Pregame Responsibilities

Complete guide for 5-man crew pregame duties and position-specific responsibilities

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Crew Chief (Referee)

  • Leadership: Assume command of crew. All decisions go through the Referee. Handle all disputes, protests situations, and unusual.
  • Rule Interpretations: Make final calls on rule interpretations. Know current rule changes and communicate to crew.
  • Quarterback Protection: Enforce roughing the passer rules. Position self to observe QB and pass rush.
  • Penalty Enforcement: Determine penalty enforcement. Signal all penalties. Announce penalty yardage clearly.
  • Game Management: Handle crowd control. Work with coaches. Ensure game flows smoothly.
  • Clock Management: Monitor game clock. Handle delays. Ensure proper timeout procedures.
  • Pregame: Conduct coin toss. Assign positions. Review game-day checklist with crew.

Umpire

  • Line of Scrimmage Specialist: Primary responsibility is LOS action and plays involving the line.
  • Numbering: Enforce illegal numbering/substitution. Watch for too many players on field.
  • Ineligible Receivers: Watch for ineligible receiver downfield. Enforce formation rules.
  • Holding & Offense: Primary on offensive holding. Watch for holding by linemen and cut blocks.
  • Fumble Mechanics: Be prepared to rule on fumbles at LOS. Cover all scrimmage action.
  • Pregame: Check equipment (helmets, pads). Verify player numbers. Review roster with coaching staff.

Linesman & Wing Official

  • Boundary Judge: Responsible for all action on the sideline. Cover out-of-bounds plays.
  • Forward Progress: Determine forward progress. Mark spot where runner was down.
  • Line of Scrimmage: Work with Umpire on LOS. Rule on false starts and offsides.
  • Motion & Shift: Watch for illegal motion. Count players. Observe formation changes.
  • Sideline Management: Keep coaches and players within coaching box. Control bench area.
  • Pregame: Check yard lines, chains, down marker. Verify field markings and numbers.

Back Judge

  • Deep Coverage: Primary responsibility is deep passes and plays in the backfield.
  • Play Clock: Monitor play clock. Signal delay of game. Work with Referee on clock issues.
  • Pass Coverage Zones: Cover deep third/quarter of field. Rule on pass interference.
  • Kickoff & Punt: Cover kickoffs and punts. Watch for running into/roughing kicker.
  • Goal Line: Cover plays at the goal line. Watch for touchdowns and field goal attempts.
  • Pregame: Check end zone markings. Review kickoff coverage with team. Test communication.

Crew-Wide Items

  • Player Safety: Ensure player safety at all times. Watch for dangerous hits and illegal contact.
  • Foul Communication: Communicate fouls clearly. Use standard signals. Report all penalties accurately.
  • Equipment Legality: Check player equipment before game. Ensure Helmets are properly fitted.
  • Game Itinerary: Review game schedule. Confirm hash marks. Check wind direction and conditions.
  • Sideline Management: Keep non-players off field. Control crowd interference. Maintain professional demeanor.
  • Communication Check: Test all radios. Establish hand signals. Confirm crew signals.
  • Pregame Conference: Meet with head coaches. Review ground rules. Confirm jersey colors.

2026 Pregame Conference Summary

Timing & Procedures

  • • Arrive 75 minutes before kickoff
  • • Equipment check 60 minutes prior
  • • Coin toss at 7 minutes
  • • 3-minute warning before quarters

Play Clock

  • • 40/25 second play clocks
  • • Stop clock for first downs
  • • Running clock in final 2 minutes
  • • Timeout resets play clock

Rule Updates

  • • Targeting: ejection + 15 yards
  • • Horse collar: 15-yard penalty
  • • Helmet-first contact: 15 yards
  • • blindside block: 15-yard penalty

Foul Philosophy

  • • Player safety is priority
  • • Consistent enforcement
  • • Pre-snap penalties: quick whistle
  • • Late hits: protect players

Five-Man Crew Pregame Summary

Field Administration

Check all yard lines, goal lines, end zones, hash marks, and numbers. Verify chains, down marker, and game clock are working. Test radios and establish communication protocols.

Coin Toss

Referee conducts coin toss 7 minutes before kickoff. Determine options: choose ball or direction. Captains report to center of field.

Kickoffs

Position crew for kickoff coverage. Back Judge and Deep Wing cover from back. Umpire and Linesman at 35-yard lines. Referee monitors kicker.

Running Plays

Umpire and Linesman read run direction. Back Judge and Deep Wing provide deep coverage. Referee observes QB and pass rush.

Passing Plays

Back Judge and Deep Wing cover deep zones. Umpire watches ineligible downfield. Linesman monitors sideline and LOS.

Measurements

Linesman supervises chain crew. Umpire marks spot. Referee confirms and signals for measurement when needed.

Timing

Referee manages game clock. Back Judge monitors play clock. Notify Referee of any clock issues immediately.

Overtime

Each team gets one timeout per overtime period. Coin toss winner chooses options. Regular season: one possession per team.

SWMBFO Pregame Summary

Crew Preparation

All crew members arrive 75 minutes before kickoff. Review assignments and any rule interpretations. Test all equipment and communication devices. Confirm positions for each down and situation.

Free Kicks

Back Judge and Deep Wing cover from 10 yards behind kicking team. Umpire and Linesman position at receiving team's 35. Referee observes kicker. Watch for offside and illegal formation.

Scrimmage Kicks

Back Judge covers punter/kicker. Deep Wing provides deep coverage. Umpire watches for encroachment. Linesman monitors return team setup. Referee handles goal line decisions.

Pass Plays

Primary: Back Judge and Deep Wing (deep thirds). Umpire: ineligible receiver downfield. Linesman: sideline + formation. Referee: QB protection + overall view.

Run Plays

Umpire reads the play. Linesman reads run direction. Back Judge provides deep help. Referee observes QB and potential pass. Communicate flow and direction early.

Penalties

Official throwing flag communicates penalty. Referee announces all penalties. All officials must be ready to explain their call. Use standard signals. Know enforcement spot.

Measurements

Linesman supervises chain crew. Umpire marks ball. When in doubt, measure. Referee confirms measurement request.

Overtime

Each team gets one timeout per overtime. Coin toss winner chooses option. Possession series format. Defense earns same number of possessions as offense.

Pregame Notes

Use this printable form to track your pregame duties and notes for each game.

General Crew Notes

Referee/Crew Chief Notes

Umpire Notes

Wing/Linesman Notes

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