11. LINESMAN AND LINE JUDGE (CREW OF 4/5/6C)

1. Your progression on a pass play is: (phase A) your key player; (phase B) your zone; (phase C) the destination of the pass. See also Chapter 16. §

2. Remain on the line of scrimmage to be able to see all action on your side of the field, and to reduce the possibility that a run or pass leaves you ahead of the ball. Remain there until you are confident a pass is being thrown that will definitely cross the neutral zone, then move downfield (typically sidestepping for a short pass; if necessary turning to sprint for a long pass) to get into position to observe the likely destination of the pass, but without getting ahead of the intended receiver.

3. Only watch your key player during the initial action after the snap when there is a threat of illegal contact between receiver and defender. Switch to zone coverage as soon as that threat no longer exists. ×

4. If a potential Team A receiver voluntarily goes out of bounds in your area, drop your bean bag or hat to indicate this, and observe them to see whether they touch a forward pass while still ineligible.

5. Once you are aware that the pass has been thrown, move into position to best be able to rule on whether the pass is complete or incomplete, and whether there is interference. While the ball is in flight, watch opposing players who are contesting for the ball, not the ball itself. Be alert to both offensive and defensive pass interference.

6. If the player who attempts to catch the ball has their back to you, before making the call look for help from any official in a better position than you.

7. If the receiver is driven back, be prepared to give them their forward progress. This is especially the case when the receiver is near a sideline, and you may need to use cross-field mechanics. If the receiver is on your side of the field, the other wing official may have the best forward progress. Take your spot from them. If the receiver is on the other side of the field, you may have the best spot. Offer a spot to your colleague.

8. If you are not the nearest official, don't just watch the receiver, but particularly watch for defenders slightly away from the ball who come in and target the receiver with the crown of their helmet or above the shoulders. This is often missed by the nearest official.

9. If the pass is overthrown, bounces off a player or is otherwise uncatchable, continue to watch the player(s) for personal fouls (hitting a defenseless receiver). Do not ball-watch.

10. Blow your whistle if you see the ball become dead in your area.

11. If the pass is thrown to the opposite side of the field from you, your first responsibility is to clean up action on your side of the field and in the middle of the field. However if you are 100% sure of what you see over there, you may assist with rulings on complete/incomplete, pass interference, illegal helmet contact and forward progress.

12. When ruling on pass receptions involving the sideline, give only one signal. Give the incomplete pass signal [S10] if the pass is ruled incomplete. Give the timeout signal [S3] if the pass is ruled complete and the ball carrier goes out of bounds thereafter (Mechanic 5.9) or the ball is dead at or beyond the line to gain. § Give the start the clock signal [S2] if the pass is complete and the ball carrier is declared down inbounds short of the line to gain. § Whichever signal is used, it should be given two or three times to maximise the chances of other officials seeing it.

13. When contact that would have been pass interference occurs on a pass that is uncatchable, give the uncatchable pass signal [S17].

14. After an incompletion, obtain a ball from the ball person and form a relay to return the ball to the Spotter (Mechanic 5.8).

15. If there is a run after the catch, respond as you would on a running play (above).

16. Maintain a position where you can see player activity in fringe areas, particularly on wide-open plays.

11.4.c – Advanced techniques

1. When an airborne player attempts to catch a pass near the sideline or end line, watch their feet first to see whether they come down in bounds. If they do, then look to their hands to see whether they have control of the ball. If you look at their hands first, you may miss the instant when their foot touches the ground (Mechanic 5.17.8).

2. Always be prepared to come back to rule on play near the neutral zone in addition to sideline action. If the potential passer decides to run with the ball, you must cover them (from a downfield position if necessary) once they are beyond the neutral zone.

