Week 1 Notes

Communication

• The goal is to only have one weekly email. Let us know of any football issues quickly. Names of schools, coaches, officials or the source of the emails will not be posted.
• Athletic Directors, please be sure head coaches at all levels are receiving these email. If a coach would like to be added to the email list, please contact Paul Wyllie.
• Ejection information goes to Liaison Speed Castillo at 714 778-4421. Everything else goes to Assignor Paul Wyllie 714 639-8760 (phone), paulwyllie@sbcgloblal.net (email) or to Instructional Chairman Paul Caldera 714 906-5174(phone), paulcaldera@cox.net (email).
• If a timer is unable to time the game properly, please find a replacement for the following game. Referees will time the game on the field if necessary.

Field Markings Clarification (Diagram on www.ocfoa.org )

• This is important regardless of the level of the game. There is a coach’s area that is outside the sidelines. Coaches are to be off the field.
• 9 yard mark is the top of the numbers or a separate marking if no numbers on the field. Go to the website!
• If there is a field where the cheerleaders are on the sidelines outside of the team box, be sure that they are at least 6 feet back. If they are standing on boxes, they may need to be relocated to the bleachers for the safety of the cheerleaders as well as the players.

Rule Clarification

• Free kick timing: the clock starts when the ball is touched in the field of play not when the ball is kicked.
• We still have teams that are using illegal shields. Shields must be clear, not smoked or tinted. Some coaches say they were told it’s legal if player’s eyes are visible, it’s okay with a doctor’s note or last week’s crew allowed it. All wrong!  To eliminate this problem, there will be a new mechanic effective immediately. The Umpire (varsity games) or the Referee (non-varsity games) will personally inspect all shields prior to the coin flip. Illegal shields must be removed or the play may not participate. If the Umpire/Referee does not inspect the shields prior to the coin flip, his game rating will be reduced. If a player participates with a tinted shield, the head coach MUST be assessed a 15 yard unsportsmanlike penalty for the use of illegal equipment.
• Mouth pieces must have a color other than white or clear.
• The chains and down box shall be opposite the press box regardless of which team is located there.
• If the game is stopped to address an injured player, the player may not return unless a) one down has been played, b) halftime or c) intermission for overtime.
• Shifts that are abrupt or simulate the start of a play are false starts.

Rookie Officials

• Now that you have been thrown to the lions (your first game), keep working hard. Remember, there are 3 things I would like for you to learn quickly:
  • Line of scrimmage fouls. Which ones do you blow your whistle right away? Which ones do you throw your flag & wait until the play is over?
  • Get good progress. Understand where the spot would be when the player is driven back.
  • Blow a good whistle & have good signals.. Show confidence in what you do know.

Seasoned Officials

• Remember to be patient with our newer officials. Help them with as much as you think they can handle. Contact me if there are any problems. Don’t abuse the newer officials.

Mechanics

• When the 2 WIDEST offensive players are in the backfield, signal to the opposite flank official. During your pre-game, agree on which signal will be used.