Referee's Page

 

 

 

Volunteers Wanted (ages 12+)

 

 

Referees' Responsibilities

1. On the youth level, referees should be aware that participants are new to the game. Often, it is their first experience with organized sports.
2. Be familiar with rule modifications and their implementation. All referees must arrive 15 minutes prior to their starting game time.
3. A referee can act as a teacher by explaining a rule or call that is made.
4. Make calls consistent with the level of play. Don’t be influenced by coaches, parents or players intimidation. Stand on the sides of the line of scrimmage away from direct play, and count to 3 out loud. As in most sports, the referee is considered part of the field and players must do everything in their power to avoid contact with an official.
5. Insist that the playing field and equipment are safe for the children. Use good judgment in assessing weather conditions (e.g. if playing outdoors, cancel games immediately in the event of lightning).
6. Promote good sportsmanship through respectful behavior to both coaches and teams.
7. If you are not a trained or certified medic, DO NOT attempt to administer first aid.
8. Coaches or Parents are not allowed on the playing fields. In the unfortunate event of a serious injury, call the coach onto the field, and alert the facility staff to call the paramedics if deemed necessary.

Automatic First Downs are when a player passes the solid white lines. If a team is on first down, and they advance past the automatic down line, it will be first down again. There are 3 automatic first down lines on the field. The referee is to mark the line of scrimmage with a soft cloth object such as a rag. It's a good idea to have a least 3 first markers with you at every game. This will eliminate the need to run up and down the field on every play.

 

Toucdown markers / endzones are the 2 orange cones and the center hash mark before the goal. After a Touchdown is scored, the coach will tell the referee if they are going for a 1 point or 2 point conversion. 1 point is paced out 3 yards from the touchdown center mark, and 2 points is paced out at 5 yards from the touchdown center mark. The offense has one chance for the extra point conversion, and the defense can blitz on the conversion.

 

 

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