1. Forward Passes
Basic Coverage

2. Referee
Observe legality of blocks in backfield and by your line key until QB is threatened.
Observe legality of pass and action by and against the passer.
Verbally alert defenders when pass has been released. (Ball’s away)
Continue to observe passer until no longer threat of foul.
Determine forward/backward pass with help of wing
R is solely responsible for RPS & ING (may get help from wings)

3. Umpire Check legality of numbers of interior linemen.
Observe actions of players on and directly behind NZ (HIPI fouls).
Observe OL for potential IDP.
Pivot on low trajectory and short passes over middle to assist with catch/no catch.
Signal legal touching (tip) when appropriate.

4. Wings Observe action by and on eligible receivers (keys).
Rule of forward/backward of quick passes. Covering official signals if backward (arm extended horizontally toward passer’s GL)
Move downfield 5-7 yards.
When pass in flight, move to best position to judge the play.
Be prepared for cross-field mechanics when receiver on opposite side is driven backward after catch.
Be prepared to come back to NZ if necessary.
Entire sideline is your responsibility (Catch; Runner OB)

5. Back Judge Observe action on and by keys as they leave LOS.
Cover plays from behind deepest receivers.
Transition to Zone Coverage after receivers are free from threat at LOS
Bracket receivers between yourself and the appropriate wing.
Observe contact between receiver and defensive player: Earn your $$ DH
DPI
OPI

6. Determining Keys
Receivers are numbered from each sideline. Widest is #1; next is #2; etc. If receivers are stacked, closest to LOS is lower number.
In general, H & L will have #1; B will have #2. If only 1 receiver to each side, B will have #1 to L’s side and L will observe backs coming out of backfield.
TWINS: H & L will have #1 to their side; B will have #2 to L’s side (primary) and then the receiver from H’s side that enters middle zone (secondary).
TRIPS: H & L will have #1 to their side; B will have #3. The #2 receiver is assigned based on to whom he is closer. Closer to #1 → H or L; Closer to #3 → B
QUADS: Wing & Back Judge take 2 receivers closest to them; Watch for Press Coverage; Switch to “Areas of Responsibility” quickly.
MOTION: May or may not affect keys; “Snapshot” of positions at the snap will determine keys.

7. Balanced Formation (1 Receiver Each Side)
Strength declared to L’s side
H has #1 receiver on H’s side
B has receiver on L’s side
L has backs leaving backfield

8. Strength to H’s Side H has #1 receiver on H’s side
H B L
H has #1 receiver on H’s side
B has #2 receiver on H’s side
L has #1 receiver on L’s side
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9. Strength to L’s Side L has #1 receiver to L’s side.B L
L has #1 receiver to L’s side.
B has #2 receiver to L’s side
H has #1 receiver on H’s side

10. Twins (2 Receivers to Each Side)
H B L
Strength declared to L’s side
H has #1 receiver to H’s side
L has #1 receiver to L’s side
B’s primary key is #2 receiver to L’s side.
B’s secondary key is receiver (#1 or #2) entering middle zone from H’s side.

11. Trips (3 Receivers to One Side)H B L
H has #1 receiver to H’s side
L has #1 receiver to L’s side
B has #3 receiver
#2 receiver assigned by to whom he is closer - #1 or #3
Be prepared to go to Zone coverage quickly

12. Quads (4 Receivers to One Side)
H B L
H has #1 receiver to H’s side
L has two receivers closest to L (#1 & #2) Watch Press Coverage
B has two receivers closest to B (#3 & #4)
Switch to “Areas of Responsibility” quickly. (Man – Zone – Ball)