3. If the pass is incomplete in your area:

1. If there is no eligible receiver in the area, and/or the pass clearly does not reach the neutral zone, move quickly towards the Referee to inform them of this. If the ball crossed the neutral zone, give signal [Sup42] by pointing to the ground beyond the neutral zone. If the ball did not cross the neutral zone, move towards the Referee while pointing to the ground behind the neutral zone. §
2. If there is a receiver in the area, and you believe the Referee may not be aware of that fact, move towards the Referee while pointing towards the eligible receiver. Calling out "Number 34 was in the area of the pass" (for example) is also permissible.
3. [USING CREW RADIO] Transmitting this information is also an option @.
4. If you observe the pass being tipped, give the ball touched signal [S11]. The signal should normally be used on passes tipped in the offensive backfield, but inconspicuous (to the spectators) touching downfield could be signified in this way too. It is not necessary to give it when the pass is obviously touched (e.g. when a defensive lineman bats it into the ground). ×

5. If the play ends near to the line to gain, you must come in all the way and place a ball at the exact dead-ball spot.

11.5 – Goal line plays

11.5.a – Priorities

Same priorities as on other scrimmage plays, plus:

1. [AT TEAM B'S GOAL LINE] Ruling whether a touchdown is scored or not.

2. [AT TEAM A'S GOAL LINE] Ruling whether a safety is scored or not.

3. Observing players' celebrations after a score.

11.5.b – Initial positioning

1. Take normal scrimmage down position, but very wide so that you will not be trapped by a quick wide play. (See also 13.2.d.2.)

2. You have primary responsibility for Team B's goal line if the ball is snapped from on or inside Team B's 7-yard line.

3. You have primary responsibility for Team A's goal line if the ball is snapped from on or inside Team A's 5-yard line.

11.5.c – Response to what happens (movement and signals)

1. If you have responsibility for either team's goal line, immediately after the snap, move directly towards it to rule on the score or an accurate forward progress.

[AT TEAM B'S GOAL LINE]

2. On a running play, you must be at the goal line before the ball carrier to rule on whether the ball penetrates the plane. Do not move towards Team A's backfield to let players pass you.

3. If you see the ball carrier is stopped short of the goal line, blow your whistle, come in and sell the dead-ball spot. If appropriate, call out "short" to tell your colleagues of that.

4. On a pass play, move immediately to the goal line then respond to the play. If the pass is thrown short of the goal line, remain on the line to rule on penetration of the plane. If the pass is thrown into the end zone, move to the best position to rule on the end of the pass. If the ball is thrown to the back of the end zone, be prepared also to rule on plays near the end line.

5. Indicate a score by blowing your whistle and giving the touchdown signal [S5] only when you clearly see the ball break the plane of the goal line in player possession or if you see a pass completed in the end zone.

[AT TEAM A'S GOAL LINE]

6. [SNAP FROM ON OR INSIDE TEAM A'S FIVE-YARD LINE] Be prepared to move back to the goal line to rule on a possible safety.

7. Indicate a safety by blowing your whistle and giving the safety signal [S6] only when you clearly see the ball carrier down or out of bounds behind the goal line.

[AT EITHER GOAL LINE]

8. If a pile-up forms at the goal line, come into the field of play until you can see the ball. If you are the nearest official, you may need to dig for it. Check with other officials that they did not see the ball carrier down (or fumble the ball) before they reached the goal line.

9. If you have goal line responsibility and it is necessary to move out of the players' way as they come towards you, move wider without leaving the goal line.

10. Do not give a score signal if you have thrown a penalty flag for a foul by the scoring team. Do not blow your whistle or give any signal if you are not sure about the outcome of the play.

11. If you have goal line responsibility, straddle the goal line - don't run after the player into the end zone unless there is a threat of trouble by or against them, but do turn to keep your eyes on them to observe late hits or unsportsmanlike conduct.

12. If another official has sideline responsibility, do not signal touchdown until you have confirmed with them that the ball carrier was not out of bounds.

13. Maintain the touchdown or safety signal until you know the Referee has seen it, but keep your eyes on the players - don't look to the Referee until all action has ceased. Don't run and signal at the same time. You should not echo the signals of other officials unless the Referee cannot see their signal.

14. It is especially important on goal line plays that all covering officials indicate the same point of forward progress. Communicate if in doubt. Signal only if sure.

