Pre-Snap Routine - Umpire

1) Confirm the status of the clock

2) Place ball at the proper spot and lateral location (positions 1-5)

3) If 1st down or after penalty enforcement, signal or verbalize the status of the clock to the referee so he can properly wind or hack

4) Confirm the status of the clock

5) Confirm new down and change down indicator and position indicators on hands

6) If 1st down, anticipate quick wind and leave the ball and move to a new position

7) Make a note of the down and distance

8) Observe substitutions and player equipment

9) Count offense, identify 5 players wearing #s 50-79, snap; signal referee

10) Hold the center to prevent the snap if the offense is in a hurry-up and wants to snap and the REFEREE has not released you

11) Move to pre-snap position when the REFEREE releases you when the offense is in a hurry-up

12) Identifying formation looking for the strength of the formation, unbalanced, and key players

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

14) Feet then ball. What does an Umpire have to add here? Ball yes on the snap, feet probably not

15) Observe the legal snap and your initial responsibilities (guard-center-guard)

16) Use read vision while determining run (and direction of run) or pass

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

a) Punt – LINE JUDGE off, numbering exceptions, legal long snap, roughing the snapper
b) Punt – loosen position wider and deeper
c) Goal-line – stay off the goal line
d) Goal-line – locate the ball relative to the goal line after the play and communicate “I have the ball”
to flanks if the final resting spot of the ball is in the end zone.
e) Passing/screening/Run-Pass-Option teams – ineligible down field
f) Field Goal – live ball – numbering exceptions and roughing the snapper

18) Let the R know the result of the play - they don't know!

19) Dead ball officiate.