IACAO Football 1

National Federation 3 Person Mechanics Football

2

Football Mechanics Criteria

Communication

Field Positions

Keys & General Mechanics

3

Mechanics – 3 man

Before Kickoff

After Kickoff

Basic Scrimmage Position

Prior to the Snap

Running Plays

Passing Plays

4

Mechanics 3 man (cont’d)

Scrimmage Kicks

SK’s - Field Goals & Try Attempts

SK’s – Field Goals & Try Fakes

Goal Line – Inside 10 yard line

Measurements

5

Before Kickoff

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

R

U

H

RefereePosition near R’s 10-yard line in center

Count R Players

Check other officials in position and signal ball ready for play after other officials and kicker ready

6

Before Kickoff

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

U

UmpirePosition on R’s free-kick line

Count R Players

Identity free-kick line for R

Move to sideline opposite Linesmen

Hold hand in air to inform Referee ready

7

Before Kickoff

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

H

LinesmenPosition on K free-kick line

Hand ball to kicker and point out Referee. Inform to wait for ready for play signal

Count K Players

Move to sideline with line-to-gain equipment and hold hand in the air to inform Referee ready

8

After Kickoff

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

RefereeBe ready to rule on touchback or player momentum

Start Clock when kick is touched (other than first touch by K)

R

9

After Kick

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

R

U

H

Referee Responsible for runner until release to Linesmen or Umpire

Move cautiously to play, clean up

10

After Kickoff

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

UmpireWatch for free-kick line infractions

Be Alert for first touching by K prior to R’s free-kick line

U

11

After Kickoff G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

U

UmpireKick to your side

Move down sideline to area best to officiate depending on the kick

Determine if kick goes out of bounds and flag if not touched by R

Pick up responsibility for the runner and follow to goal line

12

After Kickoff

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

U

UmpireKick Opposite Side

Move cautiously toward play being ready to rule on your sideline if play reverses

Observe action of player in vicinity of runner and watch for fouls away from the ball

Help Linesman with goal line on long runs

13

After Kickoff

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

LinesmanWatch for free-kick line infractions

Help Umpire judge first touching by K prior to R’s free-kick line

Watch initial blocks near R’s free-kick line and blocks on kicker / holder

Administer fouls prior to kickoff

H

14

After Kickoff

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

LinesmanKicks to your Side

Move down the sideline to area to best officiate depending on kick

Determine if kick goes out of bounds and flag if R has not touched ball

Pick up runner and follow to goal line H

15

After Kickoff

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

LinesmenKick Opposite side

Move cautiously toward play being ready to rule on your sideline if play reverses

Observe action of player in vicinity of runner and watch for fouls away from the ball

Assist Umpire with goal line on long runs

H

16

Basic Scrimmage Position

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

R

H

U

RefereeA’s backfield 10 to 15 yards deep. Shade sideline opposite Linesman

Umpire3 to 8 yards off ball on guard / center gap opposite Linesman

LinemanSideline with line-to-gain equipment, on line-of-scrimmage

17

Prior to Snap (All Plays)

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

R

RefereeDeclare ball ready-for-play

Count A players

Responsible for 25 second count

Assist Linesman insuring players set for one second prior to snap.

Watch for snap infractions, illegal shifts, and false starts

18

Prior to Snap (All Plays)

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

U

UmpireVary position as to not block view of B players or allow A to use you as interference

Count B Players

Check five players on line numbered 50 to 79

Be ready to rule on snap infractions, false starts or encroachment

19

Prior to Snap (All Plays)

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

H

LinesmanCheck down number on box and signal down

Extend arm back to indicate A player closes to you off the line-of-scrimmage

Check to see if all backs, flankers, split ends in legal position

Determine if player in motion movement is legal

20

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

H

LinesmanCheck for seven on the line-of-scrimmage

Help in determining false start, encroachment, interference with snap

Key off tackle for run / pass

1

2

Prior to Snap (All Plays)

34 5

6

7

21

Running Play

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

R

RefereeKey opposite guard / tackle

Move cautiously to avoid interfering with reversing play action

Responsible for ball carrier and action around him to the neutral zone

22

Running Play

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

R

RefereeAction toward you

Move parallel to the line-of-scrimmage

Follow runner

Sideline responsibility

Mark spot if necessary

Relay ball to Umpire

Don’t turn back on ball

23

Running Play

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

R

RefereeAction away from you

Move parallel to the line-of-scrimmage behind play

Be ready for reverse in action

Watch backside action and fouls away from the ball

24

Running Play

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

R

RefereeOther things to watch

Illegal use of hands

Action on Quarterback

Blocks on your side outside free blocking zone

Over see spotting of ball for next play

25

Running Play

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

U

UmpireRead point of attack

Watch line play for illegal action

Move according depending on play

Blow whistle only if ball carrier down in your area

After play spot ball

26

Running Play

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

H

LinesmanAction toward you

Work off the field if possible

Observe actions of linemen your side and blockers around ball carrier

Pick up responsibility of ball carrier and mark forward progress

Follow runner to goal line

27

Running Play

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

H

LinesmanAction away from you

Move onto field slightly

Observe action behind play

Be ready to help with forward progress spot or goal line

28

Passing Plays

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

R

RefereeKey opposite guard / tackle

Watch blocking

Remain wider and deeper than passer

After pass released, observe action on passer not ball

Determine pass forward or backward

Sole responsibility for intentional grounding

29

Passing Plays

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

R

RefereeHelp determine if pass is caught inbounds or incomplete pass on your sideline

