2004 Football Meeting8/25/04

Rules & Mechanics Changes and Related ItemsWe will cover the major changes – up to you to review them all

Coach Calling Timeout & Team Conference at SidelinePositions during timeouts

Minor Change in Blocking in the Back in Free Blocking Zone Review the Zone and Blocking Rules

Minor Change in Rule Regarding Muffing Ball Into RMuff and Fumble Demonstration

Clarification on Penalty on Scoring PlaysReview Rule and Definition of Succeeding Spot

Minor Change in PSK RuleReview PSK

Visible Count Last 5 Seconds of Play ClockAgree on Mechanics

Free Kick PerilsReview New Positions of Officials

Review New Timing Rule for Period Between Score and Free Kick Covering Onside Kicks and Review Rules

Measurement Mechanics Demonstration4-man and 5-man

Basic Mechanics and Advanced MechanicsEnd of Quarter Mechanics

When and How to Use the Beanbag

Force and Safety/Touchback Drill

Ball Toss and Triangulation Drill

Coach Calling Timeout & Team Conference at Sideline

The ChangeThe head coach, and only the head coach, may now request a timeout. As in the past, any player may also request a timeout.

Special ConditionsThe head coach must by on the sidelines. If he is anywhere else (i.e. press box), he cannot call time out. If the head coach is not on the sideline, it IS NOT permitted to assign the task to an assistant.If the head coach is ejected, the task may be assigned to the acting head coach.If the team has co-head coaches, one must be designated as the coach who can call timeout

Officiating(1)The Linesman and Line Judge must know who the head coach is. (2) The Linesman and Line Judge must be aware of situations when timeouts are likely(3) Any official can recognize and grant the coach's request for a time out, but eye contact must be made. (4) Difficulties may arise when the ball is to be snapped away from the team box.(5) The "T" signal need not be given. A verbal request is all that is required.

Authorized Conferences

ChangeThere is no longer a limit on the number of team players who may participate in a timeout conference at the sideline (within 5 yards of the sideline). The limit of 11 players is no longer valid.Players and substitutes may not use a headset while in the conference. Coaches can use a headset.

No ChangeTimeout conferences on the field remain the same – 11 players and one coach. The coach my use a headset, the players cannot.The conference must take place between the hash marks.

ReminderOnly one type of conference may be used during a timeout period. Once the coach leaves the huddle on the field and returns to the sideline, the conference is over and no coaches can come back on the field.

Positions during timeouts

DO NOT huddle together. If one shotgun blast can get you all, you’re too close together.

4-man at sideline 4-man on field

5-man at sideline 5-man on field

Blocking in the Back in Free Blocking Zone

ChangeThis just brings the rule back to the way it was before last year.Blocking in the back is permitted against defensive players who are in the zone at the snap by a lineman on the line and in the zone at the time of the snap.Last year – the rule was mistakenly changed to require such defensive players to be on the line.

ReminderFor legal clipping, both the offensive and defensive players must be on the line and in the zone at the snap.

Review the Zone and Blocking Rules

The free blocking zone is 8 yards wide by 6 yards deep.

4 yards on either side of the ball

3 yards on either side of the neutral zone

The zone disappears when the ball leaves the zone.

Block below the waist and Clipping:All players involved are on the line and in the zone at the snap and contact is in the zone. (To clip, must be an offensive lineman)

Block in the Back:Offensive lineman on the line and in the zone. Defensive players are in the zone. Contact is in the zone.

Minor Change in Rule Regarding Muffing Ball

Into RNew TermForced Touching – the touching of the ball by a team R player that is caused by a Team K player pushing or blocking R into contact with the ball or if Team K muffs the ball into contact with R.

ChangeForced touching of a kick is ignored. Note that forced touching isn’t an issue on a free kick that has touched the ground and gone past the 10 yard neutral zone because the ball is a free ball.

RuleTeam K may recover (down) but may not retain possession of the ball because of the "forced touching.”

