Communicator

In addition to collaborating with the replay official to ensure the proper pregame protocols, the following are recommended duties for the communicator once the game begins: If official-to-official communication is being utilized, the communicator is responsible for all interactions with the field.

Before the play

  • Establish a pre-snap routine that includes counting players, noting the time on the game clock, and identifying the line of scrimmage, down/ distance and line to gain. The communicator should verbalize this in the booth.

  • Note timing changes after the Two-Minute Timeout. 

  • Be aware of other occurrences such as a coach signaling for a timeout, how many timeouts remain for each team, correctness of down box, location of chains, etc.

During the play

  • Provide a concise play by play as the down progresses.

  • Run or pass.

  • QB/back exchange.

  • Clear QB after ball leaves his hand.

  • Direction of pass (forward/backward).

  • Clear kicker.

  • Ball crossing line of scrimmage

  • Ball crossing line to gain

  • Possession throughout the down.

  • Identify actions/signals by players or officials.

  • Confirm down is over and status of ball.

After the play

  • Identify the ruling on the field at the conclusion of every down. This includes the status of the football (loose, defense has it, etc.) and any other information such as a penalty flag, injured player or team timeout.

  • Continue viewing the field until the ruling on the field is determined. Once determined, shift focus to the team next putting the ball in play to ensure Replay Official knows how much time there is to make a decision.

  • When the RO is reviewing a play to determine whether the game should be stopped:

    • Communicate the actions of the offensive team (“The team is in the huddle,” “They have broken the huddle,” “They are rushing to the line,” etc.) to ensure that the replay official makes a warranted stoppage of the game before the start of the next play. (The replay official will stop the game to look for more confirming camera shots if the ruling on the field can't be upheld during this process.) If an assistant communicator is available, they will focus on the field and the communicator will assist the RO with identifying camera angles that will help toward a decision.

During a review

  • Monitor program feed for when new replays become available from TV.

  • Assist RO with identifying angles relevant to the reviewable aspects of the play.

  • If the call on the field will be overturned assist RO with administrative information for the next down.

  • The information is relayed to the referee in the following order:

    • Yard line.
    • Position.

    • Down/Distance.

    • Clock adjustment (if necessary).

    • Clock Status.

  • After the review is completed, wait for the next available stoppage in play (preferably a media timeout or halftime/end of game), and complete an information sheet on the review (use data from the replay technician to help complete the form).