Checking Footballs

[BktBallRef]

Originally Posted by bisonlj

The NFHS mechanics book dictates it. We found it last year and had no idea. We always used to have our R do it.

Actually, the rule book states the referee checks the footballs.

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Each team shall provide at least one legal game ball to the referee at the time the game officials assume authority for the contest. Only legal game balls approved by the referee may be used during the contest.

Each team may use any referee-approved ball of its choice to free kick or start a new series of downs. If a touchdown occurs following a change of possession and the scoring team did not put the ball in play, any referee-approved ball may be used for the try.

Just didn't know if there was a reason some delegate it to the umpire. Here, the coach usually presents a ball during the coach's meeting.