Officials' Jurisdictions, Positions, and
Duties
Referee—General oversight and
control of game. Gives signals for all fouls and is final authority
for rule interpretations. Takes a position in backfield 10 to 12
yards behind line of scrimmage, favors right side (if quarterback
is right-handed passer). Determines legality of snap, observes deep
back(s) for legal motion. On running play, observes quarterback
during and after handoff, remains with him until action has cleared
away, then proceeds downfield, checking on runner and contact behind
him. When runner is downed, Referee determines forward progress
from wing official and, if necessary, adjusts final position of
ball.
On pass plays, drops back as quarterback begins to fade back, picks
up legality of blocks by near linemen. Changes to complete concentration
on quarterback as defenders approach. Primarily responsible to rule
on possible roughing action on passer and if ball becomes loose,
rules whether ball is free on a fumble or dead on an incomplete
pass.
During kicking situations, Referee has primary responsibility to
rule on kicker’s actions and whether or not any subsequent
contact by a defender is legal. The Referee stays wide and parallel
on punts and will announce on the microphone when each period has
ended.
Umpire—Primary responsibility
to rule on players’ equipment, as well as their conduct and
actions on scrimmage line. Lines up approximately four to five yards
downfield, varying position from in front of weakside tackle to
strongside guard. Looks for possible false start by offensive linemen.
Observes legality of contact by both offensive linemen while blocking
and by defensive players while they attempt to ward off blockers.
Is prepared to call rule infractions if they occur on offense or
defense. Moves forward to line of scrimmage when pass play develops
in order to insure that interior linemen do not move illegally downfield.
If offensive linemen indicate screen pass is to be attempted, Umpire
shifts his attention toward screen side, picks up potential receiver
in order to insure that he will legally be permitted to run his
pattern and continues to rule on action of blockers. Umpire is to
assist in ruling on incomplete or trapped passes when ball is thrown
overhead or short. On punt plays, Umpire positions himself opposite
Referee in offensive backfield—5 yards from kicker and one
yard behind.
Head Linesman—Primarily responsible
for ruling on offside, encroachment, and actions pertaining to scrimmage
line prior to or at snap. Generally, keys on closest setback on
his side of the field. On pass plays, Linesman is responsible to
clear his receiver approximately seven yards downfield as he moves
to a point five yards beyond the line. Linesman’s secondary
responsibility is to rule on any illegal action taken by defenders
on any delay receiver moving downfield. Has full responsibility
for ruling on sideline plays on his side, e.g., pass receiver or
runner in or out of bounds. Together with Referee, Linesman is responsible
for keeping track of number of downs and is in charge of mechanics
of his chain crew in connection with its duties.
Linesman must be prepared to assist in determining forward progress
by a runner on play directed toward middle or into his side zone.
He, in turn, is to signal Referee or Umpire what forward point ball
has reached. Linesman is also responsible to rule on legality of
action involving any receiver who approaches his side zone. He is
to call pass interference when the infraction occurs and is to rule
on legality of blockers and defenders on plays involving ball carriers,
whether it is entirely a running play, a combination pass and run,
or a play involving a kick. Also assists referee with intentional
grounding.
Line Judge—Straddles line of
scrimmage on side of field opposite Linesman. Keeps time of game
as a backup for clock operator. Along with Linesman is responsible
for offside, encroachment, and actions pertaining to scrimmage line
prior to or at snap. Line Judge keys on closest setback on his side
of field. Line Judge is to observe his receiver until he moves at
least seven yards downfield. He then moves toward backfield side,
being especially alert to rule on any back in motion and on flight
of ball when pass is made (he must rule whether forward or backward).
Line Judge has primary responsibility to rule whether or not passer
is behind or beyond line of scrimmage when pass is made. He also
assists in observing actions by blockers and defenders who are on
his side of field. After pass is thrown, Line Judge directs attention
toward activities that occur in back of Umpire. During punting situations,
Line Judge remains at line of scrimmage to be sure that only the
end men move downfield until kick has been made. He also rules whether
or not the kick crossed line and then observes action by members
of the kicking team who are moving downfield to cover the kick.
The Line Judge will advise the Referee when time has expired at
the end of each period. Also assists referee with intentional grounding
and determines whether pass is forward or backward.
Field Judge—Operates on same
side of field as Line Judge, 20 yards deep. Keys on wide receiver
on his side. Concentrates on path of end or back, observing legality
of his potential block(s) or of actions taken against him. Is prepared
to rule from deep position on holding or illegal use of hands by
end or back or on defensive infractions committed by player guarding
him. Has primary responsibility to make decisions involving sideline
on his side of field, e.g., pass receiver or runner in or out of
bounds.
Field Judge makes decisions involving catching, recovery, or illegal
touching of a loose ball beyond line of scrimmage; rules on plays
involving pass receiver, including legality of catch or pass interference;
assists in covering actions of runner, including blocks by teammates
and that of defenders; calls clipping on punt returns; and, together
with Back Judge, rules whether or not field goal attempts are successful.
Side Judge—Operates on same
side of field as Linesman, 20 yards deep. Keys on wide receiver
on his side. Concentrates on path of end or back, observing legality
of his potential block(s) or of actions taken against him. Is prepared
to rule from deep position on holding or illegal use of hands by
end or back or on defensive infractions committed by player guarding
him. Has primary responsibility to make decisions involving sideline
on his side of field, e.g., pass receiver or runner in or out of
bounds.
Side Judge makes decisions involving catching, recovery, or illegal
touching of a loose ball beyond line of scrimmage; rules on plays
involving pass receiver, including legality of catch or pass interference;
assists in covering actions of runner, including blocks by teammates
and that of defenders; and calls clipping on punt returns. On field
goals and point after touchdown attempts, he becomes a double umpire.
Back Judge—Takes a position
25 yards downfield. In general, favors the tight end’s side
of field. Keys on tight end, concentrates on his path and observes
legality of tight end’s potential block(s) or of actions taken
against him. Is prepared to rule from deep position on holding or
illegal use of hands by end or back or on defensive infractions
committed by player guarding him.
Back Judge times interval between plays on 40/25-second clock plus
intermission between two periods of each half; makes decisions involving
catching, recovery, or illegal touching of a loose ball beyond line
of scrimmage; is responsible to rule on plays involving end line;
calls pass interference, fair catch infractions, and clipping on
kick returns; together with Field Judge, rules whether or not field
goals and conversions are successful; and stays with ball on punts.
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