2017 FHSAA Football 7 Man Mechanics 1

Notable Past Mechanics Changes Coin Toss Mechanics Clarified (Adapted To FHSAA) Following the coin toss, the HL or LJ should secure the proper game ball of the team kicking off and provide it to the BJ. Referee Responsible For A Pass’ Direction Inside The 5 Yard Line If the ball is snapped on or inside B’s 5 yard line, the R is responsible for knowing if the pass is forward or backward. Mechanic For A Blocked Kick Or Snap Over The Kicker’s / Holder’s Head - The R and the wing official he / she is facing will retreat to cover the ball and box in the play. The wing official on the same side as the R will remain on the line of scrimmage until that line is no longer threaten. As the play develops, he / she will then move to officiate the play. HL LJ BJ R R HL LJ

Notable Past Mechanics Changes U SJ BJ FJ Umpire, Side Judge, Back Judge And Field Judge’s Coverage On Scoring Kicks Clarified On all trys and field goal attempts, the SJ should be positioned on the side of the defensive formation that has the most players. If the defensive formation is balanced, the SJ should be on the side closest to the side line he / she came from (side opposite the press box). Referee Microphone Mechanic For A Flag That Is To Be Disregarded - If a flag is to be disregarded, the R announces that there is no foul for (name of the violation, explanation or often no further explanation needed) and the disregard the flag signal is given (S13). For example, “There is no foul for an ineligible receiver downfield, for the pass did not cross the line of scrimmage.” R

Notable Past Mechanics Changes SJ FJ Side Judge and Field Judge Positioning From 25 – Goal The SJ and FJ will now be at the goal line pylon when the ball is snapped inside team B’s 25 yard line. Head Lineman and Line Judge Motion Man Responsibility If a man goes in motion, observe him if he is on your side of the ball to ensure his motion is legal. Head Lineman and Line Judge Reverse Goal Line Mechanics From the 3 yard line to goal line, both the HL and LJ move to the goal line pylon at the snap. From the 5 yard line to 3 yard line, the LJ moves to the goal line pylon at the snap and the HL reads the play and moves to the pylon if appropriate. HL LJ HL LJ

Notable Past Mechanics Changes HL LJ BJ FJ Fake Field Goal Responsibilities When a fake field goal is attempted from a snap inside team B’s 20 yard line, the HL and LJ will have the goal line. When a fake field goal is attempted from a snap on or outside team B’s 20 yard line, the BJ and FJ will have the goal line. Umpire Positioning The starting position for the Umpire is on the side opposite the tight end, generally 5 – 7 yards (but not more than 8 yards) from the line of scrimmage. For non-scoring kicks (punts), however, the Umpire may be up to 10 yards off the line of scrimmage. U

Pregame Mechanics 6:45 pm  Officials take the field in uniform.  At least 2 officials monitor the 45 – 45 yard line “no fly zone” Prior to 7:00 pm – Coach/Referee/Umpire meetings completed               Note: If one team leaves the field – the officials may leave the field 7:23 pm  FJ and SJ have captains on the 50 yard line by 7:25 pm 7:25 pm  BJ and LJ bring teams to the field – home team should enter first 7:26 pm  R and U enter together from the home side and take their coin toss positions 7:27 pm  Coin toss 7:30 pm  Kick Off

Walking The Field LJ FJ R BJ U SJ 2 0 4 0 3 0 1 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 HL 5 Man Field Inspection - Releases R And U To Talk To The Coaches Press Box LJ X X X X X X X FJ R BJ U SJ 2 0 4 0 3 0 < 1 0 < < 3 0 < 4 0 5 0 < < HL 1

Pregame HL SJ LJ FJ BJ Head Linesman And Side Judge Check the chains and down marker Find your chain crew and brief them Spot check the field with the chains (Make sure no 1st and Goal from the 11 yard line) Find your ball boys and brief them Secure the game balls and make sure the Referee checks them Introduce yourself to the coaching staff, especially the head coach Line Judge And Field Judge Back Judge Be the police officer on the field. Patrol the 45 yard line zone and look out for unsportsmanlike behavior - Help the Umpire with getting adornments removed LJ FJ BJ

Pregame R U SJ FJ Referee And Umpire Talk to the head coaches Verify legality of equipment and players (Umpire) Get the adornments off players Approve game balls (Referee get with the LJ and FJ, HL and SJ), remember that Spalding® balls must be used in the post season Side Judge And Field Judge Find out from the Referee and/or Umpire who the talking captain is for your sideline’s team so you can line up the captains appropriately for the coin toss SJ FJ

