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

Question: Do you know where the money went that Bell gave up the last two weeks?
1. Steelers get to keep it for future players.
2. Back to the NFL.
3. Something else.

Asked by Renee about 7 years ago

Not a clue. That's not in my area of expertise.

I’m trying to understand why the offensive line has to get set, but the d line can move?

Asked by Joe almost 7 years ago

I really dont kni the absolute answer. Structure? Organization? To avoid chaos? I dont speak for those who wrote the rules, but if the offense could move constantly you'd have a very chaotic scene. When would the ball get snapped? How many could be on the line or in the backfield? You'd pretty much have rugby.

In youth football.
Team A wins a playoff game with a score of 21-14.
4 days later, the team they defeated (Team B) discovers that Team A scored during an illegal trick play. Should that game be replayed or should the final stand?

Asked by AWright almost 7 years ago

That isn't a "football" question. It's either a league action to decide what to do and/or an ethhcs question. Lots to review - not here, though.

In Notre Dame vs Va Tech today, Notre Dame received a punt. No fair catch signal. Receiver caught the ball at the 2 yard line, stepped back into the end zone & took a knee. This was not called a safety. Ball was spotted on the 2. l Why not safety

Asked by bob almost 6 years ago

We have a wording issue with your question. If the receiver caught the kick and then intentionally stepped back into the endzone and took a knee then, yes, it is a safety. But what you likely saw was momentum in play. If a player intercepts a pass or catches/recovers a kick between the five yard line and the goal line and his momentum carries him into the endzone, then the team gets the ball at the spot of the catch/interception. This is to prevent a cheap safety on what is otherwise a good defensive play. If the receiver caught the ball at the two and it was ruled momentum, then the Irish get the ball at their own two.

I’ve been a HS football official for about 10 yrs now, I just started using reading glasses. I obviously don’t bring them to the field, but I am having issues seeing my score card and my watch!! Any suggestions

Asked by Dennis over 6 years ago

Happens to us all. I needed glasses for distance since I was 17. Used to wear glasses on field but it wasn't so bad so I stopped. In my later years my reading needs are worse...like you. I go know a fellow official who brings a pair of "cheaters " on the field. Keros them in his shirt pocket to write on his game card. I squint. Have you tried progressives, or bifocals? You can wear glasses on the field. Not sure I've helped. Hey thing? Be comfortable on the field.

Is it illegal to fake a kneel for a "touchback" then run with it?

Asked by studentboigav over 6 years ago

Yes

In high School can a QB wear 79 and can a player play tackle one play then qb then rb then then the the tackle in consecutive plays without reporting as eligible?

Asked by Thom almost 6 years ago

Can a qb wear 79? Yes. But there is no "reoortibgvas eligible" in high school or college. The qb wearing 79 can play the libe and ho back. But 79 cannot catch a pass - that's an ineligible number.