11.5.d – Advanced techniques

1. [IN xx1 FORMATION (CREW OF 5/6C)] [LINE JUDGE] Inform the Back Judge of the number of the yard line that is the line of scrimmage. Communicate (preferably verbally) as to who has the responsibility for the goal line. In noisy situations, point at the line you have responsibility for. §

2. In 3rd and 4th down short yardage situations, treat the line to gain as you would the goal line.

3. If the line to gain is near the goal line, your first priority is the goal line. If necessary come back from the goal line to the line to gain once it is clear that the ball carrier is unlikely to score. Usually, if the ball carrier only looks like getting as far as the line to gain, then that is the place to be. If the ball carrier is running free and looking able to get near the goal line, that is the place to be.

4. [SNAP FROM OUTSIDE TEAM A'S 5-YARD LINE] Decide whether to go back to Team A's goal line or not based on whether the play is to your side of the field and how likely it is that the ball becomes dead near the goal line. (There is little point in going back if there is a low risk of a Team A player being tackled for a safety.)

11.6 – Returns

11.6.a – Priorities

1. Observing the ball carrier and action around them while you are the nearest official.

2. Marking the forward progress or out of bounds spot if the ball becomes dead on your side of the field. If the ball goes to the other side of the field, backing up your colleague on the other side of the field by either estimating the dead-ball spot or mirroring their spot.

3. Observing any fumble where you are the nearest official or have the best view, and marking the spot with a bean bag. ×

4. Observing blocks by players in your area of responsibility ahead of and around the ball carrier, particularly:

1. illegal block in the back and holding fouls at the point of attack
2. illegal block below the waist fouls anywhere
3. safety-related fouls such as face masking, tripping, chop blocks or illegal blind-side blocks
4. assisting the runner §
5. contacting an opponent with the crown of the helmet or targeting a defenseless opponent above the shoulders
6. late hits by any player after the ball is dead
5. Observing any hand-off or pass where you are the nearest official or have the best view, and marking the spot with a bean bag.

6. Observing any illegal forward pass or forward handing, especially if you have a view that is level or nearly level with the ball carrier.

11.6.b – Response to what happens (movement and signals)

1. Keep out of the players' way.

2. Move towards Team A's goal line following the play.

3. Observe the ball carrier while they remain in your area of responsibility. Stay wide enough to be able to retreat outside the sideline ahead of the players. Never turn your back on the ball.

4. Assist the Referee on Team A's goal line and (if necessary) end line. § You have sideline responsibility to the goal line and end line. §

5. If you are watching a block develop, stay with it before switching to the ball carrier or another block. Even if you expect another official to take responsibility for it, stay with the block until you are confident it is legal.

6. If the ball becomes dead in your area of responsibility, blow your whistle, give the timeout signal [S3], and then signal first down [S8] to show which team is in possession. Hold the signal until you know the Referee has seen it.

11.7 – Punts

11.7.a – Priorities

Before and during the kick, applying the same priorities as on basic scrimmage plays (above), plus:

1. [LINESMAN] Ruling whether the kick crosses the neutral zone by knowing if it touches the ground, a player or official beyond the neutral zone.

2. Marking the end of the kick (if inbounds) with a bean bag.

3. Marking the dead-ball spot for any kick that goes out of bounds on your side of the field, however deep.

4. Ruling whether players touched the ball or not.

5. Observing any fair catch signals by players in your area.

6. Observing kick-catch interference against a player in position to catch the kick, if the kick comes down in your area.

7. If the kick does not come down in your area, observing players who have not committed kick-catch interference because they were blocked by an opponent into the returner.

