Mechanics - Keys

[Cowtown Ref]

Ok, I have searched and searched and asked around and still nothing

Can someone tell me where to fin (in writing) the mechanics for each positions keys at the snap?

Like
R has QB
U has GCG

and so forth.

Thanks

[ElvisLives]

Cowtown,

You won't find everything in a single location.  You'll need to review the manual thoroughly.  But, in the TASO Football Officials Manual for a Crew of 5 Officials, Section 6 - General Game Duties, Article 3, Item A-3 and Item F-2 prescribes the R to identify the tackle on his side of the ball as his primary key. 
Section 13 - Forward Passes, Article 1, Item A prescribes the R to maintain focus on the potential passer when he is threatened, and the passer until there is no longer a threat of a foul against the passer.
Section 11 - Plays from Scrimmage, Article 2, in particular, discusses keys for the for the wings and B, in depth, for the passing game.

Generally, the R has the O tackle to his side. The U has the O GCG, and the wing opposite the R has the O tackle on his side (in addition to any receiver key he may have).  The wings have their receiver key (and the near O tackle, if opposite the R).  The B has his receiver key(s).

Keys are things to check AT THE SNAP, and see what is happening.  If there is a threat of foul by/on your key, stay with him. If no threat, find something else to look at.  If a pass is released, prioritize the area where the ball will land (but never give up on a situation that may lead to a foul(s)).

If you think there are gaps in the manual, let your District Director know, so he can review with someone on the Mechanics Committee.

Robert

[Cowtown Ref]

And thats kinda my point.  I found all the sections you listed.

Yeah we always hear/say the U has GCG, but no where is that written.  We say/hear the flank on same side as R has the Tackle on his side, but no where is that written.

Lately Ive just been referring back to the mechanics manual more often and not always finding the things we say/hear.

Another example.  I was going over pregame responsibilites.  Couldnt find anywhere in there about who is responsible for checking and marking balls.  Well I eventually found it under Sec 9 Ball Handling.  Odd to me that it is not in pregame duties (sec 4), but ok.  But again back to what we always hear/say.  Weve alwasy said its the U job to check and mark balls before the game with the assistance of the B.  But whats actually in the mech manual it is the R job and the B assist.

So anyways, was trying to give info to a new ref on mechanics and the current manual seems to be lacking info in regards to keys at the snap.  Article 3 list the info there for the R, I would think that would be a good spot to list for the other officials as well.

Just my 2 cents!

[Etref]

And well spent money! You are correct that it is somewhat all over the place.
The mechanics Manual spends more time on keys that apply almost only at the snap and lacks on the other 47 minutes of our game

[TxSkyBolt]

My thought for 7-man games is to adopt the CFO 7-man manual and identify any needed adjustments as we do with the rule book. Try as they may, the mechanics manual Committee in TASO is just never going to publish as thorough a document as we have with the CFO manual.


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[bctgp]

My understanding is that in past 2 years that is exactly what TASO has been moving to - to align as much as possible with CCA 7-Man mechanics. However, there are still distinct adjustments/differences that are going to remain in TASO 7-man as you mentioned.  There are also still some gaps in TASO 7-man that hopefully will get looked at in next review cycle.

[mccormicw]

I would think they are more likely to get looked at if we submit the changes.  I always think that and never submit anything.  Think I need to change that this year.

[TxSkyBolt]

I would think they are more likely to get looked at if we submit the changes.  I always think that and never submit anything.  Think I need to change that this year.

You just hit a sore spot with me. Ha. I submitted serveral pages of type written notes on the 7-man mechanics manual (consistent with CFO mechanics) and virtually NONE of them were adopted. (I believe that committee is chaired by the same man who was in charge of radios that ignored me and Doc for years before things were changed). Why do we keep spinning our wheels trying to perfect a document we've been working for years, when there is already a GREAT CFO document existing?  I simply cannot understand that.

[slo8140]

They do the same thing in baseball....CCA is the way to go.

[Etref]

You just hit a sore spot with me. Ha. I submitted serveral pages of type written notes on the 7-man mechanics manual (consistent with CFO mechanics) and virtually NONE of them were adopted. (I believe that committee is chaired by the same man who was in charge of radios that ignored me and Doc for years before things were changed). Why do we keep spinning our wheels trying to perfect a document we've been working for years, when there is already a GREAT CFO document existing?  I simply cannot understand that.

Perhaps copyright issues?.

[TxBJ]

Perhaps copyright issues?.

I think he means use their manual, not copy it, meaning we buy it.