Watch for infractions involving the free kick lines.

Be alert for first touching by K or a kick that does not cross R's free kick line. Mark the spot of first touching with the bean bag.

Cover 10–15 yards down the sideline.

Pick up the runner from the deep official and follow on a long return.

After the ball goes downfield, move deliberately in that direction observing the legality of blocks and action away from the ball.

Move cautiously toward the play. Observe the action of other players near the runner.

Signal the clock to start when the kick is touched, other than first touching by K. Echo this signal when given by another official.

Maintain a position to cover the sideline at all times.

Be alert for fair catch signals by receivers in or beyond the neutral zone.

When the ball becomes dead in your area, sound the whistle and signal time-out.

If the kick is out-of-bounds between the goal lines: sound the whistle and signal time-out; mark the spot — bean bag if touched inbounds by R, penalty marker if untouched.

Perform the same duties as a normal kickoff.

Position beyond the end line and behind the upright on your side — wherever you feel most comfortable.

Give the appropriate signal for score or no score.

Give the touchback signal if the kick is unsuccessful and the ball breaks the plane of the goal line.

If the kick is short and lands in the field of play, move forward to cover the play.

Count Team R and confirm using a closed fist.

Position 20–25 yards beyond the defensive line of scrimmage unless forced deeper by the defensive alignment.

When the ball is on an inbounds line, position yourself no wider than the near upright.

On single and/or double spread formations, adjust position based on the location of the Linesman and Line Judge to provide the best coverage.

Count Team B players — confirm using closed fist with the Line Judge.

Time the 40/25-second play clock interval.

Give no signal to indicate the 25-second count is about to expire.

If there is no visible play clock, begin timing the 40-second play clock immediately after the covering official's signal that ends the previous play — unless rules indicate the 25-second clock.

If the play clock expires prior to the start of the next play: sound your whistle immediately, give the time-out signal, and give the delay of game signal to the Referee.

After all administrative stoppages, set the play clock to 40 or 25 seconds as specified by rule.

Key the tight end or end on the strong side. If the formation is balanced, key the end on the Line Judge's side.

On runs to either side: move so the runner is between you and the wing official while observing blocks in front of the runner.

Stay far enough away to keep the play boxed in. Keep all players in front of you.

Cover players who are deeper than the Linesman or Line Judge.

When the runner breaks free, cover action around him.

Cover the end line.

Maintain inside-out coverage — do not move to the sideline unless the runner goes out-of-bounds or the ball becomes dead near the sideline.

On out-of-bounds runs in team box areas, move into the area of the dead ball and assist in maintaining order.

Assist wing officials with coverage on blocks by wide receivers moving back inside on sweep plays.

Assist with relaying the ball from the wing official or ball person to the Umpire.

Unless the ball becomes dead deep downfield, the Back Judge should rarely have the first whistle.

Communicate to the Referee whether the game clock should start on the snap or on the ready-for-play following a penalty.

Pre-snap duties same as for a running play.

Cover deep receivers down the middle and to each sideline.

Keep all players in front of your position.

When the pass is thrown: move quickly to the ball; watch for interference by either team; be ready to rule on a possible fumble or illegal pass after a completion; be ready to rule on all passes near the goal line and end line.

If the pass is complete in your area: sound the whistle when dead; move in to spot the ball; signal time-out if line-to-gain is reached.

If the pass is incomplete in your area: sound the whistle; give the incomplete pass signal; retrieve the ball and relay to a nearby official.

On passes at the corner of the end zone: communicate verbally with the Line Judge — 'YES' or 'NO' — then give the appropriate signal. Do not take a step when communicating; remain stationary.

If a pass is intercepted inside the defensive team's 5-yard line and the player is downed in the end zone or ball goes out-of-bounds there: rule on whether momentum took him in; mark the spot of the interception with a bean bag.

Cover long or deep kicks out-of-bounds on the Linesman's side. Use the blue bean bag to mark the end of the kick.

If the kick is short to either side: the Linesman or Line Judge assumes responsibility; observe action of players around the ball.

If the kick goes out-of-bounds in flight: sound the whistle and signal time-out.

If the kick is down the middle: be ready to rule on whether the kick is touched by either team; if the ball is muffed, rule on possession; be alert for a hand-off or reverse.

If Team K first touches a moving kick: mark the spot with a bean bag and continue to cover the play.

If Team K first touches a kick at rest beyond the neutral zone: sound the whistle, signal time-out, and mark the spot.

Fair catch made: sound the whistle ONLY after the fair catch is secured and mark the spot. Inform the Referee.

Fair catch NOT made: maintain proper distance from the receiver; goal line is still your responsibility.

No fair catch or signal: move with the runner until releasing to officials near the line of scrimmage; delay and observe action behind the ball keeping players in front of you.

If screened out and unable to pick up the runner: stay with the runner until the ball is dead.

Kick into the end zone: sound the whistle immediately and give the touchback signal. Inform the Referee of the ball's status.

Kick caught inside the 5-yard line with runner downed in end zone: rule on momentum; mark the spot of the catch with a bean bag.

Position beyond the end zone and behind the upright in the best position to observe the kick.

Count Team R players — confirm using closed fist with the Line Judge.

Verbally communicate eligible receivers on your side of the line to the Line Judge.

Determine if the kick goes over the crossbar and inside the uprights.

Sound the whistle when the kick passes the uprights or touches the ground in the end zone or beyond.

Communicate verbally with the Line Judge — 'YES' or 'NO.' Do not take a step when communicating; remain stationary.

Signal score or no score. Give good, crisp signals and hold them until acknowledged by the Referee.

Time the 60-second interval following a try or successful field goal. Notify officials 15 seconds prior to the ready by two short blasts of the whistle.

If the field goal is unsuccessful and breaks the plane of the goal line: give the touchback signal.

If the field goal is blocked or obviously short: move to the goal line; use a bean bag to mark the end of the kick.

If a running or passing play develops: key the tight end if on your side; quickly move to the end line to rule on end line action.

Prior to the try following a score.

To start a period or overtime series.

Following administration of an inadvertent whistle.

Following a charged time-out or official's time-out — except after a first down is awarded, an injury to a defensive team player, or the defense was the only team to commit a foul.

Following any other stoppage of the play clock.

Referee signal: one open palm in an over-the-head pumping motion.

The 40-second clock starts immediately after a down ends, except when the 25-second clock is specified.

Exception — 40 seconds is used when an official's time-out was for: a defensive player needing equipment repair only; the defense was the only team to commit a foul; or a defensive player is apparently injured, has a concussion symptom, is bleeding, has helmet come off, or has missing/improperly worn equipment.

Referee signal: both open palms in an over-the-head pumping motion.

Back Judge responsibility: confirm the play clock is properly set to 25 or 40 seconds after every stoppage. The Back Judge or Referee will give the signal to properly set the play clock if it is incorrect.