1. 2013 MOA FOOTBALL
IHSA/NATIONAL FEDERATION 2013 FOOTBALL NEW RULE CHANGES
FOOTBALL OFFICIALS DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES
Darrel Leftwich
Moderator

2. 2013 FOOTBALL RULES CHANGES
Solid colored towels now legal 1-5-3a(5)a: Towels of a solid color not of a flag or football color w/ less than 1 logo/trademark now legal.
Use of communications device expanded 1-6: Allows Coaches, players, and non-players use of any form of available communication technology (tablets) in authorized conferences outside the 9yd marks (the #’s),n sidelines and during halftime. Use of devices by on sidelines is prohibited.
Definition of a catch clarified 2-4-1: An airborne player who has forward progress stopped inbounds and is carred out of bounds by an opponent before contacting the is awarded a catch at the spot of forward progress.
Lose of helmet after the down d: If helmet comes off after play is over that’s not attributed to a foul, player must sit out for one play.
Kick-catching interference penatly: 15yd pen added to the acceptance of an awarded fair catch option. Can opt for scoring free kick after awarded fair catch.

3. 2013 RULE CHANGES
Pass interference penalties revised pen: removal of the lose of/automatic first down. But 15 yd enforcement remains.
Clarification on score on a try: the touchdown scoring team is the only team that can score on a try.
Blocking on free kicks revised 9-3-8c NEW: Once R blocks in neutral zone any K player can block.
Initiating contact with a helmetless opponent 9-4-3l NEW: illegal personal contact foul. Any player who initiates contact with an opposing player whose helmet has come completely off.
Illegal participation for players continuing to play without a helmet 9-6-4g NEW: A helmet less player shall not block, tackle or otherwise participate beyond the immediate action in which the player is engaged when the helmet came completely off. Pen= liveball,basic-spot foul.

4. OFFICIALS DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES
General Principles
Knowledge of the Rules
Physical Condition-As a good game official you want game participants and fans to notice you positively for your appearance
Mental Reactions
Each Officials must have thorough knowledge of his own position and also must be informed concerning the duties of each of the other officials.

5. HE OR SHE MUST Know the down and distance prior to each snap.
Be ready to assist any official who is temporarily out of position.
Observe erroneous procedure or rulings of other officials and attempt prevention and correction whenever possible.

6. OFFICIALS DUTIES Give good signals and verbal communications. Hustle
Display spirit of cooperation
Be alert to happenings away from the ball when play has left his or her immediate area.
Keep play “boxed in” or outside looking in for sideline coverage.

7. OFFICIALS MENTAL CHARACTERSTICS AND DUITIES
Courage but not Beligerence
Tact but not Submission
Poise but not Indifference
Hustle but not Hurry
Decisions must be instantaneous and rulings announced without unnecessary delay.
Get “mentally prepared” for your game.

8. PREGAME RESPONSIBILITIES
Referee:
Visit each head coach, give coaches list of officials and notify them of length of intermission.
Ask head coach to verbally verify in presence of umpire, that all ­players are legally equipped in compliance with NFHS rules and that good sportsmanship is expected to be exhibited throughout the game.
Check with each head coach for any unusual plays or formations, including any that require prior notification.
Secure name of coaching staff personnel who will be responsible for sideline control of team members and report this information to all officials.
Secure and approve game ball–use assigned ball person if two balls will be used.

9. PREGAME RESPONSIBILITIES
Umpire:
Accompany referee as he visits with each head coach, examine and rule on any player equipment about which the coach has a question of legality.
Review any appropriate documentation for equipment and pads.
Linesman: Check line-to-gain equipment and meet crew.
Line Judge: Review starting time and be sure an auxiliary stopwatch, which records accumulated time, is available.
Back Judge: Be responsible for all timing situations, including 25-second count.

10. PREGAME RESPONSIBILITIES
All Officials:
Enter field together at least 30 minutes before game time.
Perform duties in business-like manner.
Performance and tempo sets tone for way in which game will be officiated.
Inspect playing field and pylons.