8. Marking all spots of illegal touching with a bean bag.

9. Ruling whether a momentum exception applies or not near the goal line.

10. Observing fouls by all players generally in your area, but particularly:

1. illegal blocks below the waist, especially by players on your side of the field and [LINESMAN] the up back
2. during the kick, illegal block in the back and holding fouls against Team A players trying to get down the field
3. a Team A player returning inbounds after voluntarily going out of bounds during the down (drop your bean bag or hat to mark their exit, and your flag if they return)
4. kick catch interference when the kicked ball will land in your area §
5. illegal blocks made by players who have signalled for a fair catch
6. contacting an opponent with the crown of the helmet or targeting a defenseless opponent above the shoulders
7. safety-related fouls such as face masking, tripping, chop blocks or illegal blind-side blocks
8. unnecessary roughness fouls away from the ball
9. late hits by any player after the ball is dead
11. Noting the numbers of players in eligible receiver positions on your side of the formation, and observing whether anyone else is the first to touch the ball or is ineligibly downfield if the play develops into a pass play.

12. Responding to bad snaps or blocked kicks by adopting run, pass or return priorities, as appropriate. ×

During a punt return, applying the same priorities as on returns (above).

11.7.b – Initial positioning

1. [IN xx1 FORMATION (CREW OF 5/6C)] Take normal scrimmage down position.

2. [IN xx0 FORMATION (CREW OF 4)] [LINESMAN] Take normal scrimmage down position.

3. [IN xx0 FORMATION (CREW OF 4)] [LINE JUDGE]

1. Adopt the "Judge off" mechanic (211 formation). Be behind and to the side of the deepest returner. Behind so that you can look through them and see the ball kicked. To the side so that you are out of their way, but still close enough to observe whether they touch the ball or not, or whether any opponent interferes with their opportunity to catch the kick. Remain between the returner and your sideline. About 10 yards away from the returner is an appropriate lateral position, unless you are at or near the goal line, in which case be at your goal line pylon.
2. If there is more than one returner deep, take position between your sideline and the nearer of them, keeping well outside the nearest returner until it is clear that returner will not handle the ball.
3. Be prepared to adjust your position according to the strength and direction of the wind, and the ability of the kicker. Move closer to the sideline where the wind is likely to carry the kicked ball.
4. Have a bean bag readily available and a second one to hand.
4. [IN xx0 FORMATION (CREW OF 4)] The Line Judge is responsible for all deep returners.

5. [IN xx1 FORMATION (CREW OF 5/6C)] The Back Judge will have responsibility for the end of the kick, unless it ends very close to a sideline, in which case it is the responsibility of the nearest sideline official.

11.7.c – Response to what happens (movement and signals)

1. When the ball is kicked, observe its initial trajectory, but do not watch the flight of the ball. Observe players in your area of responsibility (defined by the diagrams in section 26.4) - their eyes will tell you where the ball is going. However, if the returner moves as a decoy, do not follow them - observe the area where the ball will come down.

2. [LINESMAN] Stay on the line of scrimmage until the ball crosses the line, then move downfield after the players until you are approximately 15-20 yards ahead of the return. Stay wide and turn to follow the returner as they pass you.

3. [IN xx1 FORMATION (CREW OF 5/6C)] [LINE JUDGE] After the ball is kicked move downfield after the players until you are approximately 15-20 yards ahead of the return. Stay wide and turn to follow the returner as they pass you.

4. Be prepared to assist with coverage of any kick that is short, particularly to your side of the field. Mark the spot of any kick that goes out of bounds on your side however deep .

5. If the kick goes to the opposite side of the field, drift downfield observing all action, especially away from the ball. Be alert for the ball carrier returning to your side of the field and take responsibility for them if they enter your area.

6. When it appears obvious that the kicked ball will not land in your area:

1. Maintain a position where you can cover action in front of and around the returner. If you are the nearest official other than the official covering the punt returner, move to where you can observe players blocking in the vicinity of any returner who is in position to catch the kick. In particular, observe those blocked by an opponent into interfering and therefore immune to penalty (Rule 6-4-1-d).
2. If a player in your area signals for a fair catch, watch that they do not block before they touch the ball (Rule 6-5-4).
3. Do not hesitate to call a foul if you clearly see one occur in the area where you are the cleanup official even though you may be a considerable distance away from the action. Communicate with your colleagues to find out their view of the action.
7. When it appears obvious that the kicked ball will land in your area:

