ATLANTA PEACH STATE FOOTBALL
ASSOCIATION
(APFOA)
PERSONNEL
QUALIFICATION
SYSTEM
FOR
APFOA Football Officials
(LINE JUDGE)
NAME (yr__) ______________________________
Date Received: ____________________
Date Completed: __________________
INTRODUCTION
PQS PROGRAM
This PQS program is a qualification system for APFOA Referees in years 1-2 and new
Referees who become members of APFOA form other associations where certification
of a minimum level of competency is required prior to qualifying to perform specific
assignments. A PQS is a compilation of the minimum knowledge and skills that an
individual must demonstrate in order to qualify to officiate football games at the Junior
Varsity and High School level(also determined by experience and requirements by
GHSA) for APFOA; and to perform the proper mechanics specific to each position
necessary for the proper administration of a game. The objective of PQS is to
standardize and facilitate these qualifications.
CANCELLATION
This Standard cancels and supersedes none.
APPLICABILITY
This PQS is applicable to all APFOA /GHSA officials.
MODEL MANAGER
The APFOA Board members manage each specific PQS manual. This includes
overseeing the process of monitoring and updating assigned PQS manuals from the
standpoint of content and relevance.
TAILORING
To tailor this package, first have it reviewed by one or more of your most qualified
individuals. Delete any portions covering rules and mechanics not applicable to your
position. Next, add any line items, fundamentals, mechanics that are unique to your
position but not already covered in this package. Finally, the package should be
reviewed by the board members and have the required changes approved by the
APFOA Board President. Retain the approved master copy (must be signed by the
President) on file for use in tailoring individual packages.
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INTRODUCTION (CONT’D)
QUALIFIER
The PQS Qualifier is designated in writing by the President or his designee to sign off
individual Position PQS. Qualifiers will normally be a certified member with at least 7
years experience (preferred) or a board member (certified with at least 7 years
experience) and, as a minimum, must have completed the PQS they are authorized to
sign off. The names of designated Qualifiers should be made known to all members of
the association. The means of maintaining this listing is at the discretion of Board.
CONTENTS
PQS is divided into three sections. The 100 Section (Fundamentals) contains the
fundamental knowledge from the National Federation of State High School Associations
(NFHS) manuals and other texts necessary to satisfactorily understand the rules of the
game and specific Position responsibilities relative to the rules. The 200 Section
(Mechanics) is designed to acquaint you with the mechanics you will be required to
perform at your position. The 300 Section (Field Performance) lists the tasks you will be
required to satisfactorily perform in order to achieve final PQS qualification for a
particular position or function. All three sections may not apply to this PQS, but where
applicable, detailed explanations are provided at the front of each section.
REFERENCES
The references used during the writing of this PQS package were the latest available to
the practicum; however, the most current references available should be used when
qualifying with this Standard.
NOTES
Other references may be used in the development of PQS. If such references are used,
do make notes in this book as answers to questions in this Standard may be outdated.
PQS FEEDBACK REPORTS
This PQS was developed using information available at the time of writing. When rules
and mechanics change, the PQS needs to be revised. The only way the PQS
Development Group knows of these changes is by you, the user, telling us either in a
letter or via the Feedback Report contained in the back of this book. You can tell us of
new systems and requirements, or of errors you find.
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100 INTRODUCTIONS TO FUNDAMENTALS
100.1 INTRODUCTION
This PQS begins with a Fundamentals section covering the basic knowledge and
principles needed to understand the Game of football from a Line Judge point of view
and in accordance with GHSA and NFHS rules or duties to be studied. Normally, you
would have acquired some of the knowledge required in the Fundamentals section
simply by watching the game or reading about the game or from training. If you have
none of the aforementioned or if you need a refresher, the references listed at the
beginning of each fundamental will aid you in a self-study program. All references cited
for study are selected according to their credibility and availability.
100.2 HOW TO COMPLETE
You should complete all required fundamentals before starting the Field Performance
portions of this PQS, since knowledge gained from the fundamentals will aid you in
understanding the mechanics and your Field Performance tasks. When you feel you
have a complete understanding of one fundamental or more, contact your Qualifier. If
you are attempting qualification, your Qualifier will expect you to satisfactorily answer all
line items in the fundamentals. If you are re-qualifying or are a new member from
another Association, your Qualifier may require you to answer representative line items
to determine if you have the necessary knowledge for your position. The APFOA board
may require an oral board or written examination for final qualification, you may be
asked any questions from the fundamentals required for your position.
