1. National Federation 4 Person Mechanics Football
IACAO FB Dec. 2005

2. Football Mechanics Criteria
Communication
Field Positions
Keys & General Mechanics

3. Mechanics – 4 man Before Kickoff After Kickoff
Basic Scrimmage Position
Prior to the Snap
Running Plays
Passing Plays

4. Mechanics 4 man (cont’d)
Scrimmage Kicks
SK’s - Field Goals & Try Attempts
SK’s – Field Goals & Try Fakes
Goal Line – Inside 10 yard line
Measurements

5. Before Kickoff RefereeLJ R
G G
G G
Referee
Position near R’s 10-yard line opposite Linesman
Count R Players
Check other officials in position and signal ball ready for play after other officials and kicker ready U H

6. Before Kickoff Umpire Position on R’s 20 yard line opposite Line Judge
G G
G G
Umpire
Position on R’s 20 yard line opposite Line Judge
Count R Players
Ensure coaches, players, substitutes in proper location
Hold hand in air to inform Referee ready U

7. Before Kickoff Linesman Position on K free-kick line
G G
G G
Linesman
Position on K free-kick line
Hand ball to kicker and point out Referee. Inform to wait for ready for play signal
Count K Players
Move to sideline with line-to-gain equipment and hold hand in the air to inform Referee ready H

8. Before Kickoff Line Judge G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G
Position on R’s Free Kick line and identity
Move to side line opposite Linesman
Ensure coaches, players, substitutes and others in proper location
Count K
Hold arm in air to inform Referee ready LJ

9. After Kickoff Referee R LJ
Deep Kicks, Be ready to rule on touchback or player momentum
Kicks middle or your side, Start Clock when kick is touched (other than first touching by K)
Pick up runner and follow until released to covering official
G G
G G

10. After Kickoff Referee R G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G
Determine if kick goes out of bounds and flag if not touched by R
Kicks opposite side, move cautiously with play
Observe actions behind play and clean up
G G
G G

11. After Kickoff Umpire G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G
Kicks your side, start clock when kick is touched (other than first touching by K)
Pick up runner and follow until released to Linesman
Once you release runner, observe action behind play
Maintain responsibility for you sideline
G G
G G U H

12. After Kickoff Umpire G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G
Determine if kick goes out of bounds and flag if not touched by R
Kicks opposite side, move cautiously with play
Observe actions behind play and clean up
G G
G G U

13. After Kickoff Linesman G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G
Watch for free-kick line infractions
Help Line Judge rule on first touching by K prior to R’s free-kick line and bean bag in necessary
Watch initial blocks near R’s free-kick line and blocks on kicker / holder
Administer fouls prior to kickoff H

14. After Kickoff Linesman Kicks to your Side
Move down the sideline to area to best officiate depending on kick keeping spacing with Umpire
Determine if kick goes out of bounds and flag if R has not touched ball
Pick up responsibility for runner from Umpire and follow to goal line
G G
G G U H

15. After Kickoff Linesmen G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G
Kick Opposite side
Move cautiously toward play being ready to rule on your sideline if play reverses
Observe action of player in vicinity of runner and watch for fouls away from the ball
Assist Line Judge with goal line on long runs H

16. After Kickoff Line Judge LJ G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G
Watch for free-kick line infractions
Be Alert for first touching by K prior to R’s free-kick line and bean bag if necessary

17. After Kickoff Line Judge LJ R G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G
Kick to your side
Move down sideline while watching for fouls and to area best to officiate depending on the kick, keeping spacing with Referee
Determine if kick goes out of bounds and flag if not touched by R
Pick up responsibility for the runner from Referee and follow to goal line
G G
G G

18. After Kickoff Line Judge LJ G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G
Kick Opposite Side
Move cautiously toward play being ready to rule on your sideline if play reverses
Observe action of player in vicinity of runner and watch for fouls away from the ball
Help Linesman with goal line on long runs

19. Basic Scrimmage Position
Referee
A’s backfield 3 to 4 yards behind deepest back on passing arm of Quarterback able to view opposite side tackle
Umpire
3 to 8 yards off ball as to not interfere with vision or movement of defensive backs. G G R U

20. Basic Scrimmage PositionLJ
Linesman & Line Judge
Start on side line straddling line-of-scrimmage. G G R U H

21. Prior to Snap (All Plays)
Referee
Declare ball ready-for-play
Count A players
Responsible for 25 second count
Check players set for one second prior to snap.
Watch for snap infractions, illegal shifts, and false starts G G R

