How will moving the umpire to the offensive backfield change NFL games?

02 Apr 2010

2 Apr, 2010 Moving

I understand why the NFL moved umpires to the offensive backfield: They got too banged up hanging around the linebackers. But moving them gives them a different perspective of the line of scrimmage.

Do you think there will be a change in holding calls? If so, how?

BTW, I’m assuming that umpires will still focus on holding (offensive and defensive) and the rare chop block. (Everyone calls offsides, facemask, delay of game, etc.) Please correct me if I’m wrong on that.

There may be more holding calls only because the umpire is not going to have to worry about what is going on around him, especially on runs or short passes to the middle. He’s also not going to have to get to the line of scrimmage on pass plays.

The one thing I want to see is how they will get him out of the way when a QB scrambles or there is a reverse. You may see some runners try to use him for a pick the way receivers have used him for a while.

You are wrong on some of your assumptions: Only the Line Judge and Head Linesman call offsides. They or the Referee or Umpire may call a false start though. Delay of Game is the Back Judge as he’s watching the play clock and the snap. But everyone can call a face masking foul.

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4 Responses

Quack
2010 Apr 02 1

I think you’re missing something fundamental of the game of football.

They’re called referees, not umpires.
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Will
2010 Apr 02 2

No Quack There is an Umpire in football. There is also a referee, head linesman, line judge, side judge, back judge, and field judge. Do a little research next time quack. Anyway, It should affect the play calling that much. Thankfully he will be out of the way now.
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Bill
2010 Apr 02 3

They will be looking at the same thing just from the other side now. I think it will be good since they will no longer be in the way of passes and WR’s running routes.
References :
Rob B
2010 Apr 02 4

There may be more holding calls only because the umpire is not going to have to worry about what is going on around him, especially on runs or short passes to the middle. He’s also not going to have to get to the line of scrimmage on pass plays.

The one thing I want to see is how they will get him out of the way when a QB scrambles or there is a reverse. You may see some runners try to use him for a pick the way receivers have used him for a while.

You are wrong on some of your assumptions: Only the Line Judge and Head Linesman call offsides. They or the Referee or Umpire may call a false start though. Delay of Game is the Back Judge as he’s watching the play clock and the snap. But everyone can call a face masking foul.
References :
15 years officiating HS and NCAA football.

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