Referee Pre-Snap Routine

1
Referee Pre-Snap Routine

• By Einar Bolstad
• NoAFF
• NFLE LJ 150

2

• 1 As soon as the ball becomes dead, look around
  for hot spots and check (listen) for flags.
• 2 Look to the spot to see if its a first down.
  If close, look to the LJ to see if he can help.
  If still unsure, move to the spot and check if
  measurement necessary. If first down close to a
  side line, look to spotting official for a signal
  if its out of bounds or inbounds.
• 3 Signal the next down, check with H.
• 4 Double check Us placement of the ball.

3

• 5 When ball spotted, quickly check that other
  officials are ready (they should be signalling
  the next down to indicate this).
• 6 Declare the ball ready for play. If its noisy
  and you have visual play- and game clocks, line
  up so that the clock operators can see you and
  give a clear RFP/Start the clock hand signal and
  a sharp whistle. Check that the play clock
  starts, and also the game clock if applicable.
  Give the RFP as close to your position for the
  next play as possible.

4

• 7 Check for Team A substitutions. If there is a
  substitution, check when replaced player leaves
  the huddle.
• 8 Count Team A, preferable while they are still
  in the huddle. Signal your count, but be
  prepared for a late signal from the U as he may
  not be able to count yet.
• 9 When the huddle breaks, scan the players and
  find the 5 linemen numbered 50-79. When this is
  done, check Us count signal if he hasnt
  already given it.

5

• 10 Check for players not wearing normal numbers
  for his position.
• 11 Make your final adjustment of your position.
  Line up on the TEs outside shoulder (or
  approx. where he would be if there is none) on
  the passing hand side of the QB. Line up approx.
  5 yards deeper than the deepest back, but not
  closer than 12 yards to the ball. Make sure you
  can see the ball, if not adjust your position
  sideways.

6

• 12 Check the position of backs in relation to the
  normal tackle position (for BBW) and try to
  remember the number of any player close and
  whether he was OK/not OK.
• 13 Watch for shifts.
• 14 Focus on the ball to make sure the snap is
  legal, but have a wide angle view. Be
  especially mindful of QBs movements (such as
  head bobs).

7

• 15 WORK THE PLAY!