Minor Change in Rule Regarding Muffing Ball Into R. Muff an

1
2004 Football Meeting8/25/04

• Rules Mechanics Changes and Related Items
• We will cover the major changes up to you to
  review them all
• Coach Calling Timeout Team Conference at
  Sideline
• Positions during timeouts
• Minor Change in Blocking in the Back in Free
  Blocking Zone Review the Zone and Blocking Rules
• Minor Change in Rule Regarding Muffing Ball Into
  R
• Muff and Fumble Demonstration
• Clarification on Penalty on Scoring Plays
• Review Rule and Definition of Succeeding Spot
• Minor Change in PSK Rule
• Review PSK
• Visible Count Last 5 Seconds of Play Clock
• Agree on Mechanics

2
Coach Calling Timeout Team Conference at
Sideline

• The Change
• The head coach, and only the head coach, may now
  request a timeout. As in the past, any player may
  also request a timeout.
• Special Conditions
• The head coach must by on the sidelines. If he is
  anywhere else (i.e. press box), he cannot call
  time out.
• If the head coach is not on the sideline, it IS
  NOT permitted to assign the task to an assistant.
• If the head coach is ejected, the task may be
  assigned to the acting head coach.
• If the team has co-head coaches, one must be
  designated as the coach who can call timeout
• Officiating
• The Linesman and Line Judge must know who the
  head coach is.
• (2) The Linesman and Line Judge must be aware of
  situations when timeouts are likely
• (3) Any official can recognize and grant the
  coach's request for a time out, but eye contact
  must be made.
• (4) Difficulties may arise when the ball is to be
  snapped away from the team box.
• (5) The "T" signal need not be given. A verbal
  request is all that is required.

3
Authorized Conferences

• Change
• There is no longer a limit on the number of team
  players who may participate in a timeout
  conference at the sideline (within 5 yards of the
  sideline).
• The limit of 11 players is no longer valid.
• Players and substitutes may not use a headset
  while in the conference. Coaches can use a
  headset.
• No Change
• Timeout conferences on the field remain the same
  11 players and one coach. The coach my use a
  headset, the players cannot.
• The conference must take place between the hash
  marks.
• Reminder
• Only one type of conference may be used during a
  timeout period. Once the coach leaves the huddle
  on the field and returns to the sideline, the
  conference is over and no coaches can come back
  on the field.

4
Positions during timeouts

• DO NOT huddle together. If one shotgun blast can
  get you all, youre too close together.
• 4-man at sideline 4-man on field
• 5-man at sideline 5-man on field

5
Blocking in the Back in Free Blocking Zone

• Change
• This just brings the rule back to the way it was
  before last year.
• Blocking in the back is permitted against
  defensive players who are in the zone at the snap
  by a lineman on the line and in the zone at the
  time of the snap.
• Last year the rule was mistakenly changed to
  require such defensive players to be on the line.
• Reminder
• For legal clipping, both the offensive and
  defensive players must be on the line and in the
  zone at the snap.

6
Review the Zone and Blocking Rules

• The free blocking zone is 8 yards wide by 6 yards
  deep.
• 4 yards on either side of the ball
• 3 yards on either side of the neutral zone
• The zone disappears when the ball leaves the
  zone.
• Block below the waist and Clipping
• All players involved are on the line and in the
  zone at the snap and contact is in the zone. (To
  clip, must be an offensive lineman)
• Block in the Back
• Offensive lineman on the line and in the zone.
  Defensive players are in the zone. Contact is in
  the zone.

7
Minor Change in Rule Regarding Muffing Ball Into R

• New Term
• Forced Touching the touching of the ball by a
  team R player that is caused by a Team K player
  pushing or blocking R into contact with the ball
  or if Team K muffs the ball into contact with R.
• Change
• Forced touching of a kick is ignored. Note that
  forced touching isnt an issue on a free kick
  that has touched the ground and gone past the 10
  yard neutral zone because the ball is a free
  ball.
• Rule
• Team K may recover (down) but may not retain
  possession of the ball because of the "forced
  touching.