Muff and Fumble Demonstration

Clarification on Penalty on Scoring Plays

ChangeIf, during a touchdown, a foul by the opponents of the scoring team occurs, the scoring team may accept the results of the play and have the penalty enforced from the succeeding spot. (8‑2‑2)

What it MeansThe option applies to “team B” touchdowns after a change of possession. Team B may accept the result of the play (touchdown), and enforce the penalty at the succeeding spot (PAT).

ReasonThe 2003 change concerning fouls on touchdown plays said that the penalty could carry over to the succeeding spot. That rule change could have been interpreted to apply to both teams. However, the 2004 rule change makes it clear that fouls by Team A prior to a change of team possession are not covered by rule.

Definition of Succeeding Spot and Review Rule

DefinitionSucceeding Spot – The spot at which the ball will next be put into play.

After a touchdown – the succeeding spot is the 3-yard line.

After a PAT or field goal – the succeeding spot is the 40 yard line (spot of the free kick).

After a safety – the succeeding spot is the 20 yard line. (this rule doesn’t apply to safeties)

After a scrimmage play – the succeeding spot is the spot at which the ball became dead.

RuleIf the scoring team accepts a foul by the opponents, they may keep the score and have the penalty enforced from the succeeding spot.

Change in PSK RulePSK Changes and Clarifications The PSK window now opens when the ball is snapped (rather than when it crosses neutral zone). The position of the football when Team R fouls is not important.

If both teams foul and Team R's foul qualifies as a PSK foul, Team R may keep the ball by declining the penalty for Team K's foul.

In this case, K has no penalty options and the foul against Team R will be enforced. Hint – This is an exception to the clean hands rule. To remember it, think of it as if possession changes once the ball was snapped.

If the receiving team's only foul meets the criteria for PSK enforcement, it is not considered a part of a double foul. (Means the same as the previous statement)

ExamplesR1 holds K1 beyond the neutral zone. K2 grabs R2’s facemask as the ball is in the air (or K is guilty of illegal procedure). R may decline K’s foul and keep the ball.

OfficiatingLinesman need not stay at the line until the ball crosses the neutral zone.

Review PSKA post‑scrimmage kick (PSK) foul is a foul by Team R(1) that occurs on Team R's side of the expanded neutral zone,(2) occurs after the ball is snapped and prior to the end of a scrimmage kick (other than a try or successful field goal),

(3) on a kick that crosses the neutral zone, and(4) Team K does not have possession of the ball when the down ends. (2‑16‑2g)

Basic Spot for a PSK foulThe basic spot is the spot where the kick ended (caught by R or downed by K – or the 20 if a touchback).Use the All-But-One Principle – ALL fouls are enforced from the basic spot BUT ONE – fouls behind the basic spot.

OfficiatingMust beanbag the end of the kick. Since you may also have to beanbag first touching, you need at least 2 beanbags.

NoteIf R fouls on a successful field goal or try, K may accept the score and enforce the penalty at the succeeding spot.

OfficiatingWhat to Look For

Did R foul beyond the neutral zone?

Did ball cross the neutral zone?

Did R end up with the ball?

Did foul occur with window open?

If all answers are YES, it’s PSK

Visible Count Last 5 Seconds of Play Clock

Mechanics ChangeThe BJ on a 5-man crew must visibly indicate the final 5 seconds of the 25 second clock.

WIAA RecommendationCount it like a closely guarded count in basketball with a visible arm movement.NASO also recommends this method.

NoteDoes not apply to crews of less than 5.Not used on fields with a visible play clock.

ReasonTo give a clear indication to the players when the play clock is about to run out.

OfficiatingTakes some of the judgment and fudge factor out of the rule. Will result in stricter enforcement.

NoteNot covered in the rules meetings. Coaches probably don’t know about it.

New Free Kick Positions

Mechanics ChangeBack Judge now handles the ball and the kicking team

Line Judge now handles the receiving team

Free Kick Perils On first free kick for each team, explain that it is to their advantage to let you know in advance if there is going to be an onside kick so that your crew can provide the best coverage possible.

