On Monday I'm about to work my first game as a Head Linesman. I've worked a scrimmage already so I have a feel for my responsibilities, but I'm always interested in any additional hints, tricks, traps that you might be willing to share with me prior to my first contest.

Thank you...

Trail a sweep to your side. Don't get tangled up in it.

advice...
 

get a chain crew that has the average IQ of a pine tree.
Usually, the chain crew is nothing more than kids on detention or kids with pulled hamstrings.

Bring along a zap strap or whatever you call those...you'll thank me if the chain breaks.

verbalize the down each play. The guy on the down box tend to forget to change the down and you will not see it until the R , U or LJ tell you . Also make sure the guy with the clip is marking the line furthest from the line to gain. It looks like crap when everyone is jammed in during a measurment.

Don't forget what down it is!!!!

Make sure you have the goal line covered on plays that start from the 5 - especially going out.

Check (a quick glance) with your back judge on catches in the deep corner of the end zone before going up.

Don't be too quick to get downfield on free kicks - you've got the entire sideline and a long return may break. Also, keep a wide view.

If a wideout starts in motion back toward the line and he's not going very fast, there's a sweep coming to your side and you have all the blocks in front (as well as the legality of the crackback that wideout is going to throw on the end or backer).

Make your first move on the snap laterally for about three to five yards. This keeps your body facing the play and if the runner is stopped for a short gain you have a perfect view of the spot.

Don't try to outrun the players, even if you can. Try this at home. Walk a straight line, turning your head over your shoulder. Try to speed up. Kinda awkward!

On sweeps or anytime the point of attack move toward you, back off and let the play lead you. Keep about 5 to 10 yards behind the play to get a full view.

Let the play pass you and then trail it. For your safety and theirs. Face out of bounds when you mark the spot and signal time out if it goes out, so you can continue to officiate what happens out of bounds.

You don't have to go as deep as the receivers. (It's getting to the goal line shortly after they do that's tough!)

Make sure you make it plain to the chain crew to not move until you tell them to.

Watch PEOPLE, not the ball!

We use "Snap-Tackle-End" as our sequence for wings. Watch what happens prior to the snap, then the tackle is your key for a pass or run, and then watch the block by the end and on the end.

When coaches get a little talkative about a play, I may ask them if they want a time out (to discuss it). This has a calming effect on them because they realize it's not worth spending a timeout on that play.

Best advice I can give you.
 

Whatever what you do, just understand you will not be perfect the first time out. It takes time to learn a position. Just apply the basics and you go from there. So if you make mistakes, keep working at it until it becomes more natural. I have been working for 8 years and I have not been on the wings on a regular basis. I have had to adjust myself. So if you are not perfect, do not beat yourself up about it.

Peace

If the play goes to the opposite side of the field, spit your whistle out. Then you won't want to blow it.

Try to mirror spots with the LJ.

Don't blow our whistle unless you see the ball.

Don't rush.

Most importantly...Have FUN!