8
Muff and Fumble Demonstration
9
Clarification on Penalty on Scoring Plays

• Change
• If, during a touchdown, a foul by the opponents
  of the scoring team occurs, the scoring team may
  accept the results of the play and have the
  penalty enforced from the succeeding spot.
  (8-2-2)
• What it Means
• The option applies to team B touchdowns after a
  change of possession. Team B may accept the
  result of the play (touchdown), and enforce the
  penalty at the succeeding spot (PAT).
• Reason
• The 2003 change concerning fouls on touchdown
  plays said that the penalty could carry over to
  the succeeding spot. That rule change could have
  been interpreted to apply to both teams. However,
  the 2004 rule change makes it clear that fouls by
  Team A prior to a change of team possession are
  not covered by rule.

10
Definition of Succeeding Spot and Review Rule

• Definition
• Succeeding Spot The spot at which the ball will
  next be put into play.
• After a touchdown the succeeding spot is the
  3-yard line.
• After a PAT or field goal the succeeding spot
  is the 40 yard line (spot of the free kick).
• After a safety the succeeding spot is the 20
  yard line. (this rule doesnt apply to safeties)
• After a scrimmage play the succeeding spot is
  the spot at which the ball became dead.
• Rule
• If the scoring team accepts a foul by the
  opponents, they may keep the score and have the
  penalty enforced from the succeeding spot.

11
Change in PSK Rule

• PSK Changes and Clarifications
• The PSK window now opens when the ball is snapped
  (rather than when it crosses neutral zone). The
  position of the football when Team R fouls is not
  important.
• If both teams foul and Team R's foul qualifies as
  a PSK foul, Team R may keep the ball by declining
  the penalty for Team K's foul.
• In this case, K has no penalty options and the
  foul against Team R will be enforced.
• Hint This is an exception to the clean hands
  rule. To remember it, think of it as if
  possession changes once the ball was snapped.
• If the receiving team's only foul meets the
  criteria for PSK enforcement, it is not
  considered a part of a double foul. (Means the
  same as the previous statement)
• Examples
• R1 holds K1 beyond the neutral zone. K2 grabs
  R2s facemask as the ball is in the air (or K is
  guilty of illegal procedure). R may decline Ks
  foul and keep the ball.
• Officiating
• Linesman need not stay at the line until the ball
  crosses the neutral zone.

12
Review PSK

• A post-scrimmage kick (PSK) foul is a foul by
  Team R
• (1) that occurs on Team R's side of the expanded
  neutral zone,
• (2) occurs after the ball is snapped and prior to
  the end of a scrimmage kick (other than a try or
  successful field goal),
• (3) on a kick that crosses the neutral zone, and
• (4) Team K does not have possession of the ball
  when the down ends. (2-16-2g)
• Basic Spot for a PSK foul
• The basic spot is the spot where the kick ended
  (caught by R or downed by K or the 20 if a
  touchback).
• Use the All-But-One Principle ALL fouls are
  enforced from the basic spot BUT ONE fouls
  behind the basic spot.
• Officiating
• Must beanbag the end of the kick. Since you may
  also have to beanbag first touching, you need at
  least 2 beanbags.
• Note
• If R fouls on a successful field goal or try, K
  may accept the score and enforce the penalty at
  the succeeding spot.

13
OfficiatingWhat to Look For

• Did R foul beyond the neutral zone?
• Did ball cross the neutral zone?
• Did R end up with the ball?
• Did foul occur with window open?
• If all answers are YES, its PSK

14
Visible Count Last 5 Seconds of Play Clock

• Mechanics ChangeThe BJ on a 5-man crew must
  visibly indicate the final 5 seconds of the 25
  second clock.
• WIAA Recommendation
• Count it like a closely guarded count in
  basketball with a visible arm movement.
• NASO also recommends this method.
• Note
• Does not apply to crews of less than 5.
• Not used on fields with a visible play clock.
• ReasonTo give a clear indication to the players
  when the play clock is about to run out.
• Officiating
• Takes some of the judgment and fudge factor out
  of the rule. Will result in stricter enforcement.
• Note
• Not covered in the rules meetings. Coaches
  probably dont know about it.