22. Prior to Snap (All Plays)
Umpire
Vary position as to not block view of B players or allow A to use you as interference
Count A Players
Check five players on line numbered 50 to 79
Be ready to rule on snap infractions, false starts, encroachments, disconcerting signals by defense and be aware of B players line up in free blocking zone G G U

23. Prior to Snap (All Plays)LJ
Linesman & Line Judge
Check down number on box and signal down
Extend arm back to indicate A player closes to you off the line-of-scrimmage
Check to see if all backs, flankers, split ends in legal position and check eligibility
Determine if player in motion movement is legal G G H

24. Prior to Snap (All Plays)LJ
Linesman & Line Judge
Check for seven on the line-of-scrimmage
Help in determining false start, encroachment, interference with snap
Count B players and be alert for illegal substitutes
Key off tackle for run / pass G G 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 H

25. Running Play Referee Key opposite guard / tackle G 1 0 2 0 3 0
Responsible for ball carrier and action around him to the neutral zone G G R

26. Running Play
Referee
Move behind play toward side of field which plays advances and cover runner until reaching neutral zone or if down near line-of-scrimmage
Watch action behind ball and away from runner, action on quarterback, and backward or forward passes. G G R

27. Running Play
Referee
When ball is dead, move to location and signal next down
Help relay ball and assist umpire with spot
If first down, stop clock and signal
Make sure all officials ready to go before signal ball ready for play G G R

28. Running Play Umpire Read point of attack G 1 0 2 0 3 0
Watch line play for illegal action around ball carrier and in free blocking zone
Move accordingly depending play working inside out
Be alert for fumbles beyond neutral zone and help determine who gains possession
After play spot ball G G U

29. Running Play Linesman Action toward you G 1 0 2 0 3 0
Work off the field
Observe actions of linemen your side and blockers in front of ball carrier
Pick up responsibility of ball carrier, mark forward progress and stop clock if out of bounds
Follow runner to goal line G G H

30. Running Play Linesman Action away from you G 1 0 2 0 3 0
Move cautiously onto field ready for reverse action
Observe action behind play
Be ready to help with forward progress spot or goal line G G H

31. Running Play Line Judge LJ Action toward you G 1 0 2 0 3 0
Work off the field
Observe actions of linemen your side and blockers in front of ball carrier
Pick up responsibility of ball carrier, mark forward progress and stop clock if out of bounds
Follow runner to goal line G G

32. Running Play Line Judge LJ Action away from you G 1 0 2 0 3 0
Move cautiously onto field ready for reverse action
Observe action behind play
Be ready to help with forward progress spot or goal line G G

33. Passing Plays Referee Key opposite guard / tackle G 1 0 2 0 3 0
Watch blocking
Remain wider and deeper than passer
After pass released, verbally alert defenders and observe action on passer not ball
Determine pass forward or backward G G R

34. Passing Plays
Referee
Sole responsibility for intentional grounding, however, can get assistance from covering official
Determine if passer crosses neutral zone
Continue to observe action behind neutral zone before leaving G G R

35. Passing Plays Umpire Watch for Illegal contact in free blocking zone
Move to line-of-scrimmage
Observe action of players in and just behind neutral zone
Assist Referee in determining if forward pass released beyond neutral zone G G U

36. Passing Plays Umpire Know if ball tipped at line-of-scrimmage
Pivot after pass crosses neutral zone and assist on determining catch or no catch G G U

37. Passing Plays Linesman & Line Judge LJ G 1 0 2 0 3 0
Watch initial action off line for defensive holding
Move downfield cautiously on passes to your side and be ready to adjust back for run
Be ready to rule on pass incomplete / complete and interference G G H

38. Passing Plays Linesman & Line Judge LJ G 1 0 2 0 3 0 R U G 1 0 2 0 3 0
If ball intercepted, observe action until ball is dead, covering official stop clock and signal first down, if inside defensive 5 yard line, be ready to rule on momentum
If incomplete pass in your area, sound whistle and signal
Be alert for illegal passes
Rule on touching or catching by ineligibles LJ G G R U H

39. Scrimmage Kick Referee G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G
Position 3-4 yards in front of kicker, 5-7 yards wide on Line Judge side
Be able to see ball and all backs
Watch for fouls behind neutral zone and roughing / running into kicker
Be alert for blocked kicks and recovery R

40. Scrimmage Kick Referee G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G
After ball crosses neutral zone, observe line play and move down field slowly
If necessary, determine if ball was touched beyond the neutral zone and by whom
Be ready to pick up runner on long run and continue with him to goal line R

41. Scrimmage Kick Referee LJ G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G
If ball kicked out of bounds in flight, assist the covering official with spot
In no foul, signal linesmen and line-to-gain equipment into position for next play
Make sure all officials ready prior to giving ready-for-play signal R H

