Tips for a new Umpire

[tomes1978]

Don't blow your wistle.

[cmathews]

don't go fishing in other ponds...concentrate on your keys.....make sure the holding calls are ones that grandma in the top row sees right along with ya....most of all have fun and be safe

[waltjp]

Study the rules and know penalty enforcements.

Know the clock status and be prepared to remind your R.

Use your voice to control the action of players - let them know you're there and watching.

Hustle between plays, get the ball spotted and ready to go.

[JRutledge]

1. Get out of the way.
2. Do not blow your whistle.
3. Keep a good supply of Snickers bars.

Is there anything else more important?

Peace

[Forksref]

Always position yourself so you can see the ball.
Drop your whistle after the snap.
Stay with your keys.
Learn the types of holding. This will allow you to better spot a hold.
Be a good dead ball official: Don't rush the pile unless there is a problem there. Stay back and have a better view of more players so you can catch any cheap stuff.
Know your rule enforcements as you and the R will be working together on this.

[jTheUmp]

Know the penalty enforcement procedures by heart.

You will almost never blow your whistle (I use mine MAYBE once a game); use your voice constantly, let the players know you're around. Short, simple phrases like "That's it" or "Play's over" or "easy up" will help you out tremendously.

Your white-hat is the captain of the crew, you're the executive officer. Your job is to make your white-hat look good. In pregame, ask him what you can do to help him out, and then do it.

When a runner comes straight at you, the worst thing you can do is move backwards (the runner will keep running right at you, because now you're lead-blocking for him). Learn to hold your position and make the runner move around you.

Invest in a couple of good knee braces.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by jTheUmp

When a runner comes straight at you, the worst thing you can do is move backwards (the runner will keep running right at you, because now you're lead-blocking for him). Learn to hold your position and make the runner move around you.

My umpire says that he stays put when a running back is coming, because they know how to go around you.

When a QB is coming, he gets the hell out of the way!

[McMac]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

3. Keep a good supply of Snickers bars.

Why the Snickers bars?

[HLin NC]

Why the Snickers bars?

You will never truly be an umpire until you learn the secret, grasshopper.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by HLin NC

You will never truly be an umpire until you learn the secret, grasshopper.

Yep.

Peace

[waltjp]

Originally Posted by McMac

Why the Snickers bars?

So much to learn ... so much to learn ...

[SWFLguy]

Old joke is that a Referee is only as good as his Umpire. But seriously the responses here all seem to point to the fact that the Umpire needs to be very strong and has a unique opportunity to keep the game (line of scrimmage) under control. I've had huge games where I was hoarse from using my voice so much. Be quick to talk to players when they are doing something that their coaches do not want them to do, and equally as quick to compliment them when they do something right. Oh yeah-- you are like a bullfighter out there. Learn to keep from getting hurt. I did it for 40 seasons and only once got knocked on my can--blindsided. Good runners quick to the hole will use you as a blocker. Keep everything in front of you and have fun.

[McMac]

Thank you for all the tips! They are greatly appreciated! Still getting used to being in the middle.

[Welpe]

Originally Posted by waltjp

Use your voice to control the action of players - let them know you're there and watching.

This is a big one and where the good Us stand out from the average. An umpire can have a big influence on the tempo of the game in the middle and by continually talking to the players, can head off what otherwise might be trouble.

Also accept the fact that at some point, you're going to get hit. It's the nature of the beast being in the middle.

I often joke that one of the jobs of the Umpire is to keep the Referee pointed in the right direction. You will be present for discussions regarding penalty enforcement options so you can have a hand in ensuring that the referee has the options correct.

[JFlores]

Know the rules, old white hats once said the U should know the rules from front to back. That is why my goal is to one day be a back judge...........a waaaaaaaaaay baaccck judge.