5 man mechanics on punt

[nolary]

Why not have the short side official already downfield with the BJ? It seems silly with the ball on the far hash to have the LJ leave on the snap.  Why not have the short side offiical already down field and the wide side official responsible for offside, false starts etc.  This way there are two officials to better cover the width of the field?   

[FBUmp]

Because you're wrong.

Because it's better to have two officials on the line where there are 10-15 players that where there's a lone receiver waiting.

Because if it's a fake and the ball comes to the LJ's side, there's nobody home.

[110]

Why not have the short side official already downfield with the BJ? It seems silly with the ball on the far hash to have the LJ leave on the snap.  Why not have the short side offiical already down field and the wide side official responsible for offside, false starts etc.  This way there are two officials to better cover the width of the field?   

Note: That's the Canadian punt mechanic on a five-man crew.

[Curious]

Our mechanic (Michigan) has been modified over the last few years.  We, in effect, adjust to the the kicking leg of the punter and, thus, the R.  Whichever wing man is on the same side as the R is the "Release" official - taking off on the snap to assist the BJ.  The wing man opposite the R is the "Hold" official responsible for determining whether the ball crosses the LOS, etc.

Is it perfect?  No; but it does keep two men on the LOS until the snap and, should something crazy happen, the Release official will not have gone too far down field and can recover effectively.

[busman]

We want the linesman near the chains as much as possible, so we hold him until after the kick.  We ask our Line Judge to wait until the punter catches the snap before releasing.  The umpire shades to the LJ side since he is the first one down the field.

[Tom.OH]

We want the linesman near the chains as much as possible, so we hold him until after the kick.  We ask our Line Judge to wait until the punter catches the snap before releasing.  The umpire shades to the LJ side since he is the first one down the field.

Ohio mechanics have the linesman releasing on the snap. The line judge holds to make sure the punt crosses the LOS. The reason is that the LJ can see the down box for reference.

[busman]

So when they start moving, he can yell across the field for them to stop?

[NWA_UMP]

Ohio mechanics have the linesman releasing on the snap. The line judge holds to make sure the punt crosses the LOS. The reason is that the LJ can see the down box for reference.

We do the same...