1 National Federation 4 Person Mechanics Football

1

National Federation National Federation 4 Person Mechanics Football 4 Person Mechanics Football

2

Football Mechanics Criteria Football Mechanics Criteria

CommunicationCommunication

Field PositionsField Positions

Keys & General MechanicsKeys & General Mechanics

3

Mechanics – 4 man Mechanics – 4 man

Before KickoffBefore Kickoff

After KickoffAfter Kickoff

Basic Scrimmage PositionBasic Scrimmage Position

Prior to the SnapPrior to the Snap

Running PlaysRunning Plays

Passing PlaysPassing Plays

4

Mechanics 4 man (cont’d) Mechanics 4 man (cont’d)

Scrimmage KicksScrimmage Kicks

SK’s - Field Goals & Try AttemptsSK’s - Field Goals & Try Attempts

SK’s – Field Goals & Try FakesSK’s – Field Goals & Try Fakes

Goal Line – Inside 10 yard lineGoal Line – Inside 10 yard line

MeasurementsMeasurements

5

Before Kickoff

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

R

U H

RefereePosition near R’s 10-yard line opposite Linesman

Count R Players

Check other officials in position and signal ball ready for play after other officials and kicker ready

LJ

6

Before Kickoff

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

U

UmpirePosition on R’s 20 yard line opposite Line Judge

Count R Players

Ensure coaches, players, substitutes in proper location

Hold hand in air to inform Referee ready

7

Before Kickoff

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

H

LinesmanPosition on K free-kick line

Hand ball to kicker and point out Referee. Inform to wait for ready for play signal

Count K Players

Move to sideline with line-to-gain equipment and hold hand in the air to inform Referee ready

8

Before Kickoff

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

LJ

Line JudgePosition on R’s Free Kick line and identity

Move to side line opposite Linesman

Ensure coaches, players, substitutes and others in proper location

Count K

Hold arm in air to inform Referee ready

9

After Kickoff

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

RefereeDeep Kicks, Be ready to rule on touchback or player momentum

Kicks middle or your side, Start Clock when kick is touched (other than first touching by K)

Pick up runner and follow until released to covering official

R LJ

10

After Kickoff

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

RefereeDetermine if kick goes out of bounds and flag if not touched by R

Kicks opposite side, move cautiously with play

Observe actions behind play and clean up

R

11

After Kickoff

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

UmpireKicks your side, start clock when kick is touched (other than first touching by K)

Pick up runner and follow until released to Linesman

Once you release runner, observe action behind play

Maintain responsibility for you sideline

U H

12

After Kickoff

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

UmpireDetermine if kick goes out of bounds and flag if not touched by R

Kicks opposite side, move cautiously with play

Observe actions behind play and clean up U

13

After Kickoff

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

LinesmanWatch for free-kick line infractions

Help Line Judge rule on first touching by K prior to R’s free-kick line and bean bag in necessary

Watch initial blocks near R’s free-kick line and blocks on kicker / holder

Administer fouls prior to kickoff

H

14

After Kickoff

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

LinesmanKicks to your Side

Move down the sideline to area to best officiate depending on kick keeping spacing with Umpire

Determine if kick goes out of bounds and flag if R has not touched ball

Pick up responsibility for runner from Umpire and follow to goal line

HU

15

After Kickoff

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

LinesmenKick Opposite side

Move cautiously toward play being ready to rule on your sideline if play reverses

Observe action of player in vicinity of runner and watch for fouls away from the ball

Assist Line Judge with goal line on long runs

H

16

After Kickoff

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

Line JudgeWatch for free-kick line infractions

Be Alert for first touching by K prior to R’s free-kick line and bean bag if necessary

LJ

17

After Kickoff G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

LJ

Line JudgeKick to your side

Move down sideline while watching for fouls and to area best to officiate depending on the kick, keeping spacing with Referee

Determine if kick goes out of bounds and flag if not touched by R

Pick up responsibility for the runner from Referee and follow to goal line

R

18

After Kickoff

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

LJ

Line JudgeKick Opposite Side

Move cautiously toward play being ready to rule on your sideline if play reverses

Observe action of player in vicinity of runner and watch for fouls away from the ball

Help Linesman with goal line on long runs

19

Basic Scrimmage Position

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

R

U

RefereeA’s backfield 3 to 4 yards behind deepest back on passing arm of Quarterback able to view opposite side tackle

Umpire3 to 8 yards off ball as to not interfere with vision or movement of defensive backs.

20

Basic Scrimmage Position

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

R

H

U

Linesman & Line JudgeStart on side line straddling line-of-scrimmage.

