Instant Replay Official - Pregame Duties

In addition to the duties identified in the NCAA Football Instant Replay Casebook regarding the actual application of replay protocol, the replay official should conduct the following review before the game begins to ensure that all procedures are carried out efficiently:

Meet with the producer in the broadcast truck (or remotely) to exchange contact information, identify camera placement, ensure synchronization of game clock, and review procedures. Check to ensure that the replay booth is able to receive feeds from each camera. Discuss the need to confirm all scores and changes of possession, noting that confirmations are expedited when the producer sends a quick shot of the play. Note that the replay booth will likely communicate with the producer when the game is stopped for a replay review.
Along with the communicator, meet with the broadcast announcers to review protocol. Note that plays with limited competitive effect may not be reviewed in a one-sided game.
Identify the sideline attendants and review procedures for confirming a score and change of possession, and the procedures for handing equipment to the referee for a review.
Meet with the technician in the replay booth to ensure that the equipment is operational.
Check to ensure the booth configuration (monitor placement, etc.) is standard. There should be no deviation unless special circumstances call for it.
Establish communication with collaborative replay center if applicable.
Test the pagers, headsets and the ring-down phone to the production truck to ensure they are operational. (Re-test the pagers when the officiating crew arrives on the field, after the coin flip, and before the start of the second half.)
Ensure that the communicator and assistant communicator (if provided) are supplied the appropriate forms (including the facilities report).
Have the on-field referee locate and test the headset and ring-down
Test the on-field referee's microphone to ensure it can be heard in the replay booth.
Test the field radio with field
Conduct pregame meeting to review procedures that will be used during the game.

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 and line to gain.
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

Clear each layer of the play as it occurs.
Run or pass.
Direction of a pass (forward/backward).
QB/back exchange.
Ball crossing line of scrimmage.
Ball crossing line to gain.
Possession throughout the down.
Confirm down is over.

After the play

Listen for the ruling on the field to come from the communicator.
When reviewing a play to determine whether the game should be stopped:
- Establish reviewable aspects and prioritize,
- Determine competitive effect.
- Analyze available angles.
- Make decision to clear the play or stop the game.

During a review

Analyze available angles and identify those relevant to the reviewable aspects of the play.
Focus on RO monitor to review angles, but listen for technician to announce when new replays become available from TV and check program monitor each time.
Make a decision: determine whether there is clear and obvious evidence to overturn the ruling on the field. If the evidence is not clear and obvious, the ruling on the field is upheld (exception: targeting). Ensure that all reviewable aspects are considered before giving information back to the referee.

If the call on the field will be overturned go to line feed to determine administrative information for 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).

Instant Replay Official - Pregame Duties

In addition to the duties identified in the NCAA Football Instant Replay Casebook regarding the actual application of replay protocol, the replay official should conduct the following review before the game begins to ensure that all procedures are carried out efficiently:

Along with the communicator, meet with the broadcast announcers to review protocol. Note that plays with limited competitive effect may not be reviewed in a one-sided game.

Identify the sideline attendants and review procedures for confirming a score and change of possession, and the procedures for handing equipment to the referee for a review.

Meet with the technician in the replay booth to ensure that the equipment is operational.

Check to ensure the booth configuration (monitor placement, etc.) is standard. There should be no deviation unless special circumstances call for it.

Establish communication with collaborative replay center if applicable.

Test the pagers, headsets and the ring-down phone to the production truck to ensure they are operational. (Re-test the pagers when the officiating crew arrives on the field, after the coin flip, and before the start of the second half.)

Ensure that the communicator and assistant communicator (if provided) are supplied the appropriate forms (including the facilities report).

Have the on-field referee locate and test the headset and ring-down

Test the on-field referee's microphone to ensure it can be heard in the replay booth.

Test the field radio with field

Conduct pregame meeting to review procedures that will be used during the game.

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 and line to gain.

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

Clear each layer of the play as it occurs.

Run or pass.

Direction of a pass (forward/backward).

QB/back exchange.

Ball crossing line of scrimmage.

Ball crossing line to gain.

Possession throughout the down.

Confirm down is over.

After the play

Listen for the ruling on the field to come from the communicator.

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

Establish reviewable aspects and prioritize,

Determine competitive effect.

Analyze available angles.

Make decision to clear the play or stop the game.

During a review

Analyze available angles and identify those relevant to the reviewable aspects of the play.

Focus on RO monitor to review angles, but listen for technician to announce when new replays become available from TV and check program monitor each time.

If the call on the field will be overturned go to line feed to determine administrative information for 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).