1. Unless you are responsible for the deepest returner, give a punch signal [Sup28] to your colleagues to indicate that you are assuming responsibility for the kick and the nearest returner.
2. Move into position wide of (at least 10 yards unless they are near the sideline) and behind the returner aiming to be at a 45 degree angle to rule on the validity of the catch.
3. If the kick is first muffed (but not possessed) by a member of Team B beyond the neutral zone, you may give the ball touched signal [S11] to signify that Team A is now eligible to touch it.
4. Use bean bags to mark any spots of illegal touching and/or the spot where the kick ends. Only one official, the Coverer in each case, should mark each spot and give each signal. If you have more spots than bean bags, prioritise the spot most advantageous to Team B.
5. If the ball becomes dead because it is caught or recovered by Team B after a fair catch signal, or caught or recovered by Team A after being touched by Team B, § blow your whistle and give the timeout signal [S3]. Give the first down signal [S8] in the appropriate direction. §
6. If the ball is not caught and goes deeper than the returner, follow the ball and be prepared to rule on its status. Stay far enough away from it that there is no danger of it touching you.
7. If the ball approaches the goal line, be on the goal line to rule on whether it enters the end zone. Other officials will cover the players.
8. If the ball does enter the end zone (untouched by Team B beyond the neutral zone) and touches the ground or is downed by Team B in the end zone, blow your whistle and signal touchback [S7], repeating the signal until you know the Referee has seen it.
9. If the kick is recovered by Team A without it being touched by Team B, § blow your whistle, signal timeout [S3] and give the illegal touching signal [S16] and the first down signal [S8]. Momentary touching of the ball by a player of the kicking team should not be interpreted as control of the ball.
10. If the kick goes out of bounds in your area, blow your whistle and signal timeout [S3] immediately.
1. If the ball touches anything (e.g. the ground or a player) in bounds and then goes out of bounds, move directly to the spot where you judge the ball crossed the sideline.
2. If the ball goes out of bounds in flight, the Referee or Centre Judge may be able to assist by directing you to the spot. Look back to the Referee or Centre Judge to see if either can help. If either can, signal [Sup16] and respond to the instructions they give you using signals [Sup17, Sup18 & Sup19] to direct you to the crossing point. If they can't, move directly to the spot where your best judgement tells you the ball crossed the sideline.
3. Hold the spot, but do not place a ball at it unless a spare is at hand.
11. If the ball rolls to a stop in your area, ensure no player is attempting to recover it before blowing your whistle and signalling timeout [S3].

During the punt return, respond as in the section "Returns" (above).

11.7.d – Advanced techniques

1. If Team B does not line up in a punt return formation (i.e. no deep returner), adopt your normal scrimmage down position. This is justified because if Team A does kick the ball deep, there will be no players there for you to have to cover. If the ball is kicked deep, adjust your position accordingly, but only the nearest official to the ball should need to observe it. The other officials should observe the players.

2. Be alert for cases where the kick is blocked or where there is a bad snap. This also applies if Team A switches to a run or pass formation.

1. If the play turns into a run or pass, respond as you would do normally for that type of play.
2. Cover the goal line and end line as appropriate.
3. Be aware of the jersey numbers of the eligible receivers.
4. [IN 2xx FORMATION (NO C)] While a kick is loose in the backfield, assist the Referee by observing actions against the kicker, especially when the ball is on the opposite side of the field.
5. [IN xx1 FORMATION (CREW OF 5/6C)] If the kick is blocked or the snap is loose in the backfield, hold your position on the line of scrimmage until you can read the play. If the play is to your side of the field, move into Team A's backfield to assist the Referee and to reach a place for your own safety. If the play isn't to your side of the field, stay on the line of scrimmage at least until it becomes extremely unlikely that a kick will cross it.

11.8 – Field goal & try attempts

11.8.a – Priorities

Before and during the kick, applying the same priorities as on basic scrimmage plays (above), plus:

1. [IN 2x0/2x1 FORMATION (CREW OF 4/5)] [LINE JUDGE] Ruling the success or failure of the field goal attempt. [IN 2x1 FORMATION (CREW OF 5)] You share this responsibility with the Back Judge.