LJ

21

Prior to Snap (All Plays)

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

R

RefereeDeclare ball ready-for-play

Count A players

Responsible for 25 second count

Check players set for one second prior to snap.

Watch for snap infractions, illegal shifts, and false starts

22


G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

U

UmpireVary position as to not block view of B players or allow A to use you as interference

Count A Players

Check five players on line numbered 50 to 79

Be ready to rule on snap infractions, false starts, encroachments, disconcerting signals by defense and be aware of B players line up in free blocking zone

23


G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

H

Linesman & Line JudgeCheck down number on box and signal down

Extend arm back to indicate A player closes to you off the line-of-scrimmage

Check to see if all backs, flankers, split ends in legal position and check eligibility

Determine if player in motion movement is legal

LJ

24

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

H

Linesman & Line JudgeCheck for seven on the line-of-scrimmage

Help in determining false start, encroachment, interference with snap

Count B players and be alert for illegal substitutes

Key off tackle for run / pass

1

2


34 5

6

7

LJ

25

Running Play

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

R

RefereeKey opposite guard / tackle

Responsible for ball carrier and action around him to the neutral zone

26

Running Play

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

R

RefereeMove behind play toward side of field which plays advances and cover runner until reaching neutral zone or if down near line-of-scrimmage

Watch action behind ball and away from runner, action on quarterback, and backward or forward passes.

27

Running Play

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

R

RefereeWhen ball is dead, move to location and signal next down

Help relay ball and assist umpire with spot

If first down, stop clock and signal

Make sure all officials ready to go before signal ball ready for play

28

Running Play

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

U

UmpireRead point of attack

Watch line play for illegal action around ball carrier and in free blocking zone

Move accordingly depending play working inside out

Be alert for fumbles beyond neutral zone and help determine who gains possession

After play spot ball

29

Running Play

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

H

LinesmanAction toward you

Work off the field

Observe actions of linemen your side and blockers in front of ball carrier

Pick up responsibility of ball carrier, mark forward progress and stop clock if out of bounds

Follow runner to goal line

30

Running Play

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

H

LinesmanAction away from you

Move cautiously onto field ready for reverse action

Observe action behind play

Be ready to help with forward progress spot or goal line

31

Running Play

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

LJ

Line JudgeAction toward you

Work off the field

Observe actions of linemen your side and blockers in front of ball carrier

Pick up responsibility of ball carrier, mark forward progress and stop clock if out of bounds

Follow runner to goal line

32

Running Play

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

LJ

Line JudgeAction away from you

Move cautiously onto field ready for reverse action

Observe action behind play

Be ready to help with forward progress spot or goal line

33

Passing Plays

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

R

RefereeKey opposite guard / tackle

Watch blocking

Remain wider and deeper than passer

After pass released, verbally alert defenders and observe action on passer not ball

Determine pass forward or backward

34

Passing Plays

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

R

RefereeSole responsibility for intentional grounding, however, can get assistance from covering official

Determine if passer crosses neutral zone

Continue to observe action behind neutral zone before leaving

35

Passing Plays

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

U

UmpireWatch for Illegal contact in free blocking zone

Move to line-of-scrimmage

Observe action of players in and just behind neutral zone

Assist Referee in determining if forward pass released beyond neutral zone

36

Passing Plays

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

U

UmpireKnow if ball tipped at line-of-scrimmage

Pivot after pass crosses neutral zone and assist on determining catch or no catch

37

Passing Plays

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

H

Linesman & Line JudgeWatch initial action off line for defensive holding

Move downfield cautiously on passes to your side and be ready to adjust back for run

Be ready to rule on pass incomplete / complete and interference

LJ

38

Passing Plays

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

Linesman & Line JudgeIf ball intercepted, observe action until ball is dead, covering official stop clock and signal first down, if inside defensive 5 yard line, be ready to rule on momentum

If incomplete pass in your area, sound whistle and signal

Be alert for illegal passes

Rule on touching or catching by ineligibles

H

R

U

LJ

39

Scrimmage Kick

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

RefereePosition 3-4 yards in front of kicker, 5-7 yards wide on Line Judge side

Be able to see ball and all backs

Watch for fouls behind neutral zone and roughing / running into kicker

Be alert for blocked kicks and recovery

R

40

Scrimmage Kick

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

RefereeAfter ball crosses neutral zone, observe line play and move down field slowly

If necessary, determine if ball was touched beyond the neutral zone and by whom

Be ready to pick up runner on long run and continue with him to goal line

R

41

Scrimmage Kick

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

LJ

RefereeIf ball kicked out of bounds in flight, assist the covering official with spot

