downs. Luckily the rest of the crew had my back and we must have had a veteran clock operator as well so it never became an issue.

I lucked out because the coach on my sideline was pretty nice and I hardly heard a peep from him. I only threw one flag (late in the 4th quarter LOL)

the whole crew was awesome about making it a fun and educational experience. They took me out for drinks afterward too. Glad to have that game check so I can start paying for all the gear I had to buy!

thanks all for your help.