Officials & Roles
This official is the head of the crew and has final authority on all calls.
Who is the Referee?
A defensive player enters the neutral zone before the snap.
What is Encroachment? Or Offsides.
Exchange of the ball from center to quarterback.
What is a Snap?
Both arms straight up.
What is the Touchdown Signal?
The imaginary line where the ball is placed.
What is the Line of Scrimmage?
This official watches line play and spots the ball.
Who is the Umpire?
An offensive player moves illegally before the snap.
What is a False Start?
A free kick used to begin each half or after a score.
What is a Kickoff?
Hands on hips.
What is the False Start/Offside Signal?
The area between the offense and defense before the snap.
What is the Neutral Zone?
This sideline official oversees the down markers and chain crew.
Who is the Head Linesman/Down Judge?
Illegally contacting a receiver before the ball arrives.
What is Pass Interference?
Ball carrier loses possession before being downed.
What is a Fumble?
Arms extended outward in a cross.
What is the Incomplete Pass Signal?
A pass not caught before hitting the ground.
What is an Incomplete Pass?
This official helps with offsides and timing on the opposite sideline.
Who is the Line Judge?
Using the crown of the helmet to hit an opponent.
What is Targeting?
Defensive player catches a pass intended for the offense.
What is an Interception?
Both palms together above the head.
What is the Safety Signal?
The farthest point the ball carrier advances before being stopped.
What is Forward Progress?
These individuals manage the down marker and chains.
Who is the Chain Crew?
Blocking an opponent from behind.
What is Clipping or Block in the Back?
When the offense is tackled in its own end zone.
What is a Safety?
Hands forming a "T".
What is the Timeout Signal?
The location where the ball is placed after a play.
What is the Spot?