In no foul, signal linesmen and line-to-gain equipment into position for next play

Make sure all officials ready prior to giving ready-for-play signal

H

R

42

Scrimmage Kick

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

UmpirePosition 4 to 7 yards deep, keeping ball in view

Check numbering exceptions

After snap, step toward neutral zone watching for possible roughing of snapper, then shift to blocking action

U

43

Scrimmage Kick

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

UmpireDetermine if kick crosses neutral zone

Assist Referee with short or blocked kicks

Once kick crosses neutral zone, pivot and observe blocks downfield and players away from ball

U

44

Scrimmage Kick

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

H

Lineman

Cover kicks to your side of field

If out of bounds in flight, move past were ball went out and walk forward until Referee spots you

Grounded kicks out of bounds, mark spot and observe action

45

Scrimmage Kick

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

H

LinemanHelp Referee with short or blocked kicks and note spot of recovery

Bean bag spot of first touching and end of kick

Be ready for fair catch and blow whistle only after kick is secured

46

Scrimmage Kick

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

H

Lineman

Routine kick, move downfield cautiously observer action in front of ball carrier

Move with runner to your sideline and follow until goal line

Only move line to gain equipment when sure no foul on play and signaled by Referee

47

Scrimmage Kick

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

LJLine JudgePosition 7 to 10 yards in front of deepest receiver and in position to cover sideline

Carry bean bag in hand

Be ready to rule on momentum inside 5 yard line

Observe initial action around receiver

48

Scrimmage Kick

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

LJLine Judge

Drop Bean Bag to mark end of kick

Maintain responsibility of ball carrier on returns up the middle and to your side until released to other official

49

Scrimmage Kick

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

LJLine Judge

If out of bounds in flight, move past were ball went out and walk forward until Referee spots you

Grounded kicks out of bounds, mark spot and observe action

Returns to Linesman side, move slowly behind play observe all action

50

Scrimmage Kick

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

LJ

Line JudgeIf K first to touch, mark spot of first touching with bean bag

If fair catch is signaled, sound whistle after kick is complete, and mark spot

Be ready for muff

51

Field Goal and Try Attempts

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

R

RefereePosition 1 yard behind and 2 to 3 yards to side of kicker able to see kicker and holder

Rule on motion of backs

Be ready for fumble or fake

After kick, move behind kicker to Judge whether ball goes between uprights

If Try is blocked, sound whistle, Field Goal, ball is live

52


G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

U

UmpirePosition 5 to 7 yards deep keeping ball in view and checking numbering exceptions

After snap, step toward neutral zone watching for roughing the snapper

After kick crosses neutral zone, pivot to line judge side and assist with coverage

53


G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

H

LinesmanPosition on line-of-scrimmage

Watch line play and for Roughing the Holder of Kicker

54


G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

LJLine JudgePosition on line-of-scrimmage

Handle same as any goal line play

After snap, move towards end line and determine if ball clears cross bar

Sound whistle when ball crosses plane of end zone

If unsuccessful, signal no score

If field goal attempt, signal touchback

55


G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

R

RefereeOutside 15 yards

Move to side vacated by line judge

Responsible for kicker and holder

Cover as scrimmage kick

56


G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

H

Umpire and LinesmanOutside 15 yards

Cover same as scrimmage kick

U

57


G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

LJ

Line Judge Outside 15 yards

Position under uprights

Sound whistle when ball crosses plane of end zone and rule on kick

If successful signal score

If unsuccessful, signal no score and if field goal attempt, signal touchback

If field goal does not cross plane, move to sideline and handle as scrimmage kick

58

Goal-Line Plays (Inside 10 yards)

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

R

RefereeSame Coverage as Running and Passing Plays

UmpireMove up to goal line, be ready to move to end line if necessary on pass

LinesmanMove to goal line and work back on play

U

H

LJ

59

Goal-Line Plays (Inside 10 yards)

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

R

All OfficialsONLY signal Touchdown if you see ball cross goal line (primary coverage is wing officials – U should communicate to make sure wing officials do not have play over in FOP!)

Do NOT mirror signal

Communicate on dual coverage areas

U

H

LJ

60

Measurement

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

U

Line JudgeAlign Linesman up with line and ball

LinesmanWalk chains out, place clip on line and hold

UmpireAfter Linesman ready, pull chain

RefereeHold ball and determine if ball across line-to-gain

H

R

LJ

61

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1 National Federation 4 Person Mechanics Football