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

Imy belief forward progress is given if the ball carrier is forced backwards by defense, not if he goes back on own. In gb dal gm. 4th & 1 zeke reached the ball out to the 1st dn marker & pulled it back on his own. Hows that fwd prog. Whistle after

Asked by John p over 8 years ago

I believe all levels of football rules are pretty much in agreement on this. The NCAA rule book states: "Forward progress is a term indicating the end of advancement by the ball carrier or airborne pass receiver of either team and applies to the position of the ball when it becomes dead by rule."

The ball was held out and then the whistle blew. The ball was at a certain position - where Elliott had held it out - and that was where it was determined to have been when the runner's progress ended. It isn't much different from a ball carrier extending the ball over the goal line and then being pushed back; touchdown. Position of the ball.

If a referee throws a flag for offsides on the defense and the "free" play results in a turn over. Is the referee allowed to pick up the flag and say it was not offsides and the interception counts? Or should this result in a replayed down?

Asked by Paula almost 9 years ago

The defense had a problem. The offense will accept the penalty for offside and the down will be replayed. Tough luck.

Does the execution of a snap supercede a timeout whistle, blown very slightly after the snap? Should the result of the play count? Can officials deny the timeout request, if not given time to communicate the timeout before the snap?

Asked by grizrule over 7 years ago

You're asking questions of philosophy, something that isn't in the rule book. First, it depends who is calling the timeout, offense or defense. The defense often waits to the last second to call it in order to "ice" the kicker. But if the snap is in the process of going off, it is possible for the timeout to not be granted. You ask about the whistle blowing "very slightly" after the snap; that probably means it was asked for prior to the snap. When you see the snap go and the kick made as whistles are being blown, the timeout was granted prior to the snap - the kick will not count. Usually, for the offense the timeout is granted.

I saw a recent NFL game where the punter tackled the punt returner. To what extent is it legal to block the punter? I recall a rule making the punter "protected," even when he's running downfield to possibly tackle the kick returner.

Asked by Bridgbum over 9 years ago

Once the punter has kicked and recovers and goes to be involved in the play (going after/tackling a runner) he's a player and is no different than any other player. Same with a QB after an interception. If the QB goes to tackle and participates in the play, he's fair game. If he just stands there, then you can't hit him.

If a defensive player jumps over the line and gets back not heading towards the quarterback is the play blown dead? I have watched to different games. One game they blew every offside dead, but another game they left the play continue. What is right?

Asked by Nancy Tickler over 7 years ago

Depends what you're watching. In high school, the play us dead and defense offsides us enforced. In NCAA and NFL the defender can get back before the snap. There are times when even when the player isn't threatening the QB the play is stopped. Rule of thumb: if the defender is past the shoulder of an offensive player, they'll blow it dead.

Was a false start always called a false start? Seems like some 20-30 yrs ago it was also called off sides no matter offensive or defensive.

Asked by Sugarmama over 7 years ago

Hmmm, history question! Honestly not sure. I've been doing this for over 30 years....there were those who might have mistakenly called ug offsides but it was always. as far as I recall, illegal procedure. That's a fslse start.

Can officials decide to change out during an ongoing game?

Asked by Washington over 8 years ago

I have no idea what that means. Sorry, can't help.