11. PREGAME RESPONSIBILITIES
Referee:
Coordinate the inspection of playing field and pylons.
Direct game management to remove or repair any hazards on or near field.
Approve clock operator, either scoreboard or sideline.
Review signals for starting or stopping clock with operator and with public-address announcer.
Inform coaches of starting time and where time will be kept.
Inform visiting coach of any change in halftime intermission or if it has been extended (a maximum of five minutes).
Keep official score.

12. PREGAME RESPONSIBILITIES
Umpire:
Check player equipment when requested by head coach.
You are the final authority on legality of equipment.
Do not permit use of any illegal equipment.

13. PREGAME RESPONSIBILITIES
Linesman:
Secure and check the line-to-gain and down marker indicators, plus all auxiliary equipment. Ensure that the line-to-gain equipment is marked at halfway point with tape. This can help on penalties measured from the previous spot or spot fouls to determine if first down after enforcement.
Check whether home management has distinctive vests or jackets for the crew.
Remind crew of their duties, responsibilities, and that they are officials, not fans.
Instruct crew that you will use your heel to mark at sideline where rear indicator is to be placed for every first down.
Clip chain, then move chain 6 feet(2yds) off sideline.
Work on side nearest line-to-gain indicator, which is opposite press box, if there is one.
Ask home management to specify side if there is no press box.
Provide boxman with bean bag

14. PREGAME RESPONSIBILITIES
Line Judge:
Carry an accurate watch that has correct time when in a four-person crew.
Other officials synchronize their watches with yours.
Check starting time and assist in getting game started on time.
When there is no field clock, time game in four-person crew.
Take care of game ball after referee has approved.

15. PREGAME RESPONSIBILITIES
Back Judge:
Responsible for securing correct time and carrying an accurate watch.
Assist with securing sidelines.
Keep the 25 sec.,1min timeout/interval between kickoffs,halftime 10-15(20max)

16. The Coin Toss REFEREE Pregame toss:
If coin toss is held off field, results may be simulated at center of field three minutes prior to start of game or as directed by state association.
About five minutes (or as directed by state association) before game time, escort to center of field captain (s) of team whose team box is on side opposite line-to-gain indicator. The actual toss should be at the three minute mark.
Referee should have his back to the clock. Have captains face each other with their backs to sidelines.
After umpire introduces captain(s), introduce captain(s) to each other and give them instructions.

17. The Coin Toss (Referee cont’d)
In presence of umpire:
Instruct visiting captain to give “heads” or “tails” choice before toss.
Inform captains if coin is not caught, you will toss again.
After making toss and determining winner, place hand on captain’s shoulder and have captain choose one of following options:
Kick or receive.
Defend a goal.
Defer choice to second half.

18. Coin Toss
If winner chooses not to defer and makes a choice, give opposing captain choice of remaining options.
If winner of toss defers, step toward press box and give penalty-declined signal.
Opposing captain then given choice of options followed by deferring captain’s choice of remaining option.
Place captains in position facing each other with backs toward goal they will defend.
While facing in same direction as the first choosing captain, signal choice in this manner:
Swing leg simulating kick.
Make catching motion simulating receiving.
If first choosing captain elected to defend a goal, point with both arms extended toward that goal line, then move to other captains and give appropriate signal for choice of other captain.
Dismiss captains

19. Officials Duties UMPIRE Pregame:
About five minutes (or as directed by state association) before game time, escort to center of field the captain(s) of team whose team box is on side where line-to-gain indicator is located.
After introducing captains to referee, remain with referee to listen to instructions and record toss options.

20. Officials Duties LINESMAN AND JUDGE(S)
Pregame and start of second half:
Linesman gives instruction to line-to-gain crew.
Linesman (four person)/ back judge (five person), whose team box is on side where line-to-gain indicator is located, remains at inbounds mark to keep team members who are not involved in toss between you and sideline.
Linesman obtains football of kicking team’s choice from Line Judge.
Line Judge, whose team box is on side opposite line-to-gain indicator, remains at inbounds mark to keep team members who are not involved in toss between you and sideline.
Back judge observes team on linesman’s side while linesman completes instructions to line-to-gain crew.