Pregame Field Policing Cover The 45 Yard Line Zone - 4 Corners Version Press Box LJ FJ X X X X X X X BJ 3 5 4 0 4 5 5 0 4 5 4 0 < 3 5 < < < < < HL SJ 1

direct the captains forward then turn around and return Coin Toss Proper Positioning Press Box FJ T LJ Once you reach the hash, direct the captains forward then turn around and return to the sideline R U Score Board 1 0 2 0 4 0 < < < 3 0 < 4 0 5 0 < SJ BJ T 1 HL

Coin Toss To Kick Off FJ LJ BJ R U HL SJ 2 0 1 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 Proper Positioning Press Box FJ LJ BJ R U K Score Board HL SJ 2 0 < 1 0 < < 3 0 < 4 0 5 0 4 0 < 1

Kick Off LJ FJ R BJ 2 0 4 0 1 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 SJ U HL Proper Positioning Press Box LJ FJ BJ Hands The Ball To The Kicker R Count R BJ Count K K Score Board 2 0 4 0 < 1 0 < < 3 0 < 4 0 5 0 < SJ U HL 1

Onside Kick LJ FJ BJ R 1 0 2 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 SJ U HL Proper Positioning Press Box LJ FJ BJ Did Either Team Touch The Ball? Did The Ball Hit The Ground? Did The Ball Go 10 yards? R Score Board 1 0 2 0 4 0 < < < 3 0 < 4 0 5 0 < SJ U HL 1

Standard Play FJ LJ R U BJ 2 0 4 0 1 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 SJ HL Standard Play Proper Positioning Press Box FJ LJ 18-22 Yards FJ, SJ and BJ will ALWAYS line up on a major yard line R U Score Board BJ 5 Yards Deeper Than SJ and FJ 2 0 4 0 < 1 0 < < 3 0 < 4 0 5 0 < 18-22 Yards SJ HL 1

Inside The 25 / 20 Yard Line FJ LJ R U BJ 1 0 2 0 3 0 HL SJ 25 / 20 – 5 Yard Line Proper Positioning Press Box FJ LJ At The Pylon R U On The Endline BJ < 1 0 2 0 < < 3 0 At The Pylon HL 1 SJ

Approaching The Goal Line 5 - G Yard Line Proper Positioning > 5 Yard Line Proper Positioning Press Box FJ LJ LJ 5 Yard Line R R U BJ < 1 0 2 0 3 0 < < HL HL 2 SJ 1

Reverse Goal Line Mechanics 3 To G Press Box LJ FJ 3 Yard Line U BJ R < 1 0 2 0 < < 3 0 HL SJ 2

Moves To G If Appropriate Reverse Goal Line Mechanics 3 – 5 Reverse Goal Line Mechanics 3 to 5 Press Box LJ Moves To G At The Snap LJ FJ 5 Yard Line U BJ R HL Reads The Play And Moves To G If Appropriate < 1 0 2 0 < < 3 0 HL SJ 2

Pre-Snap Duties FJ LJ R U BJ 1 0 2 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 SJ HL Counting Press Box FJ LJ Count Offense Count Defense R U Score Board BJ 1 0 2 0 4 0 < < < 3 0 < 4 0 5 0 < SJ HL 1

Collapsing Box Coverage Boxing The Play In The “Accordion” Principle Press Box FJ LJ LJ and HL Hold Position Until The Ball Crosses The Line LJ and HL Square In At The Spot X X X X X X At The Snap, BJ, FJ And SJ Move Back All Officials “Accordion” In R U Score Board BJ “Accordion” Principle - Dead Ball Officiating - Talk To Players - Break Up Confrontations - Make A Presence 2 0 < 1 0 < < 3 0 < 4 0 5 0 4 0 < SJ HL 2 1

Long Run Down Sideline FJ LJ R U BJ 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 SJ HL Keep Relative Positioning Press Box FJ LJ At The Snap, BJ And Deep Wings Start Backing Up R U Score Board BJ 1 0 2 0 3 0 Trailing Official < 4 0 5 0 4 0 < Get The Spot < < < 18-22 Yards SJ HL Assume Goal Line Position Clean Up Out-Of-Bounds 1 Leading Official

Long Run Down Sideline FJ LJ R U BJ 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 SJ HL Keep Relative Positioning - Don’t Run Over The SJ Or FJ Press Box FJ LJ 2 Yard Line R U Score Board BJ < 1 0 2 0 < < 3 0 Trailing Official < 4 0 5 0 4 0 < 18-22 Yards SJ HL Assume Goal Line Position 1 Leading Official Signals Touchdown

Initial Keys FJ LJ R U BJ BJ 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 SJ HL Pro Set Press Box FJ LJ R U BJ Score Board BJ < 1 0 2 0 < < 3 0 < 4 0 5 0 4 0 < SJ HL 1

Initial Keys FJ LJ BJ R BJ U 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 SJ HL Double Wing Press Box FJ LJ BJ R BJ Score Board U < 1 0 2 0 < < 3 0 < 4 0 5 0 4 0 < SJ HL 1

