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    WELCOME TO THE 3-MAN fLAG

  FOOTBALL MECHANICS MANUAL

   These are guidelines for 3-man mechanics. There are some exceptions but for the most part we should follow the guidelines.

   New officials should start on the line (line judge) for several games to get the feel of the game. After that we will rotate positions after each game.

   Don't be afraid to throw a flag if you see a violation. We can always talk about it and we can wave off the flag if we need to, but if we don't throw a flag there is nothing we can do about any infractions. If you are not sure about how to administer a penalty (i.e. how many yards, or repeat down or lost of down) ask your partners. Lets get it right the first time. Remember the rule " Advantage/Disadvantage". Think of what has occurred during the play and apply the rules accordingly.

   In San Antonio we have a couple of special rules that we use and these rules do not apply to State Tournaments.

        1- No pockets allowed in San Antonio league play.

        2- Last man is declared a touch down. If a defender holds, tackles, or pushes the runner/receiver out of bounds and he is the last defender to the goal line ,it is a touch down.

   All officials are expected to dress in proper uniform.

        1- Black hat with white piping.

        2- Black and white striped shirt ( long or short sleeve )

        3- Black pants or black shorts.

        4- If shorts are worn then white socks.

        5- Black shoes.

        6- Whistle, 2- yellow flags, red or orange line spot disk. Watch or time piece to keep time. Writing pad and pencil/pen to keep score.

        7- Optional items: Down indicator and down marker ( bean bag)

        8- In cold weather try and wear something that will match your uniform. Rain suits, gloves, earmuffs, etc are acceptable.

    If there are any questions about player/s being eligible to play see the league director. If he is not present continue the game and he will decide the outcome. Make notes about the person/s in question.

    If a game is called/or delayed make notes on score, time remaining, what quarter, who has the ball, what yard line, time outs remaining, and direction they are going. In some cases the game may continue from that point at a later date.

    It is your responsibility to be sure your name is on the score card turned in to the league director at the end of each night you work. Be sure he has your current mailing address.

                            The Mechanics

All------ Arrive on the field 15 minutes before game time.

COIN TOSS:

R------- Toss coin and get options from captains.

All----- Gather at mid-field with captains . Write down the results of the coin toss ( take ball, play defense, or defer).

BEFORE THE GAME BEGINS:

All------ Check all players ,make sure the flags are on correctly and at proper length. Check player for jewelry ( earrings, necklaces, rings)

SOMEONE KEEP THE GAME CLOCK:

R------ Keep the 25 second clock and length of time outs.

PLAYS FROM SCRIMMAGE:

R------ Line up behind the QB and towards the sidelines opposite of the LJ side. Follow the QB all the way to either sideline and rule on out of bounds plays behind the line of scrimmage.

R------ Rule on legality of the huddle. No more than 8 can break the huddle.

R------ You have the QB all day. You are responsible for the screeners and rushers. You rule on the legality of a forward pass ( if QB crosses the line of scrimmage). You rule on the line backer being over the center( 4 yards back). STAY WITH THE QB ALL THE WAY.

LJ---- You have the line of scrimmage. Rule on off sides. Rule on man in motion.

LJ----- You have your sideline all the way down .After the snap move down field 5-10 yards watching the receivers on your side of the field. Watch for holding, pick plays, and other infractions that may occur.

LJ----- Let the play dictate how far you go down field. If a team only needs a few yards then stay closer to the line to gain. Be ready to mark the spot where the play ends. Hold that spot until another official marks it. When a play goes away from you move in the field and help box in the play.

BJ----- Line up 15 to 20 yards beyond the line of scrimmage on the side line opposite the LJ. You have your sideline all the way to the goal. Watch the receivers on your side of the field. Watch for holding, pick plays, and any other infractions that may occur.

R------ After a play is over, pick up the spot disk from the previous line of scrimmage and place it at the new line of scrimmage.

LJ/BJ--- Assist the R in placing the disk at the appropriate spot. Come into the middle of the field and help place the disk at the new line of scrimmage.

ALL---- Don't be lazy. Help each other out.

GOAL LINE PLAYS

LJ------ You have the goal line and your side line. Rule on touchdown all the way across the field. REMEMBER BOTH FLAGS MUST CROSS THE GOAL. Ball crossing the goal line has no bearing, it is the flags that must cross.

BJ------ You have the back line and your side line. Position yourself to rule on the sideline and back goal line. One foot must be in bounds. The other can be out but not touching the ground. 

R------ Same as any other play.

ALL---- Write down the score and check with your partners to verify.

Punts:

R----- You have the line of scrimmage. Rule on the legality of line play.

LJ----- Line up down field in front of the receivers on your sideline.

BJ----- Line up with the receivers on your sideline.

ALL--- Mark the spot for the next line of scrimmage.

ALL--- Watch for violation of the 5-yard defensive line rule.

General:

LJ/BJ----- Rule on legality of backward passes down field. Rule on downfield screens.

R---- Teams like to go to a hurry-up offense in the interest of saving game time and do not huddle. You must hold up play until the disk has been placed and your partners are in ready position.

All---- Announce the down and line to gain( which may be more than one line) after each play. When in 7 plays let players know what down and what play is coming up.

LJ--- On play 7 it is best if you move down field with the BJ. Chances are it is going to be a "Hail Mary". Be sure and let the R know you are moving downfield.

R---- On play 7 if the LJ moves down field you will have the line of scrimmage.

ALL---- Let each other know the down and/or play by signaling each other either verbally or by hand signals.

R/LJ---- You are responsible for offensive head count (too many players on the field)

LJ/BJ--- You are responsible for the defensive head count. (too many players on the field)

ALL-- Let the players play the game but you are responsible for the control and flow of the game. Nip any trash talk or anything else that might cause problems in the game. Issue warnings if need be. If that doesn't work then flags and possible ejections are our next recourse. Be "Firm but Fair".

ALL-- HAVE FUN

SPECIAL NOTE- A special thanks to Max for all his input. For without his help this 3-man mechanics manual wouldn't be possible.

Officials Signals