Pre-game Talking Points

  1. Be ready to officiate with the opening kickoff
    * Be ready to rule on forward hand-off on reverse, throw backs, etc.

  2. Be ready to rule on short free kick on opening kick-off
    * Have a bean bag in your hand. Did ball go ten yards, etc?

  3. Always know the status of the ball.
    * Especially on foul/penalty situations

  4. Do not be in a hurry to blow the whistle on "fair catch" situations
    * Let the play kill itself-avoid inadvertent whistles

  5. Look for other officials who might have a better angle on "catch/no catch"
    * Make eye contact with others before giving any signal.

  6. Work wide and look to other official who might have better angle on progress
    * Do not "fight" over progress up the middle

  7. HL/LJ read & react pas/run; be ready to rule on possible illegal forward pass
    * On sweeps "How did they turn the corner?"

  8. Do not be in a hurry to rule touchdown, don't honor signals
    * Umpire will tell you where ball is

  9. Only one set of eyes on the ball (maybe two)
    * Others should be alert to action around the ball carrier

  10. Keep the sidelines clear
    * Get name of "getback coach"; use sideline warnings if necessary

  11. Count Players
    * On every play, verify count with your partner

  12. Make quality calls
    * Get The Big One/Make it Be There

  13. Slow down; hustle don't hurry
    * Work in "Crews control"

  14. "You never know who is watching"
    * Work as a crew; don't "show boat"; cooperate and work together

  15. Total concentration on every play
    * Bear down on kick plays

  16. HAVE FUN!!!