15
New Free Kick Positions

• Mechanics Change
• Back Judge now handles the ball and the kicking
  team
• Line Judge now handles the receiving team

16
Free Kick Perils

• On first free kick for each team, explain that
  it is to their advantage to let you know in
  advance if there is going to be an onside kick so
  that your crew can provide the best coverage
  possible.
• Onside or short kick situation
• Have a pre-determined signal that the BJ will
  do to alert the crew to an onside kick (Crew
  discreetly moves up).
• Have your bean bag in your hand and know how to
  use it
• Things to watch
• Watch for encroachment kicker holder are
  exempt
• Note kicker is exempt only if he kicks. If he
  fakes and encroaches and someone else kicks it
  it is a foul
• Ball must travel 10-yards and touch the ground
  before K can legally touch or recover (unless R
  player touches it). Bean bag first touching
  (neutral zone only after it goes 10 yards, its
  a free ball)

17
Free Kick Perils

• Watch for kick catch interference
• R must be allowed to catch without being hit
• Definition of catch possess ball before it hits
  the ground
• Ball popped up that is caught by K Kick catch
  interference first touching
• Fair Catch
• Be aware of who signals
• Cant block after giving signal
• Only catcher is protected
• Be aware of when signal is given
• If given after ball hits ground invalid signal
• Watch Blocks
• Blocking below the waist restrictions apply to
  both teams
• Blocking kicker
• Ball goes out of bounds
• Untouched by R - Penalty Flag at the spot
• Last touched by R - Spot

18
New Timing Rule - Free Kick

• Rule Change Disguised as a Mechanics Change (Not
  covered well in Rules Meetings)
• The 60-second period between a score and the free
  kick will be timed. The ball is blown ready for
  play at the end of 60 seconds. If K does not
  kick within 25 seconds, it is a delay of game
  foul.
• Mechanics
• Start timing after the PAT (or other score). At
  45 seconds, the back judge (5-man) notifies the
  referee (probably with a point). Referee notifies
  rest of crew (perhaps raise your hand). Other
  officials notify teams the ball will be blown
  ready for play in 15 seconds.
• Officials head for their positions and raise
  hands when ready. If K is not out, the back judge
  places the ball on the 40 yard line at the hash
  mark nearest Ks bench and goes to his position.
• Note once ball is placed on tee, the location
  cannot be changed (once the kicking spot is
  designated it cannot be changed)
• Back judge notifies referee at end of 60 seconds.
• Referee blows the ready for play whistle. The
  back judge begins timing the 25 second play
  clock.
• If K does not kick by the end of 25 seconds, the
  back judge flags them for delay of game. Remember
  the visible count mechanic for the last 5 seconds.

19
Measurement Mechanics 4-man

• Spot ball immediately, dont be tossing it
  around.
• Linesman clips the chain on the yard line nearest
  the rear stake. Your choice as to front of line,
  back of line or middle of line.
• For measurement
• Linesman move down box to front stake. Grasp
  chain and clip and move onto field.
• Line Judge Line up the linesman by placing your
  foot at the spot where he should place the clip
  (so you have a straight line)
• Umpire Take front stake and bring it down next
  to ball.
• Referee Make ruling. If short, indicate
  distance with arms or fingers.

20
Measurement Mechanics 4-man

• First Down?
• Referee signals.
• Release chains and let them return to sideline.
• Linesman go to sideline and indicate new line
  of scrimmage with your heel
• Relay ball to hash mark (if outside).
• ALL Remind referee of clock status.
• After chain resets blow ready for play.
• Short?
• Referee grabs chain at foremost point of the
  ball, taking care to not move ball. DO NOT move
  ball until you get to the new spot at the hash.
• Line judge can come hold the ball (or get another
  from a ball boy).
• Umpire and Linesman move stakes to hash while
  referee carries chain.
• When ready, line judge brings ball in and sets it
  down so that the chains dont hit it when they
  leave.
• Umpire gives front stake back to chain crew.
• Linesman carries chain and clip and goes off
  field with chain crew.
• ALL Remind referee of clock status.
• Referee when everyones ready, blow ready for
  play.

21
Measurement Mechanics5-man

• Linesman Move down box to front stake. Grasp
  clip and chain and move onto field.
• Line Judge Indicate where linesman should place
  the clip (so you are in a straight line). After
  doing so, get a new ball from the ball boy.
• Back Judge Take care of ball and hold it in
  place.
• Umpire Take front stake and bring it down next
  to ball.
• Referee Make the decision. If short, indicate
  distance with your arms or fingers.

