The document provides guidance for game officials on proper procedures and conduct before, during, and after a game. It outlines appropriate appearance, uniform requirements, pre-game meetings and duties, proper use of flags and bean bags, field layout standards, crew communication signals, and rules for starting and stopping the game clock. Game officials are expected to arrive on time, dressed professionally, conduct thorough pre-game meetings, enforce standards for the sidelines and field, and communicate effectively during the game.

2. Appearance
The game officials appearance greatly affects the
attitude of the coaches, players and fans.
A sloppily dressed official could find difficulty having
decisions accepted on the field.
The physical condition of game officials is an
important part of appearance.
Game officials should act in a professional manner,
move quickly from one position to another, and have
the stamina to last throughout the game.

3. Before Arrival At Game Site
No alcoholic beverages or drugs shall be consumed
the day of the game.
All officials should be on time at the designated
departure location.
Pre-game conference conducted by the Referee with
officials en-route to game
The proper Uniform will be worn at all times.

4. Proper Uniform
Hat Black w/white piping or White
Shirt Long or Short sleeve
Black pants with white stripe
or Black shorts.
High pitch whistle
Bean bag, Blue or White
Yellow Flags/ 2
Down Indicator
Black Shoes

5. Use of Penalty Flag
Penalty flag should be tucked out of sight.
The penalty Flag shall be used to mark the
appropriate yard line on which a game official has
observed an infraction.
Discretion, officiating position and game situation
should determine whether the marker is dropped or
tossed following an infraction. However, as a general
rule, throw the penalty marker in the air on a dead
ball foul and throw the penalty marker out to a
location or spot on a live ball foul.

6. Use of Bean Bag
The bean bag is to be dropped on the appropriate
yard line in accordance with the situations calling for
such action. (i.e. Fumble, First touching…. Etc.)
The bean bag is to serve as an aid to enforcement and
not an absolute reference point.

7. Pre-Game Conference
Review coin toss mechanics.
Discuss free kick positions and mechanics.
Review coverage during scrimmage plays.
Review position and coverage during scrimmage
kicks.
Review “Momentum Rule”
Procedures during measurement.
Duties during time-outs and intermission between
periods.

8. Pre-Game
Enter field together at least 30 minutes before game
time.
Perform duties in business-like manner. Performance
and tempo sets tone for way in which game will be
officiated.
Inspect playing field and pylons.
Referee: Coordinate the inspection of playing field
and pylons. Direct game management to remove or
repair any hazards on or near field.

9. Field Layout/Design
It is recommended that the restraining line be marked by
Placing 12-inch long lines, separated at 24-inch intervals.
Nine yard marks or numbers are required for all fields.
When the ball is dead, a maximum of 3 coaches may be in the
Restricted area.
Once the ball is in play, no non-player may be in the restricted area.
The 1st
offense is a warning, the 2nd
, sideline interference (5 yd penalty)
The 3rd
and subsequent, unsportsmanlike (15 yd penalty).
Every 10 yards required, every 5 yards recommended
9 yards from sideline to top of numbers
Restricted area 2 yards from sideline

10. Controlling Sideline
Consistently administer and enforce team-box and coaches' area
restrictions.
Be firm and professional, ensuring that restrictions are enforced so
that all game officials have enough room to work.
First violation results in sideline warning. Covering official sound
whistle, drop penalty marker, give proper Signal, then report
infraction to referee.
Referee will give proper signal and indicate offending sideline.
Covering official echo sign while verbally informing coach of warning.
Communication also should include reminder of distance penalties
for further violations.
Second and subsequent violations will result in penalty. Covering
official will drop penalty marker, sound whistle, report infraction to
referee. Referee will give approved signals and umpire will assess
distance penalty. Covering official will verbally inform and remind
coach that each subsequent offense will result in 15-yard penalty.
No penalty enforcement for warning. 2nd
offense is 5 yards, subsequent 15 yards.

