Lecture Notes: Pre-Snap Routines and Crew Expectations

Introduction

• Presentation on pre-snap routines and crew expectations in football officiating.
• Importance of understanding personal and other positions' expectations.
• Encouragement for open discussion and questions.

Referee Pre-Snap Routines

• Importance of multitasking to complete pre-snap tasks efficiently.
• Tasks include counting players, checking play and game clocks, interacting with crew.
• Position Consistency: Maintain specific yardage from the line of scrimmage for a consistent viewpoint.
• Multitasking Example: Counting players, observing clocks, and checking with other officials within the same routine.

Center Judge Pre-Snap Routines

• Center judge is a relatively new position; varies by conference.
• Pre-snap routine affected by the end of the previous play.
• Responsibilities: Spotting the ball, managing substitutions, understanding formations.
• Emphasis on not rushing and ensuring proper communication with the umpire.

Umpire Pre-Snap Routines

• Pre-snap routine should become second nature.
• Key Checks: Verify eligible numbers, count the offense, understand ball position, and down and distance.
• Ball Position: Ensure correct spot placement; important in scrimmage kick plays.

Line of Scrimmage Pre-Snap Routines

• Mental checklist is crucial.
• Tasks: Clock management, substitution indication, team A player count, identify key yard lines.
• Formation Recognition: Legal formation checks and communicating with back judge.

Deep Wings Pre-Snap Routines

• Check game clock, confirm defense count, move to appropriate sideline position.
• Key Reading: Identify player key and adjust vision based on formation and play.
• Special Situations: Goal-line responsibilities and sideline management.

Back Judge Pre-Snap Routines

• Quarterback of the Deep: Oversee overall game flow and help with crew awareness.
• Dead ball officiating is crucial.
• Counting & Communication: Ensure accurate player count and communicate clock status.
• Position Consistency: Maintain consistent starting positions for better game insight.

Crew Expectations

Center Judge

• Communicate with umpire on ball coverage, manage subs, and ensure clear spot signaling.
• Work with referee on penalty signals and maintain game flow.

Referee

• Use signals effectively; listen to announcements.
• Work with umpire and center judge on game pace and awareness.
• Results Communication: Ensure clarity on play outcomes.

Umpire

• Expect accurate subs recognition, mirror line of scrimmage officials, and maintain penalty enforcement checks.
• Ball Relay: Ensure correct ball is in play.

Line of Scrimmage

• Help with ball relay, ensure proper penalty checks.
• Communicate effectively with deep wings for sideline management and ball progression.

Deep Wings

• Manage sideline interactions; help with goal-line and pass over middle plays.
• Communicate with line of scrimmage regarding formations and play adjustments.

Back Judge

• Maintain play clock awareness and aid in penalty enforcement checks.
• Use verbal and non-verbal cues to communicate ball positioning and play results.

Closing Remarks

• Encouragement for further training and presentations.
• Open invitation for topic suggestions and more presenters in future sessions.