Signal TD when OPI is going to be called

[Rich]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

Then what are the other 4 officials doing? Part of the reason I see we signal is to clarify we have no issues on the play. And I used to do this as a WH and I never took my eyes off the players when something was going on. I often did it when players were have clearly stopped playing. But we take our eyes off of players in many situation (like to go chase a ball on a long play or pass). I do not find that as a viable reason either way. If you do not want to do it I am OK with that, but not just because we take our eyes off the players when we have to do that a lot in this sport.

Peace

If you asked me when the most extracurriculars happen I'd probably say during or at the end of long TD plays.

Yes, there are times we *need* to look away from players. This is not one of them.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by RichMSN

If you asked me when the most extracurriculars happen I'd probably say during or at the end of long TD plays.

Yes, there are times we *need* to look away from players. This is not one of them.

Out of bounds plays that happens or plays near the sidelines and because we do not have ball boys or 7 officials on the field it is possible two or three officials to have to completely take their eyes off the players. Again I do not totally disagree with you and this is something I have always done. I just think that we take our eyes off of players many times and the Referee is not in the EZ or near where most players are, they would be the last person I would rely on to watch players. Unless something is taking place way behind the play, not much the WH needs to be looking at. And if there is, this signal is not as important as watching players IMO.

Peace

[Jim S]

I give tthe signals. Both on the goal line and as a Referee. First off that's the proper mechanics per the book. Next as any R can tell you the worst thing that happens to him is that he doesn't get the information. All you are doing when you signal a TD is that you are saying that the ball crossed the goal line. That's all. The R then checks with ALL the crew to make sure that no one has any issues. And then he signals the score. This doesn't have to happen immediately. If you have one of those games where there may be a problem then you use the scan of the crew to check for those types of problems. I have seen that most dead ball problems occur fairly quickly after a score (Most problems actually start BEFORE the dead ball). So taking a few seconds before giving the signal will suffice to making sure you're not going to have a battle.