The foundation of any good official is being able to get an accurate dead ball spot. The importance of the dead ball spot is that it marks the end of the previous play and lets the crew know where the next line of scrimmage will be. That information is important because the umpire will know where to spot the ball and the chain crew will adjust the down box and/or chains accordingly. Dead ball spots are also important to the referee as it can potentially be an enforcement spot for penalties.
Outside of how to blow a whistle, marking spots is the first thing I suggest teaching any new official. It is easy to learn and does not require any previous knowledge. All it takes is 5 minutes and these steps to be able to mark any spot on the football field. Note that this is primarily for short wings (Head Linesperson/Down Judge and Line Judge) but is also applicable for deep wings (Side Judge and Field Judge) under certain conditions.
KNOW WHAT CREATES A DEAD BALL SPOT
First thing to remember, to have a dead ball spot, a live ball play must come to an end. A live ball play is one in which there is a clean snap or free kick (without a dead ball foul prior to the ball being put in play). Here are a few examples of dead ball spots:
- Spot where the player in possession of the ball is ruled down by contact (or without contact in NFHS and College)
- Spot where the player in possession of the ball has their forward progress stopped (inbounds or out of bounds)
- Spot where the player in possession of the ball steps out of bounds
- Spot of joint possession of a completed pass
- Spot of a fumble recovery or where it goes out of bounds (check your rule book)
- Spot of a scrimmage kick out of bounds (not in the endzone)
FIND THE BALL
Now that we know what creates a dead ball spot. We must find the ball. Loose balls out of bounds are easy as we will go to the yard line where the ball touches the sideline (or anyone in contact with the sideline) and mark the spot. If a player goes out of bounds while in possession of the ball, we will go to the spot where contact is made with the sideline and find the ball.
If a ball is in a player’s possession inbounds, we need to know two things: At what point is the play dead and where is the ball at that moment? If a player is down by contact, find the moment when something other than their hand or foot is in contact with the ground and look for the ball. If a player’s forward progress is stopped, identify when their momentum is halted by the opposing team and look for the ball.
In the rare instance of joint possession of a pass, the ball is immediately dead at the spot where both players come in contact with the ground (and goes to the offense). Look for the ball and mark the spot.
DOWNFIELD FOOT + DEAD BALL SIGNAL
When marking a spot, the most important thing is to use your downfield foot. That is the foot closest to the opponent’s goal line. Combine that with the dead ball signal, which is raising the same downfield arm and open hand with palm facing forward, and you have marked a dead ball spot. Some might say that a dead ball signal is only applicable if the spot is on your side of the field, but I’m a firm believer in mirroring important signals. Once the play is dead and you have found the ball, get to the spot along the sideline and come in to the field at a 90 degree angle with the dead ball signal erect and down field foot extended slightly in front of the other for the umpire to acknowledge.
A WHISTLE IS NOT ALWAYS NECESSARY
Notice that I did not say to blow a whistle. Marking a spot has nothing to do with blowing a whistle. In fact, the only instance where I would suggest blowing a whistle is if the spot belongs to you. A rule of thumb is if the play ends outside of the hash on your side, it is your spot. If it is in the middle of the field, make sure that the ball carrier is facing you and you see the ball dead in player possession. Don’t echo whistles, it is a BAD habit to break. Don’t guess either if you cannot determine if a player is down.
THINGS TO REMEMBER
- Give the ball carrier every yard that they have earned.
- Use the foremost point of the ball as a reference.
- Beware of double action off the ground or late stretches for extra inches near the line to gain or goal line.
- If a line to gain is crossed, mark forward progress on a solid yard line (i.e. the 22 yard line instead of the 22 ½)
- Be assertive with your spots and do not give a spot unless you are certain.
- Refer to your partner across the field if you are blocked out for help.
Marking dead ball spots is an easy way to gain confidence and trust with your crew. A consistent and fair spot also nets credibility from coaches as a game progresses and spot may become more critical. If you are nailing them in the first quarter, a tight spot in the fourth will not raise extra eyebrows. Remember to keep your best foot forward when practicing your spots!
