Official to Official Communication (O2O)

O2O wireless communication is the primary method of communication between the replay booth and the on-field officials throughout the game. When stopping the game, the replay booth alerts the on-field crew via O2O using an established key word or phrase while simultaneously activating the pager system as a backup.

Once the game is stopped the referee will use the Sideline Replay Assistant headset to communicate with the Replay Official and the communicator will monitor O2O communication with the rest of the on-field crew (Rule 12-6-1).

If before the game is stopped for review, the replay official has definitive evidence the call on the field will be changed, the review may be conducted via O2O.

When stopping the game, the replay booth alerts the on-field crew via O2O and pager, but a different key word or phrase is used to alert the referee to stay on the field and not go to the SRA who has the headset. The replay booth will immediately communicate the new ruling.

The referee will announce:

The ruling on the field is (brief description of ruling). The play has been reviewed and replay has determined (brief description of new ruling).”

The replay booth will then communicate the administrative information for the next down.

This process will not be used for targeting reviews and reviews inside two minutes of the 2nd and 4th quarter when game clock adjustments may be needed.

After a scoring play or turnover, the replay booth will use O2O to relay confirmation ("all clear”) of the ruling to the on-field crew. The Sideline Replay Assistant is to be used as a backup. 

In end of half scenarios the replay booth will use O2O to give the on-field crew the “all clear” that the half is over. The on-field crew should hold up the teams until the “all clear” is given.

During the game, the Replay Booth can assist the on-field crew via O2O with the following objective information:

  • Player number: 

    • Fouls 

    • Ejections/Disqualifications 

    • Helmet off 

    • Injury

  • Number of players breaking the huddle or in formation prior to the snap when a foul is called.

  • Yard lines for ball placement:

    • End of kick 

    • Dead ball spot after change of possession or long gain

    • Spot of foul 

    • Spot of field goal attempt 

    • Spot of illegal touch 

    • Spot of fumble 

    • Spot of fumble/backward pass out of bounds

  • Penalty administration:

    • Penalty yardage

    • Number of down

    • Clock status

  • Clock administration

    • Significant clock error

    • Resetting clock after pre-snap foul

    • 10-second runoff potential 

    • Time remaining when a team timeout is granted 

    • Inside two minutes and inside one-minute reminders

  • Line of scrimmage:

    • Whether a pass made it to or crossed LOS

    • Whether a kick crossed LOS

  • Rule application:

    • 4th down fumble 

    • Forward fumble out of bounds

At no point should the replay booth use O2O to provide input on the subjective aspects of a foul.