Football Zebras

Alternate officials, like playoffs, have expanded over time

by Mark Schultz - February 3, 2017March 31, 2020 2

They're happy but not satisfied. They'd rather be on the field, but don't want the circumstances happen that put them on the field. Who are they? The alternates. They are the three to five people assigned, ready to go into a playoff game should an on-field official get hurt or

Kick formation rules designed for safety

Rules School

by Mark Schultz - October 10, 2014November 4, 2014 1

The kicking game has become more complex to officiate over the past few years, even before the ball is snapped or kicked. The NFL, citing player safety, has developed rules to outlaw unbalanced lines in free kick and scrimmage kick formation. Free Kicks Gone are the days where the kicking team can

6 keys for the 2014 season

2014

by Mark Schultz - September 3, 2014September 3, 2014 2

It is time. Clinic attended, check. Rules test taken, check. Camps visited, check. Preseason games officiated, check. It is time for the 2014 NFL season. Just as officials have keys to read on every play, I'm going to be keying in on five things as I zebra-watch from now until

Saturday’s Wild Card officiating

by Ben Austro - January 8, 2011January 10, 2011 1

Saints at Seahawks Walt Coleman is the referee, heading up Terry McAulay's crew. First half. No replay reviews. Saints have 4 penalties for 18 yards, Seahawks 3/14, no penalties declined. 4th Quarter, 3:38 remaining. On the amazing touchdown run by Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch, did quarterback Matt Hasselbeck throw an illegal block

Carey, Morelli, Steratore crews assigned to Wild Card; Coleman subs for McAulay

by Ben Austro - January 6, 2011November 15, 2012 5

The officiating crews for the Wild Card games on Jan. 8 and 9 have been announced by the NFL. Kickoff times are Eastern. (See our previous post on the process of qualification.) Saints at Seahawks (Saturday, 4:30 p.m.) R — #65 Walt Coleman (22nd year, 16th year as referee) U — #121 Paul