2. [LINESMAN] Ruling whether the kick crossed the neutral zone, by knowing if it touches the ground, a player or official beyond the neutral zone.

3. Observing fouls by all players generally in your area, but particularly:

1. illegal block in the back and holding fouls by linemen and backs protecting the kicker and holder, especially the end and/or wing back on your side
2. illegal blocks below the waist
3. contacting an opponent with the crown of the helmet or targeting a defenseless opponent above the shoulders
4. safety-related fouls such as face masking, tripping, chop blocks or illegal blind-side blocks
5. unnecessary roughness fouls away from the ball
6. late hits by any player after the ball is dead
7. illegal formation
8. [LINESMAN] false start or offside by players on the Line Judge's side of the formation in addition to your own
4. Noting the numbers of players in eligible receiver positions on your side of the formation, and observing whether anyone else is the first to touch the ball or is ineligibly downfield if the play develops into a pass play.

5. Responding to bad snaps or blocked kicks by adopting run, pass or return priorities, as appropriate.

If the kick is returned, applying the same priorities as on returns (above).

11.8.b – Initial positioning

[LINESMAN]

1. Be in normal scrimmage down position.

2. On a try down, set the down box on the three-yard line showing down 1, and instruct the chain crew to lay the chain on the ground outside the limit lines at around the 20-yard line, and to stand well back.

[LINE JUDGE]

3. [IN xx0 FORMATION (CREW OF 4)] Adopt the "Judge off" mechanic (211 formation). Be in position 3-5 yards behind the goal posts, in a position where you can comfortably see both goal posts without straining your neck. You have responsibility for ruling whether or not the ball passes above the crossbar and between both uprights.

4. [IN 2x1 FORMATION (CREW OF 5)] Be in position one yard behind your goal post (the one nearest the press-box side of the field). You are responsible for ruling whether the ball passes inside your upright. The Back Judge has responsibility for the other upright and whether or not the ball passes above the crossbar.

5. [IN 3x1 FORMATION (CREW OF 6C)] Be in normal scrimmage down position.

11.8.c – Response to what happens (movement and signals)

1. [LINE JUDGE WHEN BEHIND GOAL POSTS]

1. Observe the ball from kick to when it becomes obvious whether the attempt will be successful or not.
2. If you consider the kick to be successful, communicate ("good", nod) with your colleague (if you have one) behind the posts and together come out between the uprights (approximately one yard into the end zone) giving the score signal [S5] as you come to a stop.
3. If you consider the kick to have failed, give the no score signal [S10]. If the kick is wide to your side, you may also give the kick wide signal [Sup15]. Do not signal a touchback.
4. Hold either signal for at least five seconds and until you know the Referee has seen it.
5. [IN xx0 FORMATION (CREW OF 4)] Blow your whistle when the result of the kick is obvious. There is no need to wait until the ball touches the ground (or something else) provided it is clear what the result of the kick is/will be.
6. If the kick is short or blocked and the ball is possessed by Team B, move into position to officiate the kick play as a punt.
2. [LINESMAN] and [LINE JUDGE WHEN NOT BEHIND GOAL POSTS] After the kick, jog in towards the pile of players in the middle of the field. This will force you to keep your eyes on the players and discourage you from looking to see if the kick is good or not. If trouble occurs, you will be in a better position to assist the Umpire in dealing with it.

11.8.d – Advanced techniques

1. [IN 2x1 FORMATION (CREW OF 5)] On long field goal attempts (i.e. if the ball is snapped from outside Team B's 20-yard line), it is permissible for only the Back Judge to go behind the goal posts and for the Line Judge to initially be in their normal position on the line of scrimmage. This is known as the "One Judge" mechanic. The Line Judge must clearly communicate to all other members of the crew their intention in this situation. ×

