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

In college football can a player from the sideline run down the field with the players on the field in celebration when the team is about to score a touchdown and there is no time left on the clock

Asked by Yolanda almost 10 years ago

Technically, no. But the foul would be enforced as a dead ball after the play. In that case (Duke-FSU), the game was over when the foul would be enforced.

A receiver is lined up in the line of scrimmage, before the snap, he crosses the line of scrimmage jogging about 5 yards,. QB doesn't snap the ball, the referee tells the player to reset, which he does, then QB snaps the ball.
Is this allowable?

Asked by Marc almost 10 years ago

If he starts jogging downfield, you could consider it a delay of game foul. But that's sort of a stretch. Unless there's some exigent circumstance that I can't figure out, the receiver is creating a false start. That also assumes that the team is pretty much ready to snap the ball - he's on the wrong side of the ball. If a receiver is too far up, an official - the linesman or line judge - might tell him to "watch the ball" and let him correct himself. But the receiver doesn't seem too sharp.

When a straight arm involves the offense player using the defender's face mail, why isn't that a personal foul?

Asked by Tris Dammin over 9 years ago

It could be. It is a matter of interpretation and judgment by the official. A push off is likely okay. A grab and twist? Then it is no different than any other face mask call.

1.What is the most important piece of equipment you use as a referee?

Asked by Jack over 9 years ago

Odd question. Most of our equipment is simply clothing. Good shoes help. But the most important thing you take onto the field is your brain.

Who won the coin toss Colts or Jets, aug 7 2014

Asked by Smokestack about 11 years ago

Really?

A1 go back to pass a2 throws a punch at b2 but misses b3 intercept the pass and takes it in for a touchdown

Asked by Everett about 10 years ago

That's a TD for B. A2 gets disqualified for the swing - contact isn't necessary. Enforce penalty on the try.

In the Steelers Broncos game on 12/20/2015, why is the punt not down after a member of the kicking team touches it?

Asked by flynott over 9 years ago

If a member of the kicking team is the first to touch a grounded punt, it is "illegal touching"; the receivers would have the right to take the ball at that spot if nothing else happens. But it is still a kick because...well, because the kickers gave up the ball when they punted. If K touches it and it keeps rolling, and than a receiver scoops it up and runs it for a TD, it's a score. That "illegal touch" is ignored.