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

Ok , if a referee is from the same state or a fan of the team that they are refereeing can he still referee ??? Like can you do that?

Asked by Jaret knapp about 9 years ago

Like, yeah, maybe. It depends on the conference or supervisor. In the NFL there is no specific restriction. The Big Ten allows alums from a school to work their games. But others may have restrictions. It varies.

Why did we not see the National Anthem before the packer game! It's a part of football

Asked by Pat almost 9 years ago

You'll have to contact Fox Sports for that answer.

Can the recieving team knock into the kicking team preventing a catch by the kicking tab, as was done Giants VS Detroit 2ND qtr game 12/18?

Asked by Irisheyesecm about 9 years ago

Well,since it happened, yes. The receiver did not signal for a fair catch so he can block. And he did, preventing the kicking team player from catching the ball. All good.

10/1/16 Lou vs Clem, rare def. holding. Why was 3rd down repeated?

3rd and 17 at LOU 13
(10:00 - 2nd qtr) Lamar Jackson run for 5 yds to the Lvile 18 CLEMSON Penalty, Def. Holding (10 Yards) to the Lvile 28
Next Play: 3rd and 2 at LOU 28
Thanks!

Asked by Gorilla about 9 years ago

A defensive hold is only an automatic first down if it is against an eligible receiver. If it isn't that, then like any othert penalrty, the down is repeated after the 10 yard mark off.

On a punt, if the ball bounces over the goal line and doesn't touch down in the end zone, can a player jump from the field of play, bat the ball back to a teammate on the one yard line and have him down it there? Or is it a touchback? College & pro?

Asked by Keith P. about 9 years ago

In college, the goal line is a plane: if the ball breaks the plane it is a touch back. In the NFL, I'm pretty sure the player cannot be in the endzone but he can reach in and bat the ball back into the field of play.

Am I starting to lose my mind or was the rule in the NFL at one time that if there was defensive pass interfernce in the opposing team's endzone, it was an automatic TD? I remember it but nobody I've asked so far seems to.

Asked by DCCop58 over 8 years ago

I cannot comment on your mental state but I have never heard of that as a rule. It seems very odd. There are rules in high school and college that allow a referee to award a penalty - including a score - for situations not specifically covered by rule. For example, a runner is going down the opposition's sideline waaaaaay ahead of any defender when an opposing team staff member runs out and tackles him. Referee could award a score.

Is it legal for defensive linemen to cover receivers downfield before the ball is passed?

Asked by Mr.Not4Gamez over 9 years ago

When you say "cover", if you mean can they defend them, yes. If you mean be in front of them at the LOS, yes. Any defender can "cover" a receiver.