22
Measurement Mechanics5-man

• Short?
• DO NOT move ball until you have the stakes at the
  new spot.
• Referee grabs chain at foremost point of the
  ball, taking care to not move ball.
• Umpire and Linesman move stakes to hash while
  referee carries chain.
• Back Judge Continue to hold ball in place.
• Line Judge Deliver new ball to referee.
• After ball is set, umpire gives the stake back to
  the chain crew. The linesman carries clip and
  chain back to sideline and replaces chain in
  correct place.
• ALL remind referee about status of clock.
• When all are ready, referee blows ready for play.

23
Measurement Mechanics5-man

• First Down?
• Umpire return stake to chain crew.
• Linesman drops chain and lets chain crew remove
  the chains. Indicates new line of scrimmage for
  the downbox at the sideline.
• ALL remind referee about status of clock.
• When everyone is ready referee blows ready for
  play.

24
Advanced Mechanics for Measurements

• Demonstrate use of 5-yard tape.
• Demonstrate method to determine if ball is more
  than 15 yards from front stake.
• Measuring during foul situations when teams want
  to know if previous play is a first down.
• Do not move down box use a beanbag instead.

25
End of Quarter Mechanics

• Take your time
• ALL Record offensive team, down, distance, ball
  location and DIRECTION YOU WILL BE HEADING
• Linesman
• Clip the location of the down box on the chain.
• Yes, that means carrying two clips.
• Grasp chain and clip and verbalize to the crew
  what yard line you are going to.
• Have rear stake holder lead the parade to the new
  spot.
• Place chains at the proper place.
• Line Judge and Back Judge
• Keep sidelines clean and double check the rest of
  the crew. Ensure legality of conferences. Back
  judge times the 60 seconds.
• Referee and Umpire
• TALK TO EACH OTHER AND VERBALIZE ALL DIRECTIONS
• Note location of ball step if off.
• Note location on field hash mark, goal post,
  etc.
• Verbalize where you are going plus team and
  direction ie Were going to the 32-1/2 yard
  line on the right hand goal post and it will be
  whites ball heading toward the school.
• Umpire carries ball.
• Both jog to new location.
• ALL Double check everything
• Back Judge Notify referee at 45 seconds

26
When and How to Use Your Beanbags(note plural
you should carry two!)

• Its not a distance contest!
• Dont throw it drop it or toss it. You dont
  need the spot, all you need is the yard line.
• Use for
• Fumble beyond the line of scrimmage.
• First touching of a kick
• End of scrimmage kick
• Momentum Exception
• Inadvertent whistle
• Anytime you need to keep a spot such as to
  retrieve a ball, cover a pile out of bounds, etc.
• Dont Use for
• Forward progress - unless necessary. If you do,
  dont toss it. Get to the spot, square up, drop
  the bag and go about your duties.

27
Force and Safety/Touchback Drill

• Demonstrate these plays
• A fumbles at 4 yard line. It rolls into Bs end
  zone and out of bounds. TOUCHBACK
• A fumbles at 4 yard line into the air and B hits
  it into Bs end zone and it rolls out of bounds.
  SAFETY
• A fumbles at 4 yard line. The ball is at rest on
  the 2 yard line. B is trying to recover and
  knocks the ball into the end zone and B recovers
  in the end zone. SAFETY
• A fumbles at 4 yard line. The ball is at rest at
  the 2 when B intentionally bats it into Bs end
  zone where B recovers. ILLEGAL BATTING AND SAFETY
  A HAS OPTIONS TO TAKE SAFETY OR PENALTY.
• A fumbles at the 4 yard line into the air. B
  intercepts and his momentum carries him into the
  end zone where he is kneels down. MOMENTUM
  EXCEPTION.
• Other side of field A has back to goal line. B
  intercepts a pass at the 10. He is hit at the 4
  and fumbles into the air. A catches the ball in
  his end zone where he is tackled. TOUCHBACK
• Just like previous, except A catches the ball in
  the air at the 2 and his momentum takes him into
  the end zone where he is tackled. MOMENTUM
  EXCEPTION
• K punts from his end zone, the ball is blocked by
  A and goes out the end zone. SAFETY
• K punts from his end zone, the ball is blocked by
  A into the air. In trying to catch it, A knocks
  the ball out of the end zone. SAFETY

28
Ball Toss and Triangulation Drill

• Form two lines and practice tossing the ball.
• Form three lines and practice triangulating the
  ball from the sideline to the hash mark.