NIRSA FLAG FOOTBALL
3 PERSON
OFFICIATING MECHANICS
PASS / RUN PLAYS
1
LJ
R
BJ
REFEREE MECHANICS
Before Snap:
Set ball spotters (Orange – Offense, Gold – Defense)
Confirm down number with partners and down box
Sound whistle sharply (ready for play whistle) and begin the 25
second play clock NOTE: if the offense is ready to snap the ball,
do not blow the ready for play until you are in position
Positioning:
Opposite side from LJ, same side as BJ
7 yards behind and 7 yards outside the deepest offensive back
STAY WIDE !
REFEREE MECHANICS (cont.)
After Snap:
Mental Checklist – Snap, Ball, QB, Rush, Pass
Follow ball carrier towards either sideline,
maintaining an “inside looking out” angle
Stay wide to avoid becoming a part of the play
Primary responsibility is the QB
After a pass is thrown, do NOT watch the ball, keep your
eyes on the passer until there is no threat of a foul
Rule on illegal contact by rushers and blockers
Rule on all pitches behind the neutral zone
Rule on legal or illegal forward passes where passer’s feet
are close to the orange ball spotter
R POSITION – RUN / PASS PLAYS
7 yards behind
QB
7 yards outside
R
LINE JUDGE MECHANICS
Before Snap:
Use backfield foot to line up offensive players
Inform Team A if they do not have enough players on the line
(Raised arm until line requirement is met)
Count offensive players
Confirm down number with partners and down box
Positioning:
Opposite BJ and R
Stand in neutral zone, on the sideline
If a receiver lines up near the sideline, take a step or two
out of bounds
LINE JUDGE MECHANICS (cont.)
After Snap:
Mental Checklist: Snap, Players, Zone, Ball
Observe initial charge of line players
Slide downfield 3-5 yards initially, watch for illegal contact by
receivers and defensive backs
When pass is released, move to the most advantageous position
to see between the receiver and defender
Stay wide and parallel to runner as you have the primary call
on downfield pitches
Primary responsibilities are marking forward progress and
ruling on plays near zone lines and goal lines
LJ POSITION – RUN / PASS PLAYS
3
LJ
1
2
3
QB
4
BACK JUDGE MECHANICS
Before Snap:
Confirm down number with partners and down box
Count defensive players
Periodically inform players, coaches, and officials of the
remaining time
Positioning:
Opposite LJ, same side as R
15 – 17 yards downfield, 3 – 5 from sideline
Stay behind the deepest defensive player and wider than
the widest offensive player
BACK JUDGE MECHANICS (cont.)
After Snap:
Mental Checklist: Snap, Players, Zone, Ball
First step is ALWAYS backwards
Do not let a player behind you running downfield
Keep players boxed in, do not get caught inside
Do not overcommit to the other side of the field too quickly
Primary responsibility is the end line
BJ POSITION – RUN / PASS PLAYS
1
BJ
3 – 5 yds
15 – 17 yds
GOAL LINE PLAYS
BJ
R
LJ
REFEREE MECHANICS
Positioning is the same as run / pass plays
Responsibilities:
Same as pass / run plays except:
After touchdown, check for penalties, then speak only to
captain to obtain the Try choice
Announce the choice to players and officials
Do not signal touchdown from the R position
LINE JUDGE MECHANICS
Positioning is the same as run / pass plays
Responsibilities:
Same as pass / run plays except:
After the snap, hustle to the goal line and rule on either a
touchdown or spot forward progress
Objective is to be straddling the goal line BEFORE the ball
breaks the plane
ALWAYS know where the goal line is
LJ has ALL calls regarding the goal line!
Do not mirror TD signal by the BJ
Communicate with BJ on corner plays
BACK JUDGE MECHANICS
Positioning:
Any time the ball is snapped inside the 10 yard line, stand
on the end line, still 3-5 yards from the sideline
Responsibilities:
BJ has all calls regarding the Endline!
Do not mirror TD signals by the LJ
Stay on the end line and let the play come to you.
Communicate with LJ on corner plays
KICKING PLAYS
1
LJ
R
BJ
REFEREE MECHANICS
Positioning is the same as run / pass plays
Responsibilities:
Watch for snap hitting the ground
If punt goes out of bounds in flight, line up covering official by
chopping your arm as they reach the out-of-bounds spot
After the punt move downfield, focusing on screen
blocking ahead of the runner
Be alert for a long return – responsible for goal line
LINE JUDGE MECHANICS
Rule on any scrimmage line fouls
Hold initial position after the punt – ruling on any infractions
on the line of scrimmage
If kick goes out of bounds in the air, go beyond where you
believe the spot is, turn and walk back upfield, watching for the
R to drop their arm and stop
If kick goes out of bounds on the ground, mark the spot
LJ has responsibility for their sideline
BACK JUDGE MECHANICS
Parallel to deepest receiver at least 8 – 10 yds wide
After ball is caught, move with flow
Responsible for Team B goal line and endline
If kick goes out of bounds in the air, go beyond where you believe
the spot is, turn and walk back upfield, watching for the R to drop
their arm and stop
If kick goes out of bounds on the ground, mark the spot
1
BJ
LJ
R
Images