2. Be alert for blocked kicks and their recovery and advance. On fake kicks switch to normal run or pass coverage.

1. If the play turns into a run or pass, respond as you would do normally for that type of play, bearing in mind that other officials may not respond as quickly as you. § Be particularly alert to cover the goal line if necessary.
2. Cover the goal line and end line as appropriate.
3. [LINE JUDGE WHEN BEHIND POSTS] First, move quickly along the end line to the corner pylon to be in a position to rule on the sideline. Continue to observe the action as you do so, especially that by or against your receivers in your half of the field. Then move towards the goal line to assist with rulings there. Do not cut diagonally across the end zone. You have primary responsibility (with the Referee's assistance) for your sideline in the end zone.
4. Be aware of the jersey numbers of the eligible receivers.
5. [LINESMAN]
1. While a kick is loose in the backfield, assist the Referee by observing actions against the kicker and holder. The Referee will have switched their responsibilities to watching the ball.
2. If the kick is blocked or the ball is loose in the backfield, hold your position on the line of scrimmage until you can read the play. Stay on the line of scrimmage at least until it becomes extremely unlikely that a kick will cross it. Only then should you move into Team A's backfield to assist the Referee. If the play is to your side of the field, be prepared to move for your own safety.
3. [LINE JUDGE] On a try down, instruct the alternate line-to-gain marker operator (if you have them) to lay their equipment on the ground and to stand well back.

11.9 – After each down

11.9.a – Priorities

1. Observing dead-ball action by players of both teams.

2. Encouraging the players to unpile safely, and either return the ball to an official or leave it near the dead-ball spot, as appropriate.

3. Checking whether the line to gain has been reached or is close, and signalling appropriately.

4. Checking whether any penalty flags have been thrown, and, if so:

1. Giving the timeout signal [S3].
2. Reporting any fouls you have called to the Referee and Umpire.
3. Covering penalty flags (and bean bags, if appropriate) thrown by colleagues.
4. Ensuring that all penalties are enforced correctly.
5. Keeping the Head Coach on your sideline informed of penalties, particularly against their team.
5. Checking for injured players or other occurrences that may delay play.

6. [LINE JUDGE] Stopping and starting the clock when necessary.

7. Allowing legitimate requests for timeouts. Checking that a request coming from the coaching box or team area was made by the Head Coach.

8. Echoing all timeout signals [S3] of your colleagues.

9. Knowing whether the play ended inbounds, and informing the Referee that the clock (if stopped) should start on the ready by giving them the clock running signal [Sup12].

10. Assisting in relaying the dead ball or a new ball to the succeeding spot.

11.9.b – Initial positioning

1. Shortly after the end of the previous down, you should be in a position level with the succeeding spot.

11.9.c – Response to what happens (movement and signals)

1. If you are the Coverer, check whether the line to gain has been reached. [LINE JUDGE] You should normally be in a particularly good position to rule on this. If you do this consistently, the Linesman will not need to turn to look at the chains to know whether the line to gain has been reached.

1. If it has, give the timeout signal [S3]. After all action has ceased, signal first down [S8 or Sup35] . Hold the signal until you know the Referee is aware of it.
2. If you are not sure whether the line to gain has been reached or not, signal timeout [S3] and yell "close". Encourage the Referee to come and look for themself.
3. Only place a ball on the ground at the actual dead-ball spot - never at a spot level with it.
4. If the play ended inbounds, inform the Referee that the clock should start on the ready by giving them the clock running signal [Sup12].
2. × If you are the Coverer, signal that the ball is dead. This will be using the dead-ball signal [S7] unless the timeout signal [S3], touchdown/field-goal signal [S5], safety signal [S6], wind the clock signal [S2] or incomplete pass/unsuccessful field-goal signal [S10] is appropriate instead. Give only one signal.

3. If a penalty flag has been thrown, follow the procedure in chapter 19. If a team or injury timeout has been called, follow the procedure in chapter 17. If a period has ended, follow the procedure in chapter 20.