Determine if passer crosses neutral zone

30

Passing Plays

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

U

UmpireDetermine if ineligibles down field

Determine if pass crosses the neutral zone

Watch for pass interference your side of field and in flat area your side

Determine if pass completed on your side

31

Passing Plays

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

H

LinesmanWatch initial action off line for defensive holding

Move downfield cautiously on passes to your side and be ready to adjust back for run

Be ready to rule on pass incomplete / complete and interference

32

Passing Plays

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

All Officials• If ball intercepted,

observe action until ball is dead

• Covering official stop clock and signal first down

• If inside defensive 5 yard line, be ready to rule on momentum

• If incomplete pass in your area, sound whistle and signal

• Be alert for illegal passes

• Rule on touching or catching by ineligibles

H

R

U

33

Scrimmage Kick

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

RefereePosition 3-4 yards in front of kicker, 5-7 yards wide

Be able to see ball and all backs

Watch for roughing the snapper

Watch for fouls behind neutral zone and roughing / running into kicker

Be alert for blocked kicks and recovery

R

34

Scrimmage Kick

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

RefereeAfter ball crosses neutral zone, observe line play and move down field slowly

If necessary, determine if ball was touched beyond the neutral zone and by whom

Be ready to pick up runner on long run and continue with him to goal line

R

35

Scrimmage Kick

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

URefereeIf ball kicked out of bounds in flight, assist the covering official with spot

In no foul, signal linesmen and line-to-gain equipment into position for next play

Make sure all officials ready prior to giving ready-for-play signal

H

R

36

Scrimmage Kick

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

UUmpirePosition 10 yards in front of deepest receiver and widen out

Carry bean bag in hand

Be ready to rule on momentum inside 5 yard line

Observe action around receiver

37

Scrimmage Kick

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

UUmpireDrop Bean Bag to mark end of kick

Maintain responsibility of ball carrier on returns up the middle and to your side

Rule on sideline for grounded kicks, kicks in flight and runs to your side

Returns to Linesman side, move slowly behind play observe all action

38

Scrimmage Kick

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

UUmpireIf K first to touch, mark spot of first touching with bean bag

If fair catch is signaled, sound whistle after kick is complete, and mark spot

39

Scrimmage Kick

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

H

LinemanHold line-of-scrimmage until ball crosses the neutral zone and responsible for knowing if ball crosses

Cover kicks to your side of field and mark if out-of-bounds

Assist Referee in covering short or blocked kicks

40

Scrimmage Kick

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

G 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 G

H

LinemanUnless kick is to your side, move downfield cautiously observer action in front of ball carrier

Move line-to-gain equipment only after conclusion of play and after verifying from the Referee no penalties on play

41

Field Goal and Try Attempts

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

R

RefereePosition behind Kicker to cover acts in vicinity

Judge whether ball goes between uprights

If Try is blocked, sound whistle, Field Goal, ball is live

42

Field Goal and Try Attempts

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

U

UmpirePosition near goal line

Watch for Roughing the snapper

Judge whether ball goes over cross bar

If Field Goal attempt crosses plane of end zone, sound whistle, otherwise, ball is live

43

Field Goal and Try Attempts

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

H

LinesmanPosition on line-of-scrimmage

Watch line play and for Roughing the Holder of Kicker

44

Field Goal or Try Attempt Fake

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

R

RefereeMove parallel to line-of-scrimmage and try and get to side line

UmpireMove up to goal line but be ready to move to end line if necessary

LinesmanNormal Coverage

U

H

45

Goal-Line Plays (Inside 10 yards) opt 1

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

R

RefereeSame Coverage as Running and Passing Plays

UmpireMove up to goal line, be ready to move to end line if necessary on pass

LinesmanMove to goal line and work back on play

U

H

46

Goal-Line Plays (Inside 10 yards) opt 2

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

R

RefereeMove to line-of scrimmage. Cover same as Linesman. Still responsible for quarterback

UmpireSame base position, be ready to move to end line if necessary on pass

LinesmanMove to goal line and work back on play

U

H

47

Goal-Line Plays (Inside 10 yards)

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

R

All OfficialsONLY signal Touchdown if you see ball cross goal line

Do NOT mirror signal

Communicate on dual coverage areas

U

H

48

Measurement

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

G 1 0 2 0 3 0

U

Umpire

Hold Ball

Linesman

Walk chains out, place clip on line and hold

Referee

After Linesman ready, pull chain and determine if ball across line-to-gain

H

R

49

3 Person Football Mechanics

• Presentation Prepared for the IHSA by:– Tim Kiefer

• Edited by:– Octavio Herrera