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101 Line Judge Fundamentals
References:
[a] NFHS Football Rules Book
[b] NFHS Football Officials Manual
[c] NFHS High School Football Rules Simplified & Illustrated
[d] NFHS Football Case Book
101.1 Discuss the concept of the Officials Code of Ethics [ref. a; ref. b]
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.2 Explain the following as they apply to the Officials Code of Ethics: [ref. a; ref. b]
.a Rules of the game; Mechanics of the game [ref. a, b; E-1]
.b Honor and Dignity; Conduct [ref. a, b; E-3]
.c Dress; Physical and Mental preparation [ref. a, b; E-4]
.d Contractual obligations [ref. a, b; E-5]
.e Education [ref. a, b; E-8]
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.3 What is the objective of the Game [ref. a, Rule 1, Sec. 1, art. 1]
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.4 The game is played on a rectangular field. What is the length and width in feet?
[ref. a, Rule 1, Sec. 1, art. 2; c]
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.5 Who is responsible for the administration of the Game [ref. a, Rule 1, Sec. 1, art.
4]
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.6 When do the Game Officials assume authority for the contest if the game start
time is 7:30pm [ref. a, Rule 1, Sec. 1, art. 7]
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
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101 Line Judge FUNDAMENTALS (Cont’D)
.7 How many players must a team have to begin the game? [ref. a, Rule 1, Sec. 1,
Art. 3]
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.8 Who has the authority and decision responsibility to forfeit a game? [ref. a, Rule
1, Sec 1, Art. 10]
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.9 Describe how the Game is played [ref. a, Rule 1, Sec. 1, Art. 2]
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.10 Describe how the End lines and sidelines and other dimension lines are
marked
[ref. a, Rule 1, Sec. 2, Art. 3, c]
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.11 Describe the pylon and placement of the pylons [ref. a, Rule 1, Sec. 2, Art. 4]
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.12 Describe the Goal [ref. a, Rule 1, Sec. 2. Art. 5, a]
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.13 Describe the Crossbar [ref. a, Rule 1, Sec. 2, Art. 5, b, c, d, e, f, g]
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
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.14 Describe the ball specifications [ref. a, Rule 1, Sec. 3, Art. 1, a, b, c, d, e, f, g]
_
______________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.15 How many legal games balls should each team provide at the time the game
officials assume authority for the contest [ref. a, Rule 1, Sec. 3, Art. 2]
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.16 Describe the kicking tee [ref. a, Rule 1, Sec. 3, Art 4]
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.17 Describe the official line-to-gain equipment and use [ref. a, Rule 1, Sec. 3, Art. 5,
a, b, c, d]
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.18 What are the clock running times for High School [ref. a, Rule 3, Sec. 1, art. 1]
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.19 Explain all situations for starting and stopping the clock [ref. a, Rule 3, Sec. 4]
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.20 Define the Official Uniform: uniform items and equipment [ref. b, page 9-10]
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.21 Define the free blocking zone [ref Rule 2, Sec. 17, art. 1]
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
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.22 Define illegal formation [ref a, Rule 2, Sec. 32-3 Simplified page 72, 136]
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.23 Define the neutral zone expanded & expanded [ref a, Rule 2, Sec. 28, art. 1&2
Simplified page 66]
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.24 Define a illegal snap [ref a, Rule 7, Sec. 1, art. 2 Simplified book page 121]
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.25 Define illegal substitution [ref a, Rule 3, Sec. 7, art. 4]
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.26 Define the out of bounds spot [ref a, Rule 4, Sec. 3, art. 3]
____________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.27 Define encroachment [ref a, Rule 7, Sec. 1, art. 6; Rule 6, Sec 1, art 3 Simplified
book page 106, 121]
_____________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.28 Define a player in motion [ref a, Rule 7, Sec. 2, art. 7 ]
_____________________________________
(Signature and Date)
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.29 Define the restricted area [ref a, Rule 9, Sec. 8, art. 3; simplified book page 11]
_____________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.30 Define a false start [ref a, Rule 7, Sec. 1, art. 7 a,b,c]
_____________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.31 Define the offensive line requirements [ref a, Rule 7, Sec. 2, art. 5 a,b , Simplified
page 136]
