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

Why wasn't the first touchdown by packers in today's playoff game reviewed? It looked like his knee went down but it wasn't reviewed.

Asked by AM almost 8 years ago

I didn't see it but in all likelihood it was since all scoring plays are automatically reviewed. It may not have been announced - usually aren't if there's no issue.

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 8 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.

D III game - on a punt, the center faked the snap and held it behind his butt for a few seconds. Once the defense rushed past the line, the guard went behind the center and took the ball from him and ran for a td. Is this a legal snap?

Asked by Daryl Muellenberg about 8 years ago

It's illegal on two counts. One, it isn't a snap since a legal snap leaves the snapper's hands. It's a snap infraction Two, it is a "planned loose ball" play in the vicinity of the snapper. In other words a "fumblerooski". That's a 5 yard penalty plus loss of down.

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 7 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.

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 8 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.

Why do referees insist on saying "illegal block in the back"? Has there ever been a "legal" block in the back?

Asked by Frank about 8 years ago

Because that is the foul: illegal block in the back. Is there a "legal" block? Technically you could say yes; in close line play, at the snap, you can block low and in the back.

I am the qb and I hand the ball off, and that person hands the ball off and then they toss it back to the qb, can you get a roughing the Passer penalty?????

Asked by Amy b about 8 years ago

The foul is roughing the passer, not quarterback. NCAA rule defines the passer as: The passer is the player who throws a forward pass. He is a passer from the time he releases the ball until the pass is complete, incomplete or intercepted or until he moves to participate in the play.