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USA Football

Roles

Glossary

10 results found

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  • Safety
    The official extends both arms above his head, both hands should be palm to palm, holding the signal for at least 3-seconds.
  • Safety
    A safety occurs when the defending team is responsible for a ball becoming dead behind his own goal line.
  • Shift
    A shift is the action of one or more offensive players who, after taking their positions, move to a new set position before the snap.
  • Side Judge
    [6-7] A side judge is a sideline official positioned deep down the field, primary on passing and scrimmage kicks.
  • Sideline Interference
    The official will place both hands behind his back at his belt/waist, holding this position for at least 2-seconds. The official should be facing the press box sideline during this signal.
  • Sideline Warning
    Facing the press box, the official extends both arms directly out at shoulder height and then brings both arms in front of his body 2x.
  • signal
    Test Please Ignore
  • Start the clock
    The official extends his right arm toward the ground and then rotates it 2x clockwise.
  • Substitution Infraction
    The official will cross his right hand and arm across his body so his right hand touches the front of his left shoulder. Hold this position for at least 2-seconds.
  • Succeeding Spot
    The succeeding spot is the spot where the play ends.