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

Why wasn't the first touchdown by packers in today's playoff game reviewed? It looked like his knee went down but it wasn't reviewed.

Asked by AM about 8 years ago

I didn't see it but in all likelihood it was since all scoring plays are automatically reviewed. It may not have been announced - usually aren't if there's no issue.

Onside kick. Goes 15 yards in the air. Kicking team catches the ball in the air. Who ball is it ? Oklahoma High school

Asked by Checotahbill over 7 years ago

If there was no receiver in the area who could catch it, it belongs to the kicking team.

Can forward progress be stopped by own player?

Asked by Matt over 8 years ago

A player is moving forward until he isn't. If a runner collides with a teammate and falls down, he's down. Once the runner's own action stops propelling him forward - unless he runs backwards of his accord - he has ended his "forward progress".

Can the recieving team knock into the kicking team preventing a catch by the kicking tab, as was done Giants VS Detroit 2ND qtr game 12/18?

Asked by Irisheyesecm over 8 years ago

Well,since it happened, yes. The receiver did not signal for a fair catch so he can block. And he did, preventing the kicking team player from catching the ball. All good.

Am I starting to lose my mind or was the rule in the NFL at one time that if there was defensive pass interfernce in the opposing team's endzone, it was an automatic TD? I remember it but nobody I've asked so far seems to.

Asked by DCCop58 over 7 years ago

I cannot comment on your mental state but I have never heard of that as a rule. It seems very odd. There are rules in high school and college that allow a referee to award a penalty - including a score - for situations not specifically covered by rule. For example, a runner is going down the opposition's sideline waaaaaay ahead of any defender when an opposing team staff member runs out and tackles him. Referee could award a score.

D III game - on a punt, the center faked the snap and held it behind his butt for a few seconds. Once the defense rushed past the line, the guard went behind the center and took the ball from him and ran for a td. Is this a legal snap?

Asked by Daryl Muellenberg over 8 years ago

It's illegal on two counts. One, it isn't a snap since a legal snap leaves the snapper's hands. It's a snap infraction Two, it is a "planned loose ball" play in the vicinity of the snapper. In other words a "fumblerooski". That's a 5 yard penalty plus loss of down.

Why do referees insist on saying "illegal block in the back"? Has there ever been a "legal" block in the back?

Asked by Frank over 8 years ago

Because that is the foul: illegal block in the back. Is there a "legal" block? Technically you could say yes; in close line play, at the snap, you can block low and in the back.