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

During the Seahawks vs Eagles game on 11/20/16, with 11:50 remaining in the first quarter, the Eagles kicked a touchback. Why did the Seahawks began their first down on the 20 yard line instead of the 25 yard line per the NFL rule change for 2016?

Asked by Mark W over 8 years ago

I'm guessing it was a punt. As with NCAA rules, touch backs on kickoffs (free kicks) come out to the 25. All other touch backs go to the 20.

My women's football team is in a league that uses NCAA rules. We just got called for illegal man downfield on a punt play. I can find no such rule in the NCAA book regarding punts. Passing, yes. Punts, no. Thoughts?

Asked by Renegades Special Teams Coach about 9 years ago

Thoughts? I think the officials made a mistake. You're right. They were using something out of the NFL.

whats the diffrence between a clip and a block in the back

Asked by fred almost 9 years ago

A clip is blocking from behind below the knee. That is viewed as a dangerous play and is a personal foul. A block in the back is contact from behind generally above the waist. Not a personal foul.

During a punt, if a member of the receiving team touches the ball, it needs the end zone, and is fallen on by one of the kicking team, is that a touchdown, or a safety?

Asked by dcrothen almost 9 years ago

Touchdown.

Broncos vs chargers today. Denver' s nose guard was called for defensive holding on a run up the middle. How does that happen?

Asked by Dc over 8 years ago

You can have illegals use of hands on both sides of the ball. I didn't see the play but:A) if a defensive lineman grabs the offensive lineman (say at the shoulders outside his frame) and directs him so the defender can get open route to ball carrier - Def holdB) if defensive lineman pulls offensive lineman so another defender can shoot through the gap (pull and shoot) - Def hold

NCAA rules: field goal attempt on 2nd down. Holder mishandles the snap, does not leave the tackle box, throws an incomplete pass that does not reach the LOS or a receiver, but passes spot of kick attempt. Does the kicking team retain possession?

Asked by Bass over 8 years ago

This is a pass play; even though there was a formation for a scrimmage kick, it was never attempted. Assuming there was a receiver "in the area", and there's no other foul, it's third down.

If two players are running down the field and one punches the other it is a personal foul. Why is it not a personal foul when one player has the football and another player tries to punch the football out missing and punching the arm or ribs?

Asked by Jeff over 8 years ago

What is the intent of the act? While officials can't always determine intent, in the case you cite, if a player is trying to strip the ball and something else happens, you look at intent. Throwing a punch is quite different.