Checking Footballs

[tomes1978]

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]

Originally Posted by tomes1978

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]

Originally Posted by Tom.OH

Even then the most our U has checked is 6 or 7.

Why does your umpire check game balls?

[tomes1978]

Originally Posted by BktBallRef

Why does your umpire check game balls?

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

[bisonlj]

Originally Posted by BktBallRef

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]

Do you mark them somehow?

[IAUMP]

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]

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.

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]

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.

[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.

1-3-2
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.