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tomes1978 Sun Aug 24, 2014 02:21pm

Checking Footballs
 
Is there a maximum number of balls a team can have checked? I can't find anything in the rule book so I assume there is no limit. What is the most balls you would check for one team? Or would you let a team check as many balls as they want? Let me know...we had a coach insist that we check about 15 balls last Friday because is his words "he didn't want to limit himself"....

Tom.OH Sun Aug 24, 2014 06:12pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomes1978 (Post 939300)
Is there a maximum number of balls a team can have checked? I can't find anything in the rule book so I assume there is no limit. What is the most balls you would check for one team? Or would you let a team check as many balls as they want? Let me know...we had a coach insist that we check about 15 balls last Friday because is his words "he didn't want to limit himself"....

Like you said there is no limit. If it's raining or muddy they may want more so the ball boy's/ girls can get them clean and dry. Even then the most our U has checked is 6 or 7. Just don't let them slip in the "kicking ball"!

BktBallRef Sun Aug 24, 2014 08:38pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom.OH (Post 939301)
Even then the most our U has checked is 6 or 7.

Why does your umpire check game balls?

tomes1978 Sun Aug 24, 2014 08:43pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by BktBallRef (Post 939302)
Why does your umpire check game balls?

I'm also the umpire and check the balls. The referee delegates it to me.

bisonlj Sun Aug 24, 2014 10:01pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by BktBallRef (Post 939302)
Why does your umpire check game balls?

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

BEAREF Mon Aug 25, 2014 07:56am

Do you mark them somehow?

IAUMP Mon Aug 25, 2014 08:17am

I have been the U on my crew for 10 years and always check the footballs. I mark them with a sharpie marker. From looking at the footballs around the middle of the year, it appears that I am the only one that marks the acceptable balls.

Rich Mon Aug 25, 2014 11:05am

Quote:

Originally Posted by bisonlj (Post 939304)
The NFHS mechanics book dictates it. We found it last year and had no idea. We always used to have our R do it.

Our line judge checks the balls while the U is with me talking to the coaches. Manual or no manual, I'm using time in the wisest fashion.

Then again, we do the coin toss at 20 minutes.

bigjohn Mon Aug 25, 2014 11:20am

Umpire:
1. Accompanyrefereeashe/shevisitswitheachheadcoach,examineand
rule on any player equipment about which the coach has a question of
legality.
2. Reviewanyappropriatedocumentationforequipmentandpa ds.
C. Linesman:Checkline-to-gainequipmentandmeetcrew.
D. Line Judge:
1. Securegameballsforreferee’sapprovalandmeetwithball persons.

Welpe Mon Aug 25, 2014 11:37am

John, you're not having a seizure are you?

JRutledge Mon Aug 25, 2014 11:51am

Who cares who checks the darn footballs. All that matters it is done.

Peace

Sturno Mon Aug 25, 2014 12:39pm

I do it (U) after we (all 5 of us) meet with both coaches and right after the conclusion of the toss, which is almost always with 25 minutes before kickoff. We mention the ball check at tail end of pregame conference with each and ask HC's about any dedicated personnel for his game balls.

I look for two balls and will check what they have ready, if prepared. I have had heavy passing teams ask that I check 3 or 4, and if rain is imminent. Lots of times these are younger kids, I tell them the deal, get their names, we have them mirror the wing to that side and to always be ready.

Pump, gauge, and a mini green Sharpie I bring with me right out of the gate. I put a small x on both white stripes at opposite ends furthest from the laces toward mid seam on ball.

While that is taking place, R and LJ review field markings, pylons, field conditions, etc....(R visits clock operator if he doesn't come down, which he/she usually does). BJ and L will visit chain gang and confirm chains are properly set.

We walk out with captains from respective sidelines the wings are working, with R at midfield prior to toss. U with LJ and BJ with L. R goes with LJ, BJ with L off the field and U breaks away for ball check.

ajmc Mon Aug 25, 2014 12:40pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRutledge (Post 939330)
Who cares who checks the darn footballs. All that matters it is done. Peace

Actually checking the footballs, and/or marking them, before the game can serve a useful preventive purpose, but EACH time ANY ball is brought into the game it should pass through the hands of the Umpire to assess it's viability, whether marked or unmarked.

Welpe Mon Aug 25, 2014 12:46pm

Here our mechanics manual state that the B checks and marks the balls. If a ball isn't marked, it doesn't come in.

Rich Mon Aug 25, 2014 12:48pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sturno (Post 939338)
I do it (U) after we (all 5 of us) meet with both coaches and right after the conclusion of the toss, which is almost always with 25 minutes before kickoff. We mention the ball check at tail end of pregame conference with each and ask HC's about any dedicated personnel for his game balls.

I look for two balls and will check what they have ready, if prepared. I have had heavy passing teams ask that I check 3 or 4, and if rain is imminent. Lots of times these are younger kids, I tell them the deal, get their names, we have them mirror the wing to that side and to always be ready.

Pump, gauge, and a mini green Sharpie I bring with me right out of the gate. I put a small x on both white stripes at opposite ends furthest from the laces toward mid seam on ball.

While that is taking place, R and LJ review field markings, pylons, field conditions, etc....(R visits clock operator if he doesn't come down, which he/she usually does). BJ and L will visit chain gang and confirm chains are properly set.

We walk out with captains from respective sidelines the wings are working, with R at midfield prior to toss. U with LJ and BJ with L. R goes with LJ, BJ with L off the field and U breaks away for ball check.

It takes 5 people to meet coaches? Or are the B/L/H there to protect you if the coach tries to injure the U?

R/U is sufficient. Let others do what they need to do and stop ganging up on the coaches.


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