_____________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.32 Define an illegal shift [ref a, Rule 7, Sec. 2, art. 6 Simplified page 75]
_____________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.33 Define blocking in the frame [ref a, Rule 2, Sec. 3, art. 2, b,2 Simplified page 47]
_____________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.34 Define ineligible down field [ref a, Rule 7, Sec. 5, art. 12]
_____________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.35 Define incidental face mask [ref a, Rule 9, Sec. 4, art 3 Simplified page 148]
_____________________________________
(Signature and Date)
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.36 Define out of bounds [ref a, Rule 2, Sec. 29, art. 1]
_____________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.36 Define passing [ref a, Rule 2, Sec. 31, art. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
______________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.37 Define Touchback [ref a, Rule 6, Sec. 3, art. 1, 2]
_______________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.38 Define Pass interference restrictions for “a” and “B” [ref a, Rule 7, Sec. 5, art. 7,
8, 9]
_______________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.39 Define forward pass interference [ref a, Rule 7, Sec. 5, art. 10]
________________________________________
(Signature and Date)
10
201 GHSA High School Line Judge Mechanics
References:
[a] GHSA Football Officials Manual
[b] GHSA Football Officials Manual
201.1 What are the positions on a six (6) man Crew [ref. b]
______________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.2 Explain the Line Judge pre-game responsibilities for the 6 man crew [ref. b]
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.3 Explain the mechanics and responsibilities of Line Judge on the six man crew
before, during, and after the Kickoff [ref. b]
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.4 Explain the mechanics and responsibilities of the Line Judge on the six man
crew before, during, and after the Running play [ref. b]
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.5 Explain the mechanics and responsibilities of the Line Judge on the six man
crew before, during, and after the Forward Pass play [ref. b]
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.6 Explain the mechanics and responsibilities of the Line Judge on the six man
crew before, during, and after the Scrimmage Kick [ref. b]
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
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201 GHSA High School Line Judge Mechanics (Cont’D)
.7 Explain the mechanics and responsibilities of the Line Judge on the six man
crew before, during, and after the Field-Goal Attempt or Try when snap is from 15yard line or inside [ref. b]
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.8 Explain the mechanics and responsibilities of the Line Judge on the six man
crew before, during, and after the Field-Goal Attempt or Try when Ball is snapped
outside 15-yard line [ref. b]
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.9 Explain the mechanics and responsibilities of the Line Judge on the six man
crew before, during, and after the Goal-Line play [ref. b]
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.10 Explain the mechanics and responsibilities of the Line Judge on the six man
crew before, during, and after the Try or Field Goal, Safety [ref. b]
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.11 Explain the mechanics and responsibilities of the Line Judge on the six man
crew when Administering Penalties [ref. b]
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.12 Explain the mechanics and responsibilities of the Line Judge on the six man
crew when measuring for First Down using Traditional Line-to-Gain Equipment
[ref. b]
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
12
201 GHSA High School Line Judge Mechanics (Cont’D)
.13 Explain the mechanics and responsibilities of the Line judge on the six man
crew during a Time-Out [ref. b]
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.14 Explain the mechanics and responsibilities of the Line Judge on the six man
crew during an injury Time-Out [ref. b]
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.15 Explain the mechanics and responsibilities of the Line Judge on the six man
crew at the End-of-Period [ref. b]
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.16 Explain the mechanics and responsibilities of the Line Judge on the six man
crew Between-Periods [ref. b]
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.17 Explain the mechanics and responsibilities of the Line Judge on the six man
crew Between-Halves [ref. b]
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
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300 Field Performances – Mechanics
301 INTRODUCTION
The Field Performance section of your PQS is where you get a chance to demonstrate
to your Qualifier that you can put the knowledge you have gained in the previous
sections to use. It allows you to practice the responsibilities required for your Position
and to handle some unusual situations. Before starting your assigned tasks, you must
completely understand the specifics that pertain to the performance of that particular
task. Satisfactory completion of all prerequisites is required prior to achievement of final
qualification.
