Offsides

[davidfv1]

Originally posted by Forksref
Blow it dead right away in HS.

When I am a wing, I try to help the wide receivers, if they look at me for help. I will move my hand a little bit to signal that they may have to move back a half step or move them up if they want to be on the line. Preventive officiating is a positive thing. If they don't ask for help, I will tell them to move back the first time. After that if they don't ask for help I will flag them. Everyone appreciates the help when asked for and it doesn't hurt the game.

For interior players, I flag them as they never look to me for help.

Forksref,
In my humble opinion, NEVER use an obvious signal such as a hand movement to help get the receivers back. One coach sees you doing it for the other team and you flag his guy the next series, you may lose some credibility. Also maybe your guy was suppose to be off the line? Hopefully, he is not moving at the snap, it looks bad.

Here is my suggestion for preventive officiating. First make sure your feet straddle the ball as the teams line up. Then when the receiver looks to you for help, tell him that Your Foot is on the line of scrimmage and maybe tap your leg. This way it is up to the receiver to know if he is on or off the line of scrimmage.

If he is close to the line or slightly over, when he makes eye contact, just tilt your head to the backfield and he will get the hint to back up a little. If the guy does not look to you and is obviously over the line, you gotta flag him. But then tell him to look at you next time and your foot will be on the line of scrimmage.

That is how I work the line... good luck and have a great season!!!!