21. When to Blow the Whistle
OFFICIAL COVERING RUNNER
Find ball before sounding whistle.
When ball becomes dead, sound whistle quickly and loudly.
Move in quickly to be certain all action stops on whistle.
ALL OFFICIALS
Player safety is first responsibility.
Actually see ball in possession of runner who is down or forward progress stopped–this prevents early whistle.
When sounding whistle, do it quickly and loudly.
Ball can be kept in view when officials are in position and alert.
Be ready to assist covering official after whistle has sounded.
Use bean bag to mark spot of end of the run if whistle is sounded inadvertently.
INADVERTENT WHISTLE
Ball becomes dead immediately.
Location at which ball will be put in play and number of next down determined by location and status of ball when whistle was sounded.

22. Officials Duties ALL OFFICIALS Pregame:
At conclusion of toss procedures and captains have been dismissed, move together for final instructions from referee.
Record which team has first choice for second half.
At referee’s signal, hustle to kickoff positions. Linesman and judge(s) clear sidelines before going to kickoff position.
Second-half choices:
After choices are completed, come together at center of field for any final instructions.
Hustle to kickoff positions. Linesman and judge(s) clear sidelines before going to kickoff position.

23. Declaring Ball “Ready-for-Play” RFP
REFEREE
After ball is spotted:
Check that other officials are in position and ready.
Announce down (finger(s) or fist for fourth), sound whistle, give ready-for-play signal, start 25-second count, and move to position keeping eye on ball. Start clock if necessary.
Three seconds should be maximum to spot and mark.
Quick snap possible:
Position to observe snap before giving ready-for-play.
Umpire stand over ball until referee signals him to move.
ALL OFFICIALS
Hustle to proper positions.
Teamwork is essential to prevent delay.

24. CONTROLLING THE SIDELINE AND TEAM BOX
ALL OFFICIALS
Consistently administer and enforce team-box and coaching-box restrictions.
Be firm and professional, ensuring that restrictions are enforced so that all officials have enough room to work
FIRST VIOLATION BY TEAM
Results in sideline warning.
Covering official sound whistle, give proper signal, then report infraction to referee.
Referee will give proper signal and indicate offending sideline.
Covering official echo signal (No. 15) while verbally informing coach of warning. Communication also should include reminder of distance penalties for further violations.
All officials record time and period warning is given.

25. CONTROLLING THE SIDELINE AND TEAM BOX (cont’d)
SECOND VIOLATION BY TEAM
Covering official will drop penalty marker, sound whistle, report infraction to referee.
Referee will give approved signals and umpire will assess distance penalty.
Covering official will verbally inform and remind coach that each subsequent offense will result in 15-yard penalty.
All officials record time and period penalty is assessed.
THIRD AND SUBSEQUENT VIOLATIONS
Covering official will verbally inform and remind coach that each ­subsequent offense will result in 15-yard penalty.

26. END-OF-GAME AND OVERTIME PROCEDURE
ALL OFFICIALS
Regulation game:
Referee–Indicate end of fourth period using proper signal.
Leave field together immediately.
Neither avoid nor seek coaches.
Do not discuss game on field or make any public statement about game to news media.
Report any flagrant irregularity or disqualification(s) to state association office when applicable.
If your state association has additional penalty for fighting, follow reporting procedure.

27. OVERTIME Overtime, 10-yard line procedure:
Hold coin toss at center of field, using general coin-toss mechanics.
Toss winner shall choose whether to be on offense or defense or choose the end of field at which ball will be put in play.
To start each new series, team may designate location of ball between inbounds lines.
Referee will indicate winner of toss by placing a hand on his shoulder:
Then position offensive captain facing goal toward which ball will be advanced and defensive captain facing his opponent and opposite goal.
Give first-down signal toward goal being used.
Discuss penalty that carry over
Always 1st and goal
Each additional ot will alternate poss.

28. OVERTIME Discuss penalty that carried over
1 coin toss, then alternate options
Always start out 1st and goal

29. CONTROLLING TEAM PERSONNEL ALTERCATIONS
ALL OFFICIALS
If altercation is in your area, attempt to stop initial cnfrontation.
If unable to stop altercation, step back and record the uniform number of each player involved and other team personnel.
LINESMAN AND LINE JUDGE
Alert coach on your side to keep all team personnel off the playing area.
Record uniform number of any substitute who enters the playing area ­during an altercation.