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!

SubscribeGet emails when new questions are answered. Ask Me Anything!Show Bio +

Share:

Ask me anything!

Submit Your Question

514 Questions

Share:

Last Answer on January 23, 2021

Best Rated

I currently coach WR and DB, can you help me with the rules for WRs on cut blocks?

Asked by matt over 7 years ago

Can someone help me? I'm guessing you're a college coach since low blocks are prohibited in high school. The rules have changed a number of times over the last several years and each time they do, there's a new "wrinkle"....or crease.

Can't possibly do it justice or be complete here, but blocks need to be in the "10 to 2" (o'clock) range as viewed by the blocker. But this year it was interpreted that the initial contact has to be from that direction. In other words, even if the hit is in the 10-2 area, the "attack" by the blocker has to be within that arc when initiated. Clear? Yeah, me neither. With wide receivers, they must - since they are initially outside the tackle box - either block above the waist or attack the 10-2 zone and initiate the attack from that direction. It's challenging to explain without visuals. That may be as good as I can get it - sorry.

If a defensive player jumps over the line and gets back not heading towards the quarterback is the play blown dead? I have watched to different games. One game they blew every offside dead, but another game they left the play continue. What is right?

Asked by Nancy Tickler over 6 years ago

Depends what you're watching. In high school, the play us dead and defense offsides us enforced. In NCAA and NFL the defender can get back before the snap. There are times when even when the player isn't threatening the QB the play is stopped. Rule of thumb: if the defender is past the shoulder of an offensive player, they'll blow it dead.

Can officials decide to change out during an ongoing game?

Asked by Washington over 7 years ago

I have no idea what that means. Sorry, can't help.

Green Bay RB fumbles football. Atlanta DB recovers ball at own 1 yard line. Untouched, he rolls backwards into his own end zone. Ruled a touchback. Atlanta gets ball at their own 20. Is this correct call?

Asked by Jack Rothell over 8 years ago

He wasn't touched by an opponent until he was in EZ. It looked like as he was recovering, he rolled into the endzone where he was downed. I didn't think he had control/possession until the endzone. Yes, I agree that was the right call.

If a member of the punting team touches the ball on the 2 yard line, and knocks it into the end zone where his teammate covers the ball, is it a touchback?

Asked by James Dean over 6 years ago

Yes. The axiom is "a kick is a kick is a kick". If K touches the ball, it is "illegal" or "first" touching, depending on the level (HS, NCAA). But the ball as you describe it is still considered a kick, so being downed in the endzone makes it a touchback.

If a referee throws a flag for offsides on the defense and the "free" play results in a turn over. Is the referee allowed to pick up the flag and say it was not offsides and the interception counts? Or should this result in a replayed down?

Asked by Paula almost 8 years ago

The defense had a problem. The offense will accept the penalty for offside and the down will be replayed. Tough luck.

If a ball is live after 10 yards on a kickoff, why is it the referees blow their whistles when the ball bounces in the end zone and does not go out of bounds? Shouldn't it still be live?

Asked by Patrick A. Lopez over 6 years ago

Good question. In high school, no kick can be run out of the endzone. In college a grounded kick (one that has touched the ground) in the endzone, is also dead. If a receiver catches the ball in the endzone in college, it is still alive and can be run out.