Onside or short kick situation: Have a pre-determined signal that the BJ will do to alert the crew to an onside kick (Crew discreetly moves up).

Have your bean bag in your hand and know how to use it

Things to watch:

• Watch for encroachment – kicker & holder are exempt

•Note: kicker is exempt only if he kicks. If he fakes and encroaches and someone else kicks it – it is a foul

Ball must travel 10-yards and touch the ground before K can legally touch or recover (unless R player touches it). Bean bag first touching (neutral zone only – after it goes 10 yards, it’s a free ball)

Watch for kick catch interference R must be allowed to catch without being hit

Definition of catch – possess ball before it hits the ground

Ball popped up that is caught by K – Kick catch interference & first touching

Fair Catch Be aware of who signals

Can’t block after giving signal Only catcher is protected

Be aware of when signal is given If given after ball hits ground – invalid signal

Watch Blocks Blocking below the waist restrictions apply to

both teams Blocking kicker

Ball goes out of bounds Untouched by R - Penalty Flag at the spot Last touched by R - Spot Last touched by K – Spot K player touching sideline touches the ball –

ball becomes dead immediately and belongs to R at the inbounds spot

Free Kick Perils

New Timing Rule - Free Kick

Rule Change Disguised as a Mechanics Change (Not covered well in Rules Meetings)The 60-second period between a score and the free kick will be timed. The ball is blown “ready for play” at the end of 60 seconds. If K does not kick within 25 seconds, it is a delay of game foul.

MechanicsStart timing after the PAT (or other score). At 45 seconds, the back judge (5-man) notifies the referee (probably with a point). Referee notifies rest of crew (perhaps raise your hand). Other officials notify teams the ball will be blown ready for play in 15 seconds.

Officials head for their positions and raise hands when ready. If K is not out, the back judge places the ball on the 40 yard line at the hash mark nearest K’s bench and goes to his position.Note – once ball is placed on tee, the location cannot be changed (once the kicking spot is designated it cannot be changed)

Back judge notifies referee at end of 60 seconds.

Referee blows the ready for play whistle. The back judge begins timing the 25 second play clock.

If K does not kick by the end of 25 seconds, the back judge flags them for delay of game. Remember the visible count mechanic for the last 5 seconds.

Measurement Mechanics 4-man

Spot ball immediately, don’t be tossing it around.

Linesman clips the chain on the yard line nearest the rear stake. Your choice as to front of line, back of line or middle of line.

For measurement:Linesman – move down box to front stake. Grasp chain and clip and move onto field.

Line Judge – Line up the linesman by placing your foot at the spot where he should place the clip (so you have a straight line)

Umpire – Take front stake and bring it down next to ball.

Referee – Make ruling. If short, indicate distance with arms or fingers.

Measurement Mechanics 4-man

First Down?Referee signals.Release chains and let them return to sideline.Linesman – go to sideline and indicate new line of scrimmage with your heelRelay ball to hash mark (if outside).ALL – Remind referee of clock status.After chain resets – blow ready for play.

Short?Referee grabs chain at foremost point of the ball, taking care to not move ball. DO NOT move ball until you get to the new spot at the hash.Line judge can come hold the ball (or get another from a ball boy).Umpire and Linesman move stakes to hash while referee carries chain.When ready, line judge brings ball in and sets it down so that the chains don’t hit it when they leave.Umpire gives front stake back to chain crew.Linesman carries chain and clip and goes off field with chain crew.ALL – Remind referee of clock status.Referee – when everyone’s ready, blow ready for play.

Measurement Mechanics5-man

Linesman – Move down box to front stake. Grasp clip and chain and move onto field.

Line Judge – Indicate where linesman should place the clip (so you are in a straight line). After doing so, get a new ball from the ball boy.

Back Judge – Take care of ball and hold it in place.

Umpire – Take front stake and bring it down next to ball.

Referee – Make the decision. If short, indicate distance with your arms or fingers.

Measurement Mechanics5-man

Short?DO NOT move ball until you have the stakes at the new spot.

