1. Back Judge Session July 29, 2017
2017 State Football Clinic
Back Judge Session
July 29, 2017

2. CLINICIANS
Collin Martinez
Mike Rundell
Mickey Shortencarier

3. BACK JUDGE PRE-SNAP ROUTINE
Why do we need one?
Most good coaches realize that every second spent “fussing” about a previous play is one less second that they have for to get ready for the next play.
The same goes for us – no matter what happened on a previous play, we still must get ready for the next play
A good, internalized pre-snap routine shifts our focus to the next play and helps us “forget” about previous plays

4. BACK JUDGE PRE-SNAP ROUTINE
When do we start the pre snap routine?
The pre-snap routine should begin when the teams are separating after a dead ball has been declared
If you wait to begin your pre-snap routine, then you may not have time to complete the pre-snap routine and you may not be ready for the next play

5. BACK JUDGE PRE-SNAP ROUTINE
Verify down, distance and clock status
Everyone should know the clock status so make sure that you know in case there is a question about it.
Everyone should know the down and distance so ensure that you know in case there is a question about it – if you are unsure, then stop the game to verify
It is better to stop and get it right than it is to give the offense an extra down or not enough downs – never wait to contribute!

6. BACK JUDGE PRE-SNAP ROUTINE
Start play clock upon ready-for-play
It is best to be able to make eye contact with the R so that you both know that the other is ready
That way you can start the play clock upon the R’s ready-for-play signal

7. BACK JUDGE PRE-SNAP ROUTINE
Remain aware of game situation
Knowing the down and distance, the score and late in the quarter the game is should help you anticipate the next play, not the call
This will help you in determining what type of ruling/decision you may have to make

8. BACK JUDGE PRE-SNAP ROUTINE
Count defense with line judge prior to offense breaking the huddle

9. BACK JUDGE PRE-SNAP ROUTINE
Identify your keys as the offense takes its positions
You must know the guidelines for determining your keys for all possible formations
The sooner you identify your keys, the more prepared you will be in case the keys change due to men in motion

10. BACK JUDGE PRE-SNAP ROUTINE
As you are completing these steps, assume your initial position
It is important to note that these steps may be completed in any order – this order is determined by what is occurring on the field
The important thing is that all steps are completed
Counting the defense as soon as possible helps the line judge get ready for the next snap
Making eye contact as soon as possible helps the R give the ready-for-play signal which keeps the game flowing

11. BACK JUDGE RESPONSIBILITIES
DEAD BALL OFFICIATING!!!
Dead ball numerical example
The B position does not usually have primary ball coverage so we must be aware of action around the ball, we must not be ball-watchers!!
Help the U with pileups between the numbers and goal lines, the wing officials with plays outside the numbers and out-of-bounds

12. BACK JUDGE RESPONSIBILITIES
Key(s)
Define strong side
Identify keys
How long to stay with keys, what to look for, what to do after you release key(s)
Two or three steps backwards at snap while watching keys

13. BACK JUDGE RESPONSIBILITIES
Long free kicks
Legal formation – what to look for
Movement after free kick
Where to look and what to look for

14. BACK JUDGE RESPONSIBILITIES
Short or “pooch” free kicks
Legal formation, including offsides
Where to move to and what to look for (fair catch signal if ball is not grounded)

15. BACK JUDGE RESPONSIBILITIES
Obvious onsides free kicks
Legal formation, offsides
Is kick grounded, if so certain rules no longer apply
Who looks at blocks, who looks at ball
When can K legally touch the ball

16. BACK JUDGE RESPONSIBILITIES
Surprise onsides free kicks
Legal formation, offsides
Only two of you so have more to look at
Who watches blocks, who watches ball

17. BACK JUDGE RESPONSIBILITIES
Running plays between tackles
Maybe release keys sooner
Watch for players going against flow
Help U with pileups

18. BACK JUDGE RESPONSIBILITIES
Running plays outsides tackles
Watch keys for blocks
Read flow and watch for players going back against flow for legal blocks
Help wing official with players/ball
Know where to look on plays outside the numbers

19. BACK JUDGE RESPONSIBILITIES
Passes completed behind the line of scrimmage
Look at blockers ahead of completed pass
Be aware of blocks downfield (verify that pass was completed behind the line)

20. BACK JUDGE RESPONSIBILITIES
Short pass plays
Read keys look for fouls by either receiver or defender, if holding by defender, must know if he was potential receiver, when does holding become DPI
If over the middle, probably have prime coverage for catch or no
If outside hashes, probably have legal hits on receivers

21. BACK JUDGE RESPONSIBILITIES
Long pass plays
We probably have prime coverage on catch or no
Wing officials help with sidelines
Probably have spot of forward progress
Same comments for keys as for short passes

22. BACK JUDGE RESPONSIBILITIES
Plays where the pylon is threatened
We have goal line, run towards pylon and be aware of what wing official is doing
Confirm with wing official that player was not out of bounds before ruling on TD

23. BACK JUDGE RESPONSIBILITIES
End line plays
These are ours all the time – no help so get there early
Criticize if we miss goal line, but crucify if we miss end line

24. BACK JUDGE RESPONSIBILITIES
Goal line plays
When is our initial position on goal line vs end line
Can help with goal line but wings usually have primary coverage

25. BACK JUDGE RESPONSIBILITIES
Scrimmage kicks – punts
Back judge prayer – we are all alone
Initial position
Our initial coverage is the ball (touchback or not), grounded punt
When to release punt returner

26. BACK JUDGE RESPONSIBILITIES
Scrimmage kicks – field goals and trys for points
We have upright and crossbar and whistle
Which wing official is under with us

27. BACK JUDGE RESPONSIBILITIES
Forward progress
Only on long gains or grounded kicks out of bounds

28. BACK JUDGE RESPONSIBILITIES
Timeouts
We time the timeouts
Record and confirm number of timeouts with other officials

29. BACK JUDGE RESPONSIBILITIES
Measurements
We prevent ball from being moved
Find out if U will bring chain to press box side

30. BACK JUDGE RESPONSIBILITIES
Penalty Enforcement
B is a promotion so must know the rules and everyone’s mechanics – be the go to guy on the crew for this information

31. BACK JUDGE RESPONSIBILITIES
Relaying the ball
Help whenever you can/should
Don’t worry about the ball if other officials have already got it covered
Ball comes last after all other dead ball stuff has finished

32. BACK JUDGE RESPONSIBILITIES
Communications with wings
Count the defense with L
Let wings know when you start on goal line and when you start on the end line
Number of down

33. BACK JUDGE RESPONSIBILITIES
Communications with umpire
Verify next down

34. BACK JUDGE RESPONSIBILITIES
Communications with referee
Verify next down, relay game clock status if necessary, start play clock upon ready for play signal

35. QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?