Moving the down box and chains:

4. [LINESMAN]

1. When certain that there has been no foul on the previous play (and that there is no other reason to wait), instruct the down marker to be moved to the new position, and check that the correct down number is displayed.
2. When a first down is achieved, and a new line to gain is to be established, first instruct the down marker to be moved to the new position on the sideline. The chain crew should then be instructed to move quickly to their new positions.
3. Anticipate any call for a measurement and be ready to bring in the chains when signalled by Referee.
5. [LINE JUDGE]

1. Anticipate any call for a measurement and be ready to come in to mark the spot for the clip when signalled by the Referee.

Relaying the ball:

6. If you have the ball, but another official has the dead-ball spot and it is close to the line to gain, hand the ball to that official and allow them to spot it at the precise location (yard line and lateral position) where the ball became dead.

7. Unless you are the Coverer, assist in relaying a ball to the official who will place it at the succeeding spot (Mechanic 5.8).

8. If a ball has been placed at the dead-ball spot in a side zone, and another ball is being relayed in to the succeeding spot, do not move the ball at the dead-ball spot until the replacement ball has been positioned at the correct location on the inbounds line.

Getting ready for the next down:

9. Check that there is nothing untoward going on outside your sideline or in your team area, but don't allow this duty to detract from your primary responsibilities within the field of play.

10. Verbally or visually (using signals [Sup11] or [Sup12]) inform the Referee of the correct down and clock status (if you are the Coverer), and check that the Referee indicates it correctly. Inform them immediately if an incorrect signal is given. Be aware of the new distance to the line to gain.

11. [LINE JUDGE] Remind the Referee of the clock status and, if stopped, remind them whether it should start on the snap or on the ready.

1. If the clock has stopped for a foul, injury or helmet coming off and there is less than one minute in the half, make sure the Referee knows that there is a possible 10-second runoff.
2. Be prepared for a ruling by the Referee on when the clock should start in unfair clock tactics situations.
3. Start the clock when the Referee gives (or should give) the start the clock signal [S2], unless you are sure that by rule the clock should start on the snap, or the ball is obviously not ready for play (e.g. because ball, chains, down box or officials are not in position). § Do not echo the Referee's signal, but use the clock-on-ready signal [Sup12] if necessary to confirm that the clock has started.
4. If the game clock should start on the snap, start it when you see the ball legally snapped. There is no need to give a signal to confirm this.
12. If there are stadium game clocks, check to see that they have stopped and started correctly.

13. If substitutions are made from your side of the field, check that Team A players fulfil the nine-yard mark requirements (Rule 7-1-3-b).

14. Move into position for the next down. If the ball is ready for play (or will be imminently), backpedal to keep your eyes on the ball. Do not take your eyes off it for long in case the play starts while you are not looking.

11.9.d – Advanced techniques

1. The priority at the end of a play is to get into position ready for the next one. Only if a serious incident occurs (such as a foul or misconduct, an injury, or a breakage of the chain) should your routine be interrupted.

2. If Team A makes substitutions while the snapper is at, near or moving towards their position at the line of scrimmage:

1. Any official should be prepared to step in and shut down a play that violates the substitution rule.
2. Give the matching substitutes signal [Sup36] to the Referee and shout "subs on".
3. Hold the signal until the Referee has taken control of the process.
3. If you want to speak to a player on the field (e.g. to warn them that they are close to fouling), it often saves time to relay the message via the Referee or Centre Judge § (for a Team A player) or the Umpire or Back Judge (for a Team B player). Don't delay the game unnecessarily by entering either team's huddle, unless a timeout is still in progress. Never attempt to speak to a player during a hurry-up or no-huddle offense. §

4. Maintain your concentration, and think about the next play.

5. [LINE JUDGE WHEN THERE IS AN ALTERNATE CREW]

1. When the ball is declared ready for play for the next down, instruct the alternate down box operator to move their box to the new position.
2. When a new line to gain is established and the chain is set, instruct the alternate line-to-gain marker operator to move it to the new position.
6. [LINESMAN] Don't spend so much time interacting with the chain crew that you disregard your other duties watching players and communicating with colleagues.

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Editor: Jim Briggs, Editor, IAFOA Manual of Football Officiating
jim.briggs@acm.org

Generated: 5/3/2023, 1800