302 HOW TO COMPLETE
After completing the required prerequisites (sections 100 and 200) applicable to a
particular mechanic, you may perform the mechanics under the supervision of a PQS
Qualified. If you satisfactorily perform the mechanics and can explain each step, your
Qualifier will sign you off for that mechanic. You may then be required to do a mechanic
a number of times to earn qualification. There are two levels of supervision for this:
Under Instruction: You will perform the duties and mechanics of the position under the
direct supervision of a PQS Qualifier or Referee. This is intended to be a one-on-one
training situation. (No signature given)
Under PQS qualified supervision: You will perform the duties and mechanics of the
position with minor guidance from a PQS qualifier or Referee. This is intended to allow
you to develop proficiency in the position and have a PQS qualifier close at hand if
needed. (If properly performed, signature)
After all line items have been successfully completed, your Qualifier will verify Final
Qualification by signing and dating the Final Qualification pages.
14
303 Field Performances (Mechanics) – Line Judge
Line Judge
.1 Perform pre-game responsibilities (2 Times)
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.2 Perform Coin Toss (2 Times)
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.3 Perform mechanics for Kickoff (2 Times)
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.4 Perform mechanics for Running Play (2 Times)
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
15
Line Judge (Cont’D)
.5 Perform mechanics for Forward Pass (2 Times)
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.6 Perform mechanics for Scrimmage Kick (2 Times)
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.7 Perform mechanics for Field-Goal Attempt or Try when snap is from 15-yard
Line or inside (2 Times)
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.8 Perform mechanics for Field-Goal Attempt or Try when ball is snapped outside
15-yard Line (2 Times)
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
16
Line Judge (Cont’D)
.9 Perform mechanics for Goal-Line play (2 Times)
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.10 Perform mechanics for After a Safety, Try or Field-Goal (2 Times)
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.11 Perform mechanics for Administering Penalties (2 Times)
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.12 Perform mechanics for Measuring for first down using Traditional Line-to-Gain
Equipment (2 Times)
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.13 Perform mechanics for Time-Out (2 Times)
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
17
.14 Perform mechanics for Injury Time-Out (2 Times)
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.15 Perform mechanics for End-of Period (2 Times)
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.16 Perform mechanics for Between-Periods (2 Times)
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
.17 Perform mechanics for Between-Halves (2 Times)
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
___________________________________
(Signature and Date)
18
FINAL QUALIFICATION
PQS Qualified APFOA Fundamentals
NAME______________________________ Position _LINE JUDGE __
This page is to be used as a record of satisfactory completion of designated sections of
the Personnel Qualification Standard (PQS). Only specified Qualifiers may signify
completion of applicable sections either by written or oral examination, or by observation
of performance. The examination or checkout need not cover every item; however, a
sufficient number should be covered to demonstrate the examinee’s knowledge. Should
supervisors give away their signatures, unnecessary difficulties can be expected in
future game-time routine mechanics and judgmental calls.
A copy of this completed page shall be kept in the individual’s training record.
The trainee has completed all PQS requirements for LINE JUDGE.
APFOA recommend designation as a PQS Qualified Basic Fundamentalist Official.
RECOMMENDED________________________________________
DATE______________
Training Officer
RECOMMENDED________________________________________
DATE______________
PQS Supervisor
RECOMMENDED________________________________________
DATE______________
Secretary
RECOMMENDED________________________________________
DATE______________
Booking Secretary
QUALIFIED_____________________________________________
DATE______________
APFOA President or Designated Representative
TRAINING RECORD ENTRY________________________________ DATE
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APFOA
PERSONNEL QUALIFICATION SYSTEM
Feedback Form – Question - Interpretation
From____________________________________________________
Date_____________________________________________________
Via_________________________________________________Date_______________
APFOA Board Position Representative
Activity________________________________________________________________
Email Address __________________________________________________________
Telephone # ___________________________________________________________
PQS Title______________________________________________________________
Section
Affected_______________________________________________________________
Page Number(s)
______________________________________________________________________
Comments
______________________________________________________________________
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