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

Is there a rule regarding players from the sideline entering the field of play (end zone as well) and participating in the celebration of a score?

Asked by Dont about 10 years ago

In the NFL, there cannot be choreographed celebrations. Having your non-players (off the sideline) on the field likely falls into that category. In college it is specific: Rule 9-2-1 says no one - including the mascot - is allowed on the field during any period without the permission of the referee.

When the officials raise their hands before the snap, I notice it from the back judges, sometimes one hand with the thumbs up, sometimes two, what does this mean?

Asked by Allen over 12 years ago

The three deep officials (defenseive secondary area) are the side judge, back judge (in the middle) and the field judge. Most of the time we like to play with only 11 players on each side -- so we count.  And the three deep guys are counting the defense.  That thumbs up you see says they each have eleven. If somebody doesn't have eleven, there's no thumbs up.  The back judge will hold two hands out signaling each sideline.

Is it legal for players to wesr hair extensions during games?

Asked by Lyle beck about 12 years ago

I am not a member of the fashion police and, thankfully, it is not a part of the rules.

Can the offensive receivers block defensive backs while the pass is in the air? I see Denver do it all the time.

Asked by Mark about 12 years ago

Regardless of level, offensive pass interference (OPI) rules begin at the snap. So what you describe, technically, is OPI and illegal. I went to bed early so I didn't see all of the game.  Is there contact downfield on many, if not all, plays? Yes. Is it always called? No. Depending on the situation, contact initiated by the receiver might be ignored if the QB was looking the other way the whole time and the play (pass) was thrown away from the contact.  Same goes for defensive pass interference. But technically, contact initiated by the offensive player is interference.

If 2 penalties on defense such as off sides and pass interferences which one is called it doesn't matter if flag was thrown first for off sides

Asked by Rick over 11 years ago

You can't enforce two live ball fouls against the same team as you describe it.  In this case, you decline the off side foul and accept the more serious/significant DPI.

Is this page still active

Asked by KayTee almost 12 years ago

The guy answering is still alive.  Does that help?

In Bills vs Packers game yesterday. In the last 2 minutes of the game Aaron Rogers had the ball knocked or of his hands and ball landed in endzone and was recovered by Ed Lacy resulting in a safety. Is that considered a fumble or muff by NFL rules?

Asked by Eini34 about 11 years ago

From what you stated, "had the ball knocked or of his hands", that is a fumble. We are taking the position that he had possession, so there is no muff. A fumble by the offensive team that is recovered by the offense in the end zone, and the recovering player (Lacy) remains on the ground in the end zone, results in a safety. Even it was a muff, if the offense put the ball into the end zone and it remains there in their possession, it is a safety.