Pass caught behind/beyond LOS Mechanic

[bossman72]

This seems to be the most inconsistent thing I run into for wing guys on how it's handled for different supervisors.

The mechanic that is being used in the ECFOA and CIP seems to be to punch back when a forward pass is caught behind the LOS.  Backward passes are not signaled in any manner.

After going to several clinics, I see the Big 12, Big 10 (COC), and most other D1-A conferences punch back on backward passes only.  They do not signal if a forward pass was caught behind/beyond the LOS.

I personally like punching backward passes.  This way everyone knows we've made a ruling on that.  Additionally, if we punch a forward pass caught behind the LOS, who are we punching for?  The deep guys never look at it (I've been told) so why do we even do it?

What do you use in your area and what do you think is better? 

[El Macman]

The mechanic that is being used in the ECFOA and CIP seems to be to punch back when a forward pass is caught behind the LOS. Backward passes are not signaled in any manner.

REALLY?
Well, that is bass-ackwards, at best. I believe it is pretty universal to "punch back" for backward passes. A few folks punch forward (for forward passes). You ask why. Mostly for video (although a backward ruling may alert players that the play is still alive when the pass is missed or muffed and is bouncing on the ground). The ruling official can prove that he/she ruled forward (or backward), when it shows up on video. That may help Replay, too.

But, for goodness sake - don't punch backward for a forward pass.

[Kalle]

Here in Europe the wings punch back on backward passes only. Don't see any logic in punching back for a forward pass (El Macman provided some logic for punching forward).

[cougar729]

If we are talking about whether a pass is caught behind or beyond the LOS, when I'm working LJ I will verbalize "Beyond" or "Behind"  usually do it loud enough that people "coaches" behind me hear it and then continue to officiate the play.  If we end up having a foul or situation where we need to know if the pass was behind or beyond, I can remember back to what I verbalized to myself and bring that information to the crew.

[Rulesman]

...when I'm working LJ I will verbalize "Beyond" or "Behind"  usually do it loud enough that people "coaches" behind me hear it and then continue to officiate the play...

"Beyond" and "behind" can sound awfully similar in a noisy stadium, especially to a coach who might want to hear one when you say the other. Silence can never be misquoted. Just saying...

[azsteam]

As a Deep wing official I do like it when the wings signaling a forward punch when a forward pass is caught beyond the LOS.  With a lot teams throwing bubble screens it makes it hard to know when the ball was caught because the other receivers are blocking down field.

When I see my key blocking down field and the other receiver goes back to catch the ball near the LOS I would then take a look at the wing to see if he signal a forward punch.  Otherwise I'm guessing all the time or throwing the flag than asking the wing where the pass was caught.

[JasonTX]

If there is a need to signal a pass was behind the line, I would suggest to create a different signal other than a punch backwards.  Already noted, that signal is pretty much the universal signal that most teams know as the signal for a backwards pass. 

[Sonofanump]

I find this play to be the most inconsistent play philosophy wise.  If I as a deep official, I have a player blocking beyond the LOS, I am not looking to see if a short wing is punching forward or backwards or any signal.  We are told if we believe the pass to be caught beyond the LOS that we flag it and ask our short wing to take us off of it if the pass was caught behind the LOS.  I heard some say that they are told to go ask the short wing after the play, then flag it with positive knowledge.

[Rulesman]

I find this play to be the most inconsistent play philosophy wise.  If I as a deep official, I have a player blocking beyond the LOS, I am not looking to see if a short wing is punching forward or backwards or any signal.  We are told if we believe the pass to be caught beyond the LOS that we flag it and ask our short wing to take us off of it if the pass was caught behind the LOS.  I heard some say that they are told to go ask the short wing after the play, then flag it with positive knowledge.

Personally, I prefer the first option. With the possible exception of IG, it's far easier to pick one up and explain it than it is to explain one you drop 30 seconds after the play is over.

[TampaSteve]

Can't say I've ever heard or seen anything but to punch back on a backwards pass.

[cincybearcat]

i've always been of the opinion that the deep guys have a good enough feel for football and the play to know if the play is intended to be behind or beyond.  don't nit-pick...if you really feel like it is beyond and you have a key blocking, throw the flag and ask...no mechanic needed imo

[TxSkyBolt]

I think a few years ago (maybe more than a few) the NCAA mechanics manual had the umpire punching back forward passes that were caught behind the LOS.

[clydesummers]

I occasionally work the sidelines and I make it a point to remind the HL/LJ working the other side to punch backwards on a backward pass to let the other officials know it is a live ball in case the receiver drops the pass. If the side line J's do this and the ball is dropped there should not be a whistle (IW in this case) and the ball is live.

[ref6983]

The 2012 mechanics manual specifically states the line judge is to punch back on backward passes behind the line and he must be prepared to rule on whether the ball crosses the line or not.