11. Field Layout/Design
If the field of play has a logo in the center the logo shall not obstruct
The visibility of the required marks every five yards. This logo would
Not be legal and should be reported to the state association after the game.
A solid or shadow line is permissible. A shadow line is a line that designates
The required 4 inch width by use of a border.

12. Pre-Game/Referee
Visit each head coach, starting with the home team,
give coaches list of game officials and notify them of
the length of intermission.
Ask head coach to verbally verify in presence of
umpire, that all players are legally equipped.
Check with each head coach for any unusual plays or
formations, including any that require prior
notification.
Secure name of coaching staff personnel designated
to call time-outs if other than the head coach or in
absence of head coach.

13. Pre-Game/Umpire
Accompany referee as he visits with each head coach,
examine and rule on any player equipment about
which the coach has a question of legality.
Check player equipment when requested by head
coach. You are the final authority on legality of
equipment. Do not permit use of any illegal
equipment.
Review any appropriate documentation for
equipment and pads.

14. Proper EquipmentImproper Equipment
Hard and unyielding items (guards, casts, braces, etc.) on the hand wrist
Forearm, elbow or upper arm must be padded with a closed-cell slow-recovery
Foam padding no less than ½ inch in thickness. Knee braces may not be
Worn on top of pants.
Failure to wear proper equipment when the ball is about to come live is
a five yard penalty. Officials should stop play with blow and throw before
the ball can be snapped.

15. Pre-Game
Linesman: Secure and check the line-to-gain and down marker
indicators, plus all auxiliary equipment. Ensure that the line-to-gain
equipment is marked at halfway point with tape. This can help on
penalties measured from the previous spot or spot fouls to determine
if first down after enforcement.
Remind crew of their duties, responsibilities, and that they are game
officials, not fans. Instruct crew that you will use your heel to mark at
sideline where rear indicator is to be placed for every first down.
Line Judge: Carry an accurate watch that has correct time when in a
four-person crew. Check starting time and assist in getting game
started on time. When there is no field clock, time game in four-
person crew.
Back Judge: Responsible for securing correct time and carrying an
accurate watch. Assist with securing sidelines. When there is no field
clock, time game.

16. Crew Communication Signals
Fist at shoulder level, indication of 11 players in game when
counting complete.
Indicates that more than ten yards to go before first down, to
prevent accidental stopping of clock.
Given by Referee or wing officials if pass is to their side. NO
signal if forward.
Also, same signal by wing officials to indicate player nearest
wing official is off the line of scrimmage
Arms extended below waist with palms toward sideline, outside of
body. last play was out of bounds (start clock on snap).
Indicates to each other (R and U) that this play requires protection
for snapper in accordance with rules.

17. Crew Communication Signals
An inadvertant whistle ends the down. Inadvertant whistles are administered as follows:
The down shall be re-played if, when the whistle blew there was a loose ball due to a pass, kick or snap.
If the ball is loose as a result of a backward pass, fumble, illegal forward pass or kick, The team last in possession
may choose either to put the ball in play where possession was lost or re-play the down.
If a team has possession when the whistle blew, they have the choice to either accept the result of the play at the
dead ball spot or replay the down.
If a live-ball foul occurs prior to the inadvertant whistle, it will take precedence over the whistle. (4-2.3)

18. Starting/Stopping Clock
After chains are re-set for 1st
down if ball
was live when the 1st
down was gained.
After an official's time-out if no first
down was gained.
After penalty assessment if ball was live
when penalty flag was thrown.
There was no abuse of timing rule, or a
delay-of-game penalty.
Action that caused down to end did not
also cause clock to stop.
Because of an inadvertent whistle.
At end of the play if a penalty
flag is thrown.
An official's time-out is taken.
The period ends.
The ball is out of bounds.
A forward pass is incomplete.
(Legal or illegal)
A score or touchback occurs.
A fair catch is made or
awarded.
An obvious first down has
occurred.