Football Official

Football Official

Zebra

Somewhere in, NJ

Male, 62

I've officiated football for over 30 years, now in my 26th on the college level. I've worked NCAA playoffs at the Division II and III level. In addition, I've coached at the scholastic level and have been an educator for over 35 years. I have no interest whatsoever in being an NFL official! Ever!

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514 Questions

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Last Answer on January 23, 2021

Best Rated

Why do referees insist on saying "illegal block in the back"? Has there ever been a "legal" block in the back?

Asked by Frank almost 9 years ago

Because that is the foul: illegal block in the back. Is there a "legal" block? Technically you could say yes; in close line play, at the snap, you can block low and in the back.

I need to know about the slide rule change about quarter back sliding to a stop where does the play count on the ball set

Asked by Dan Rash over 9 years ago

In college the ball is placed where the player- usually the QB - begins his slide. That is where he gives himself up and where, technically, he stopped participating.

Onside kick. Goes 15 yards in the air. Kicking team catches the ball in the air. Who ball is it ? Oklahoma High school

Asked by Checotahbill about 8 years ago

If there was no receiver in the area who could catch it, it belongs to the kicking team.

Am I starting to lose my mind or was the rule in the NFL at one time that if there was defensive pass interfernce in the opposing team's endzone, it was an automatic TD? I remember it but nobody I've asked so far seems to.

Asked by DCCop58 about 8 years ago

I cannot comment on your mental state but I have never heard of that as a rule. It seems very odd. There are rules in high school and college that allow a referee to award a penalty - including a score - for situations not specifically covered by rule. For example, a runner is going down the opposition's sideline waaaaaay ahead of any defender when an opposing team staff member runs out and tackles him. Referee could award a score.

if "nigga" is used on the field in football is it a penalty

Asked by mgoblue68 about 9 years ago

Yes. It is disparaging and considered - at the minimum - taunting. Unsportsmanlike conduct.

Pick up football game -
Defender clearly intercepts the ball and as he is going to the ground offensive player grabs the ball. The defensive player never loses possession of the ball, both players come to the ground with two hands on the ball. Is this a simultaneous catch that is awarded to the offense? or an interception?

Asked by Mbud almost 8 years ago

Hmmm, pick up game? I'm giving that to the defense. He had the ball; you said clearly. If he was on the ground - on his feet - he has pissrssion.

Why wasn't the first touchdown by packers in today's playoff game reviewed? It looked like his knee went down but it wasn't reviewed.

Asked by AM almost 9 years ago

I didn't see it but in all likelihood it was since all scoring plays are automatically reviewed. It may not have been announced - usually aren't if there's no issue.