5 yards an in

[Derek Teigen]

IN NCAA football what is the goal line mechanic for wings when the ball is at the 5 yard line or in?  Do both wings move to the goal line at the snap and then work back?
thank you

[Legacy Zebra]

The A-5 or B-5?

[Derek Teigen]

we are going in. so I guess that would be B5 going in.

[dammitbobby]

From the CCA manual:

Head Line-Judge and Line Judge: Starting position is the same as for any scrimmage play. You are responsible for the goal line when the ball is snapped on or inside Team B’s seven yardline. In order to rule on a score, you must be on the goal line. Be alert for a pass.

That presumes that there is no LTG from the 5 and in, in which case you would go to the LTG first and then work forward to the GL.  I want to say that if there's a LTG, if play is coming to your side then you hold the LTG first while the opposite wing will go ahead and take GL, but I'm not 100% sure on that.  That's probably more situational and how well you trust your partner across from you.

But, if no LTG, then straight to the GL.

[Derek Teigen]

that is very helpful.  I am a high school official and we are taught to go to the goal line on any play 5 yards and in.  We have never considered if there was a LTG or not.  I am going to speak with our trainers and people who are responsible for our mechanics to discuss this.

the reason I asked is I was watching a college game and it was 4th and 1 at the 5 and the ball was in position 1 or 2.  The Linesman to that side went right to the goal line on the snap and the runner was met right around the LTG but there was no way for him to get a reasonable spot of forward progress because he was at the goal line.

[AlUpstateNY]

that is very helpful.  I am a high school official and we are taught to go to the goal line on any play 5 yards and in.  We have never considered if there was a LTG or not.  I am going to speak with our trainers and people who are responsible for our mechanics to discuss this.

the reason I asked is I was watching a college game and it was 4th and 1 at the 5 and the ball was in position 1 or 2.  The Linesman to that side went right to the goal line on the snap and the runner was met right around the LTG but there was no way for him to get a reasonable spot of forward progress because he was at the goal line.

G/L, LTG & Sideline perspective, can all be simultaneously improved by drifting backwards, away from the sideline, as you approach the G/L.  It's essential to be aware of, and monitor possible congestion in the area BEHIND you as you advance towards the goal, as the area tends to become congested with authorized/unauthorized sideline personnel (Media, Security, honored guests, cheer personnel, etc.) drifting closer to watch play and impede YOUR viewing/escape zone. Better to make sure that zone is clear (and move people out of it) BEFORE it becomes a problem.

[peterparsons]

In IFAF we teach Goal Line first and work back to the Line to Gain if there is one and it's necessary to do so. A lot of our mechanics are influenced by the CFO, so it may be that CFO is similar but I can't find anything definitive in the current manual.

[ElvisLives]

In IFAF we teach Goal Line first and work back to the Line to Gain if there is one and it's necessary to do so. A lot of our mechanics are influenced by the CFO, so it may be that CFO is similar but I can't find anything definitive in the current manual.

Peter,
This specific issue isn't addressed in the CCA manuals. However, current practice my most, if not all, NCAA officiating groups is to work LTG, if you have one between the B-7 and the GL. However, since the GL is more important than the LTG, many wings I know will work the GL first, if the LTG is between the B-2 and GL. We get spots all the time from beyond/behind BCs, so this is no different. Mark the best spot you can. That's all anyone can ask. But, be in the best spot you can be for plays at the GL.
Easy enough for FBS, either way, knowing that the "eye in the sky" will get involved and fix a bad spot. But, for those in lower level NCAA and other organizations that don't have that luxury, you gotta be in position to rule on the most important line, by whatever means necessary. If you are good enough to work a LTG at the B-1 1/2, then hop to the GL and be set before the ball gets there, by all means, get 'er done. And I have known some that were, in fact, good enough. And others that weren't. Know yourself, and do whatever you need to do to get the job done.

[ilyazhito]

For this specific case, I would leave the deep wings on the goal line, with the short wings taking the line to gain. If there are any passes to the end line, the back judge is on the endline, and F and S can drift back while staying on the sideline to provide assistance with the sideline.

The alternative is to have the short wings go to the goal line and work backwards if the line to gain is threatened.

[Snapper]

...We get spots all the time from beyond/behind BCs, so this is no different...

That is the logic that was explained to me the first time I paused at a LTG, rather than going to the GL.  That we get spots from behind all of the time, so we can come back and get them from in front of the ball carrier as well.  But we better be at the GL.

The bosses only had to tell me once.