Initial Keys FJ LJ BJ R BJ U 2 0 1 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 SJ HL Trips Formation Press Box FJ LJ BJ R BJ Score Board U 2 0 < 1 0 < < 3 0 < 4 0 5 0 4 0 < SJ HL 1

Initial Keys FJ LJ R BJ BJ U 1 0 2 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 SJ HL “Stacked” Formation Press Box FJ LJ No Formal Keys R BJ BJ Score Board U 1 0 2 0 4 0 < < < 3 0 < 4 0 5 0 < SJ HL 1

Initial Keys FJ LJ R BJ BJ U 2 0 1 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 SJ HL Double Tight End Press Box FJ LJ R BJ BJ Score Board U 2 0 < 1 0 < < 3 0 < 4 0 5 0 4 0 < SJ HL 1

Punt Mechanics LJ FJ R BJ U 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 SJ SJ SJ HL Punt Proper Positioning Press Box LJ FJ R BJ 45 Yards Score Board U 1 0 2 0 3 0 < 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 < < < < < SJ SJ SJ HL 3 Deep Officials Stand On The Closest Major Yard Line 4

“Reverse” Mechanics LJ FJ R U BJ 1 0 2 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 HL SJ - Occurs On Punt And Interception Returns, HL/SJ And LJ/FJ Duties Flip R Has Goal Line Duty Press Box Signals Touchdown Assume Goal Line Position LJ FJ Leading Official Trailing Official R 2 Yard Line Referee Shares Goal Line Duty (Don’t Get Beat) Score Board U BJ 1 0 2 0 4 0 3 0 < < < 3 0 < 4 0 5 0 < < HL SJ 4

FG And Try Mechanics LJ FJ U SJ BJ R 2 0 1 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 HL FG And Try Proper Positioning Press Box LJ FJ U SJ BJ R 2 0 < 1 0 < < 3 0 < 4 0 5 0 4 0 < 3 0 < HL 4

Of The Remaining Officials Are Exactly As Measurement Mechanics Press Box FJ Field Judge Clears Players Away And Secures A New Ball If Appropriate The Mechanics Of The Remaining Officials Are Exactly As In A NFHS 5 Man Crew LJ FJ R BJ U HL 4 0 < 3 0 < 2 0 < 1 0 < SJ Side Judge Takes Charge Of The Box 2 2 HL SJ

Penalty Enforcement Mechanics - Checks And Balances (Opposite From NFHS) - CCA Holds The Official Calling The Foul Primarily Responsible For Making Sure The Enforcement Is Correct (Whole Crew Really Is) Press Box FJ Line Judge Goes To Where The Foul Will Be Assessed To LJ Offensive Holding R BJ U Head Linesman Marches Off The Penalty With The Umpire From The Enforcement Spot 3 0 2 0 1 0 < < < HL SJ 2 All 3 Should End Up At The Same Yard Line With The Same Down

During Game Responsibilities SJ Side Judge Deals with all issues involving the game clock Keeps the time on the field if the scoreboard malfunctions Alerts the Referee of timing errors Side Judge And Field Judge During time outs, take charge of instructing the teams to return to the field at the 15 seconds to ready-for-play whistle by the BJ Take chief responsibility for communicating penalty information, time outs remaining, game developments, etc. to the head coach Acts as the apprentice to the HL or LJ and assists them whenever possible - Help with ball rotation, those coming out from the BJ and those going in to the U SJ FJ .

Odds And Ends CCA 7 Man Mechanics – Sort Of Use the positioning, coverage mechanics, keys, etc. Ignore the sections of the book obviously addressing NCAA mechanics such as throwing your hat when players go out of bounds, the 40 second clock, etc. Ignore the CCA “if in doubts”, they are opposite from the NFHS ones because they have instant replay to fix their mistakes while we don’t It’s only the mechanics, not the rules we are borrowing – it’s still NFHS rules Official Conferences We now have 7, rather than 5 different opinions and views Conference when you need to, otherwise keep your distance and positions Numerous conferences make it look like you don’t know what’s going on .

Microphone Mechanics Sounding And Looking Professional Practice, practice, practice Say the words even in games you don’t have a microphone on you - Face the press box and STAND STILL There is no need to yell, that’s why you have a microphone Speak in a conversational and unhurried tone Be informative and concise, but not ridiculously brief “Rehearse” with the Umpire to know you have all the information before making a formal announcement (foul, down, ½ the distance, etc.) Basic information includes: Foul Offense or defense / Kicking team or receiving team Yardage of the penalty Down Use “Prior to the snap” or “After the conclusion of the play” rather than “Dead ball” Never say the number of the player or the player’s position, but when necessary you can say vaguely “the player involved” .