42. Scrimmage Kick Umpire G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G
Position 4 to 7 yards deep, keeping ball in view
Check numbering exceptions
After snap, step toward neutral zone watching for possible roughing of snapper, then shift to blocking action U

43. Scrimmage Kick Umpire G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G
Determine if kick crosses neutral zone
Assist Referee with short or blocked kicks
Once kick crosses neutral zone, pivot and observe blocks downfield and players away from ball U

44. Scrimmage Kick Lineman G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G
Cover kicks to your side of field
If out of bounds in flight, move past were ball went out and walk forward until Referee spots you
Grounded kicks out of bounds, mark spot and observe action H

45. Scrimmage Kick Lineman G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G
Help Referee with short or blocked kicks and note spot of recovery
Bean bag spot of first touching and end of kick
Be ready for fair catch and blow whistle only after kick is secured H

46. Scrimmage Kick Lineman G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G
Routine kick, move downfield cautiously observer action in front of ball carrier
Move with runner to your sideline and follow until goal line
Only move line to gain equipment when sure no foul on play and signaled by Referee H

47. Scrimmage Kick Line Judge LJ G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G
Position 7 to 10 yards in front of deepest receiver and in position to cover sideline
Carry bean bag in hand
Be ready to rule on momentum inside 5 yard line
Observe initial action around receiver

48. Scrimmage Kick Line Judge LJ Drop Bean Bag to mark end of kick
Maintain responsibility of ball carrier on returns up the middle and to your side until released to other official
G G
G G

49. Scrimmage Kick Line Judge LJ
If out of bounds in flight, move past were ball went out and walk forward until Referee spots you
Grounded kicks out of bounds, mark spot and observe action
Returns to Linesman side, move slowly behind play observe all action
G G
G G

50. Scrimmage Kick Line Judge LJ G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G
If K first to touch, mark spot of first touching with bean bag
If fair catch is signaled, sound whistle after kick is complete, and mark spot
Be ready for muff

51. Field Goal and Try Attempts
Referee
Position 1 yard behind and 2 to 3 yards to side of kicker able to see kicker and holder
Rule on motion of backs
Be ready for fumble or fake
After kick, move behind kicker to Judge whether ball goes between uprights
If Try is blocked, sound whistle, Field Goal, ball is live G G R

52. Field Goal and Try Attempts
Umpire
Position 5 to 7 yards deep keeping ball in view and checking numbering exceptions
After snap, step toward neutral zone watching for roughing the snapper
After kick crosses neutral zone, pivot to line judge side and assist with coverage G G U

53. Field Goal and Try Attempts
Linesman
Position on line-of-scrimmage
Watch line play and for Roughing the Holder of Kicker G G H

54. Field Goal and Try Attempts
Line Judge
Position on line-of-scrimmage
Handle same as any goal line play
After snap, move towards end line and determine if ball clears cross bar
Sound whistle when ball crosses plane of end zone
If unsuccessful, signal no score
If field goal attempt, signal touchback LJ G G

55. Field Goal and Try Attempts
Referee
Outside 15 yards
Move to side vacated by line judge
Responsible for kicker and holder
Cover as scrimmage kick G G R

56. Field Goal and Try Attempts
Umpire and Linesman
Outside 15 yards
Cover same as scrimmage kick G G U H

57. Field Goal and Try Attempts
Line Judge Outside 15 yards
Position under uprights
Sound whistle when ball crosses plane of end zone and rule on kick
If successful signal score
If unsuccessful, signal no score and if field goal attempt, signal touchback
If field goal does not cross plane, move to sideline and handle as scrimmage kick G G LJ

58. Goal-Line Plays (Inside 10 yards)LJ
Referee
Same Coverage as Running and Passing Plays
Umpire
Move up to goal line, be ready to move to end line if necessary on pass
Linesman
Move to goal line and work back on play G G R U H

59. Goal-Line Plays (Inside 10 yards)LJ
All Officials
ONLY signal Touchdown if you see ball cross goal line (primary coverage is wing officials – U should communicate to make sure wing officials do not have play over in FOP!)
Do NOT mirror signal
Communicate on dual coverage areas G G R U H

60. Measurement Line Judge Linesman Umpire Referee
Align Linesman up with line and ball
Linesman
Walk chains out, place clip on line and hold
Umpire
After Linesman ready, pull chain
Referee
Hold ball and determine if ball across line-to-gain G G U LJ R H

61. 4 Person Football Mechanics
Presentation Prepared for the IHSA by:
Tim Kiefer
Edited by:
Octavio Herrera