O ffensive players are prohibited from committing a false start before the snap. There are two movements that are illegal for all team A players: simulating action at the snap or intending to cause the defense to encroach. Furthermore, interior linemen (under NCAA rules, restricted linemen) are prohibited from moving a hand or making any […]
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Laypeople may think there isn’t a big difference between spots, lines and planes, but officials need a clear understanding of those geometry terms. Very briefly, a spot is a specific point on the field. A line is a long narrow band of closely spaced spots (points) and a plane is a series of lines parallel to another and stacked to an infinite height. A
Philosophies, rules and mechanics have increasingly stressed the need to officiate through the passer — in other words, pay particular attention to contact on that player. That is because he’s often in a vulnerable position with little or no opportunity to protect himself from forcible contact. Although the quarterback may not be the passer, he
Some eyebrows were raised when Boise State was selected for the 2007 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. The Broncos were a perfect 12-0 during the 2006 season, but some questioned the caliber of the schedule they played in the Western Athletic Conference. Their opponent would be Oklahoma, which came into the matchup with an 11-2 mark after winning the Big 12 Championship Game. Bill LeMonnier headed the Big Ten officiating crew that
Back in the day there were two commonly accepted officiating axioms: Don’t pick up a flag once it’s put down and don’t put one down late. The idea was that either will make us look uncertain, which can be a kiss of death. There was, frankly, also a macho aspect to the first one: I own my position and my calls, and I don’t
Back in the day there were two commonly accepted officiating axioms: Don’t pick up a flag once it’s put down and don’t put one down late. The idea was that either will make us look uncertain, which can be a kiss of death. There was, frankly, also a macho aspect to the first one: I own my position and my calls, and I don’t
Several years ago rulemakers began putting “when in question” guidelines in the rulebook. They say that in certain cases, if a ruling could go either way, it should go as specified. There’s a sound rationale for them and they’re in accord with the advantage-disadvantage philosophy of officiating. Better to do that than to just fly by the seat of your pants when you face those situations.
Several years ago rulemakers began putting “when in question” guidelines in the rulebook. They say that in certain cases, if a ruling could go either way, it should go as specified. There’s a sound rationale for them and they’re in accord with the advantage-disadvantage philosophy of officiating. Better to do that than to just fly by the seat of your pants when you face those situations.
One of the attributes that separates the best referees from their good counterparts is the ability to manage a game. Good game management includes dealing with unusual situations as well as the routine. It may mean doing things not directly addressed in the rulebook and, on occasion, it could include an act contradicting the rules.