Tips for a new Umpire

[McMac]

I started officiating tackle football last season as a LM, but have transitioned to U as our association is short of U's this season. So I am looking for tips/'things to look for' from those of you who have worked as a U.

I have noticed in the few scrimmages that I have had so far that it is a lot easier for me to pick up the run/pass blocks at the snap than when I was working as a LM.

[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.

[McMac]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

3. Keep a good supply of Snickers bars.

Why the Snickers bars?

[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.