Tips for a new Umpire

[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.

[BIG UMP]

I can't take credit for this its in the Georgia officials manual but it is good. These are presnap responsibilities.


1. During a conventional offensive huddle:
a. Spot the ball. Move to your pre-snap position while maintaining your eye contact on the ball.
b. If “no huddle” offense, stay on ball until the Referee signals you to move to your pre-snap position prior to the Referee’s “ready for play” whistle. The Referee will withhold his “ready for play” until you are in position.
c. Assist the Referee with whether the clock starts on the snap or “ready”.
d. Count offense after the ready for play signal – check-off with the Referee with “thumbs up” signal if 11 or fewer players. Try to time your signal with the signal given by the Referee.
e. If after the ready for play signal there are 12 or more players, and no player is attempting to leave the field, then throw your flag for substitution infraction and stop the clock.
f. Remember to adjust your down indicator. Also remember to adjust your ball position indicator. In order to remind you of the ball position in relation to the hash marks, this indicator is very helpful in keeping track of previous spots on incomplete passes and accepted penalty enforcement.
2. Pre Snap:
Position – 6 to 9 yards off the ball, shaded to the opposite side of the center from the Referee.
a. Keep the snap in view.
b. Vary your position to keep offense from using you as a “pick”.
c. Count the offense if unable to in huddle.
d. Verify you have 5 players 50-79 on the offensive line.
e. Know ineligible receivers by number or position. Recognition of covered tight end requires knowledge of auxiliary signals by either Head Linesman or Line Judge. Identify unbalanced line if it exists.
f. Be aware of clock.
g. Know what defensive players are on the line of scrimmage (blocking below the waist).
h. Watch for:
• Snap infractions and false starts.
• Excessive quarterback head movements simulating action at the snap.
i. Listen for disconcerting signals by the defense.

3. At the Snap:
a. Key on the center (snapper) and the players on either side of the snapper (the guards). Other officials are primarily responsible for judging action on or by players outside this group of 3 players.
b. Read point of attack and be aware of free blocking zone.
c. Watch for:
• Holding, illegal use of hands and personal fouls.
• Chop blocks and other illegal blocks in the free blocking zone.
• Fumbles. Drop beanbag on or parallel to the spot.

[MD Longhorn]

My tip for new umpires... don't get spiked in the face.

(Oh, sorry ... wrong sport)