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

On a screen pass, If the ball is caught behind the line of scrimmage, can you start blocking downfield before the ball is caught? Does it matter if pass is forward (not a lateral)?

Asked by Tom almost 6 years ago

Blocking downfield seems to indicate you're looking at offensive pass interference. In college, pass interference only occurs when a legal forward pass crosses the line of scrimmage. If a pass is caught behind the line, it obviously hasn't crossed the line of scrimmage. If it's a backward pass (no such thing as a lateral) then it isn't forward and you can't have OPI.

Why hasn't any quarter back worn tented visors so the MLB won't read his eyes?

Asked by Ken S about 6 years ago

At least in college, it is illegal. For safety reasons. A trainer needs to be able to see a player's eyes if they are hurt. If a helmet can't be removed (e.g. possible neck injury) the eyes will help determine consciousness.

A holds B on a scimmage kick at the line of scrimmage. Is the spot of enforcement where A recieves the scrimmage kick.

Asked by Jeffrey Kroupa over 6 years ago

First, minor correction: B receives the kick. The foul by A is a previous spot, meaning a rekick after penalty enforcement.

In tonights game between dolphins and texans on the play at end of first half where Osweiler fumbled and Houston picked it up for a td, the ball went backwards so why not a backwards pass which is in play for defense to pick up and run into end zone?

Asked by Greg about 6 years ago

A fumble is a fumble, not a backwards pass. That being said, they're both still alive for a defensive score.

I’m trying to understand why the offensive line has to get set, but the d line can move?

Asked by Joe about 6 years ago

I really dont kni the absolute answer. Structure? Organization? To avoid chaos? I dont speak for those who wrote the rules, but if the offense could move constantly you'd have a very chaotic scene. When would the ball get snapped? How many could be on the line or in the backfield? You'd pretty much have rugby.

In Notre Dame vs Va Tech today, Notre Dame received a punt. No fair catch signal. Receiver caught the ball at the 2 yard line, stepped back into the end zone & took a knee. This was not called a safety. Ball was spotted on the 2. l Why not safety

Asked by bob about 5 years ago

We have a wording issue with your question. If the receiver caught the kick and then intentionally stepped back into the endzone and took a knee then, yes, it is a safety. But what you likely saw was momentum in play. If a player intercepts a pass or catches/recovers a kick between the five yard line and the goal line and his momentum carries him into the endzone, then the team gets the ball at the spot of the catch/interception. This is to prevent a cheap safety on what is otherwise a good defensive play. If the receiver caught the ball at the two and it was ruled momentum, then the Irish get the ball at their own two.

Could you tell me if there was a time when the team trailing at halftime received the 2nd half kickoff...if so, could you tell me what years this rule was in the books?

Asked by sirtop1963!!! about 6 years ago

I am not aware of that. I tried to do some research but couldn't come up with anything.