GTOA - Mechanics Survey Results

Measurement - Line to Gain

When measuring for a first down, the Back Judge should:

Stand with Referee, confirm measurment noting field position, down and distance and time on clock	3 votes = 4%
Assist the nearest wing official with keeping the field clear and ensuring there is no unathorized time out occuring	7 votes = 9%
Secure ball during measurment facing the Umpire, on the Head Lineman's side of the chain while observing players	75 votes = 59%
Stand at assumed succeeding spot and note time and score and prepare to inform Referee with ball status post measurement	4 votes = 5%
Choices 1 & 2	6 votes = 8%

Ruling from the NFHS Officials Manual: The Back Judge shall not permit attendants to enter the field, help clear players from the measurement area, observe all players, and tend to the ball at the time of measurement .

Dead Ball In-Bounds

If ball becomes dead near sideline and 1st down is gained, the covering official should:

Give the start-clock signal (wind) using 3 turns of the arm and then the time-out signal using 3 crossing movements of the arms above the head	10 votes = 13%
Give the start-clock signal (wind) using 2 turns of the arm and then the time-out signal using 2 crossing movements of the arms above the head	60 votes = 75%
Give the start-clock signal (wind) using 2 turns of the arm and then the time-out signal using 1 crossing movement of the arms above the head	2 votes = 3%
Give the start-clock signal (wind) using 1 turn of the arm and then the time-out signal using 1 crossing movement of the arm above the head	7 votes = 9%
Give 6 or 7 front-style, rotating helicopter signals and then 1 signal as if a runner in baseball was safe at the base followed by a strut-type walk to the new dead-ball spot	1 votes = 1%

Ruling from the NFHS Officials Manual: Sound whistle that play is dead and indicate player is in-bounds using 2-turns of the arm (wind) immediately followed by 2-crossing motions of the arms above the head while holding spot.

Coin Toss Mechanics #2

At the pre-game coin toss, when do you recieve the choice of "heads or tails" from the visiting captain?

Before toss of the coin	85 votes = 79%
While coin is in the air	22 votes = 20%
After catching the coin	1 votes = 1%

Ruling from the NFHS Officials Manual: In the presence of the upmire, the Referee will instruct the visting captain to give "heads" or "tails" choice BEFORE the toss.

Coin Toss Mechanics #1

When working the referee position, at the coin toss, do you let the coin fall to the ground or catch the coin in the air?

Let the coin fall	23 votes = 32%
Catch the coin in the air	50 votes = 68%
Other Mechanic	0 votes = 0%

Ruling from the NFHS Officials Manual: "The Referee will tell the captains that he will re-toss the coin if he doesn't catch it." Philosophy is that the Referee will catch the coin and NOT let it fall to the ground.