Pre-Snap Routine - Head Linesman

1) Confirm the status of the clock

2) Accordion in and confirm next down with referee and signal the box to move and change down - get verbal communication with box on every play

3) Assist in relaying the game ball if necessary

4) If 1st down, go to the sideline and, using your foot or heel, indicate the exact spot for the rear stake and down box. Use an appropriate signal to the REFEREE to wind the clock or hack

5) Make a note of the down and distance

6) Know the line to gain

7) Change down indicator on hand appropriate to the status of the clock (back-stopped; front-live)

8) Observe substitutions and player equipment

9) Confirm GL responsibility with BACK JUDGE

10) Use your up-field foot to indicate the back of the ball to the receiver. - (clarification - the foot away from the direction the offense is going)

11) Confirm eligible receivers, including backs, to your side of the formation

12) Note the location of better player(s)

13) Signal back to the opposite flank if the widest receiver is off the line of scrimmage (various signals will be used depending on the formation and confirmation of opposite flanks signals)

14) Release up-field foot indicating the back of the ball, and now straddle the LOS with the best view of the ball, near tackle, and receiver(s)

15) Anticipate the type of play, based upon down and distance, formation, and location of key players

16) Anticipate screen and know where the ball was caught relative to the LOS

17) Anticipate ineligible downfield on a pass to the other side

18) Feet then ball

19) Observe the legal snap with no false start, encroachment, or illegal shift or motion (man going away from you)

20) Use read vision while observing near tackle to determining run (and direction of run) or pass

21) Other pre-snap possibilities based upon the situation and location of the ball include:

f) Goal-line mechanics – Stay wide at the pylon
g) Anticipate pick play
h) Punt – LINE JUDGE off, you have the entire LOS for FST or encroachment
i) Punt – Does kick cross the line of scrimmage?
j) Know the location of eligible receivers and the ball for intentional grounding calls
k) Field Goal – live ball

22) Dead ball officiate

23) Know location of the pass vs the NZ (beyond or behind) - be ready to tell the Back Judge