Football Official

Football Official

Zebra

Somewhere in, NJ

Male, 62

I've officiated football for over 30 years, now in my 26th on the college level. I've worked NCAA playoffs at the Division II and III level. In addition, I've coached at the scholastic level and have been an educator for over 35 years. I have no interest whatsoever in being an NFL official! Ever!

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514 Questions

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Last Answer on January 23, 2021

Best Rated

When a running back uses a stiff arm to the facemask...Shouldn't it be a penalty?? I've notice that linemen get flagged for hands to the face quite often so what would the difference be between that and a stiff arm to the facemask?

Asked by Scott over 11 years ago

A RB stiff arming usually is pushing away the defender. It is not the upward stretching/straining motion that you're talking about with OLs. If a RB were to grab the facemask and twist or hold onto it, then you have a foul.

In the Alabama LSU game, in OT, the first play was a pass to the 1 yard line and a 15 yard penalty was called on Bama after whistle. The refs made it 1st and 10 from the 16. Is this right? Thought it should be 1st and goal from the 16.

Asked by Anthony over 11 years ago

You'd think that, wouldn't you? What happened here, though, is the "line to gain" had not been set; the chains weren't set yet. So under that circumstance (Rule 5-2-7) the penalty is enforced and then the chains are set. It reads: The penalty for any dead ball foul....that occurs after a series ends [they made the line to gain] and before the ball is ready for play shall be completed before the line to gain is established.

1st and 10 from the 16,

A1 go back to pass a2 throws a punch at b2 but misses b3 intercept the pass and takes it in for a touchdown

Asked by Everett almost 11 years ago

That's a TD for B. A2 gets disqualified for the swing - contact isn't necessary. Enforce penalty on the try.

Why are the pylons out-of bounds but is called TD if touched-look where they are.

Asked by pschamplin over 10 years ago

Why, in soccer, is the sideline inbounds? It's the definition. The pylons are not out of bounds; they are part of the goal line "extended". When the ball, while being carried, hits one, it is breaking the plane of the goal. Like wise, if the ball is carried outside the pylon but the player touches the pylon, it is a touchdown since the ball has crossed the goal line "extended".

A receiver is lined up in the line of scrimmage, before the snap, he crosses the line of scrimmage jogging about 5 yards,. QB doesn't snap the ball, the referee tells the player to reset, which he does, then QB snaps the ball.
Is this allowable?

Asked by Marc over 10 years ago

If he starts jogging downfield, you could consider it a delay of game foul. But that's sort of a stretch. Unless there's some exigent circumstance that I can't figure out, the receiver is creating a false start. That also assumes that the team is pretty much ready to snap the ball - he's on the wrong side of the ball. If a receiver is too far up, an official - the linesman or line judge - might tell him to "watch the ball" and let him correct himself. But the receiver doesn't seem too sharp.

While a quarterback is moving down the line giving an audible can the ball be direct snapped to the running back and suprising th defense

Asked by Rush5555 over 10 years ago

Yes. Within limits. He cannot be moving forward at the time of the snap. Everyone must have come to a complete stop before he starts to move sideways. But, the basic answer is, yes.

1.What is the most important piece of equipment you use as a referee?

Asked by Jack about 10 years ago

Odd question. Most of our equipment is simply clothing. Good shoes help. But the most important thing you take onto the field is your brain.