Referee grabs chain at foremost point of the ball, taking care to not move ball.

Umpire and Linesman move stakes to hash while referee carries chain.

Back Judge – Continue to hold ball in place.

Line Judge – Deliver new ball to referee.

After ball is set, umpire gives the stake back to the chain crew. The linesman carries clip and chain back to sideline and replaces chain in correct place.

ALL – remind referee about status of clock.

When all are ready, referee blows ready for play.

Measurement Mechanics5-man

First Down?Umpire return stake to chain crew.

Linesman drops chain and lets chain crew remove the chains. Indicates new line of scrimmage for the downbox at the sideline.

ALL – remind referee about status of clock.

When everyone is ready – referee blows ready for play.

Advanced Mechanics for Measurements

Demonstrate use of 5-yard tape.

Demonstrate method to determine if ball is more than 15 yards from front stake.

Measuring during foul situations when teams want to know if previous play is a first down.

Do not move down box – use a beanbag instead.

End of Quarter MechanicsTake your timeALL – Record offensive team, down, distance, ball location and DIRECTION YOU WILL BE HEADINGLinesman

Clip the location of the down box on the chain.Yes, that means carrying two clips.Grasp chain and clip and verbalize to the crew what yard line you are going to. Have rear stake holder lead the parade to the new spot.Place chains at the proper place.

Line Judge and Back JudgeKeep sidelines clean and double check the rest of the crew. Ensure legality of conferences. Back judge times the 60 seconds.

Referee and UmpireTALK TO EACH OTHER AND VERBALIZE ALL DIRECTIONSNote location of ball – step if off.Note location on field – hash mark, goal post, etc.Verbalize where you are going plus team and direction – ie: “We’re going to the 32-1/2 yard line on the right hand goal post and it will be white’s ball heading toward the school.Umpire carries ball.Both jog to new location.

ALL – Double check everythingBack Judge – Notify referee at 45 secondsALL – Notify teams to return to field

When and How to Use Your Beanbags

(note plural – you should carry two!)

It’s not a distance contest!

Don’t throw it – drop it or toss it. You don’t need the spot, all you need is the yard line.

Use for:Fumble beyond the line of scrimmage.First touching of a kickEnd of scrimmage kickMomentum ExceptionInadvertent whistleAnytime you need to keep a spot such as to retrieve a ball, cover a pile out of bounds, etc.

Don’t Use for:Forward progress - unless necessary. If you do, don’t toss it. Get to the spot, square up, drop the bag and go about your duties.

Force and Safety/Touchback Drill

Demonstrate these plays:A fumbles at 4 yard line. It rolls into B’s end zone and out of bounds. TOUCHBACK

A fumbles at 4 yard line into the air and B hits it into B’s end zone and it rolls out of bounds. SAFETY

A fumbles at 4 yard line. The ball is at rest on the 2 yard line. B is trying to recover and knocks the ball into the end zone and B recovers in the end zone. SAFETY

A fumbles at 4 yard line. The ball is at rest at the 2 when B intentionally bats it into B’s end zone where B recovers. ILLEGAL BATTING AND SAFETY – A HAS OPTIONS TO TAKE SAFETY OR PENALTY.

A fumbles at the 4 yard line into the air. B intercepts and his momentum carries him into the end zone where he is kneels down. MOMENTUM EXCEPTION.

Other side of field – A has back to goal line. B intercepts a pass at the 10. He is hit at the 4 and fumbles into the air. A catches the ball in his end zone where he is tackled. TOUCHBACK

Just like previous, except A catches the ball in the air at the 2 and his momentum takes him into the end zone where he is tackled. MOMENTUM EXCEPTION

K punts from his end zone, the ball is blocked by A and goes out the end zone. SAFETY

K punts from his end zone, the ball is blocked by A into the air. In trying to catch it, A knocks the ball out of the end zone. SAFETY

Ball Toss and Triangulation Drill

Form two lines and practice tossing the ball.

Form three lines and practice triangulating the ball from the sideline to the hash mark.