Module 5 - Referee Fundamentals

In this module, we will cover:

1. The QB Tee: Position, Timer & Line of Scrimmage

2. Referee Positioning Pre & Post Snap

• Next Module: Module 6 - Player Rotations

• Previous Module: Module 4 - Next Level Basics

• See All Referee Training Modules

If you have any questions, please email training@nextlevelsports.com.

0:01 What's up Next Level Refs? Coach Bradley here, and in Module 5 of our Referee Training, we’re going to talk about the fundamentals—where to stand, the quarterback tee, and all the little details you need to know to be a great ref.

0:12 First off, let’s talk about the quarterback tee. This three-legged table with a timer on it is super helpful—you’ll see it in 7-on-7 leagues everywhere. We’ll make sure it’s working and positioned properly every single play.

0:24 The QBT position is always a few yards—call it 3-4 yards—at the top of the numbers. If on the last play the ball goes out of bounds to the left, the tee does not move to the left like it does in high school, college, and NFL. If the ball goes out of bounds, we move the tee to the hash. We don’t do that at Next Level; it stays in the middle of the field every play, roughly 3-4 yards from the top of the numbers. Your job is to keep it there.

0:49 After every single play, check the timer to make sure it’s on, set, and working. The tiny black pin will be released when the ball is picked up, and the timer starts.

1:00 For Kindergarten through 4th grade divisions (K-4), there should be 7 seconds on the timer. This is the amount of time the quarterback has to either pass the ball or cross the tee, which is our universal line of scrimmage.

1:12 For 5th grade and up (or 4th-5th grade combos), it’s 5 seconds. (I remember it as: fifth grade and older = five seconds. Good mnemonic device, right?)

1:26 If the timer isn’t working or if the batteries have died, simply count with your hand—one, two, three, etc.

1:48 Now, for the quarterback tee: When the quarterback drops back to pass and the timer beeps, we deem it a sack. The ball is spotted at the same location, and the next down starts without moving the ball back.

1:59 If the quarterback snaps the ball, hands it off, pitches it, or runs a triple reverse, and it takes too long for the ball to cross the line of scrimmage, we call that a tackle for loss (TFL). The ball is spotted where the runner was when the tee expired. It could move back a yard or two or three.

2:30 If the timer isn’t working, use your hand to keep track of the time and be loud with your calls.

2:46 Post-play, once the ball crosses the line of scrimmage, your job is to look for the best vantage point to see if the runner steps out of bounds or if their flag is pulled. Follow the ball closely, but do not grab the tee or run downfield with the tee in your hand—that’s a safety hazard.

3:02 The offensive coordinator is responsible for bringing you the tee, but you should always be following the ball, spotting it properly, grabbing the tee from the coach, and getting it ready for the next play.

3:20 Pre-snap, position yourself 5-7 yards behind the ball. As you can see here, this is good referee positioning. You should keep your eyes downfield to look for any pass interference or illegal contact.

3:33 Keep in mind, you are the biggest person on the field, whether it’s 5-year-olds or 12-year-olds. So, stay out of the way. Being 5-7 yards back puts you in a good position to trail the ball wherever it goes—whether it’s a sweep left or a deep cross route to the right.

3:48 Once you’re set and the ball is ready, announce that the play clock is live. We have a 30-second play clock for all divisions.

3:54 After setting the play clock, announce to the coach, “You’ve got 30 seconds, here we go.” I typically look up at the scoreboard for timing. Give the coach a heads-up: “Hey coach, you’ve got 10 seconds—break the huddle.”

4:07 Earlier in the season, we allow a little more flexibility, especially for younger kids (kindergarteners, first-graders, second-graders). If they go over the 30-second mark, that’s okay. But for 4th grade and up, they have 30 seconds to get the play off. Let’s roll.

4:14 Once the ball is spotted and the offense is on the clock, it’s a good opportunity to scan the defensive side of the field to see if anyone is at 7 yards depth who might be blitzing. That’s something to check before every snap.

4:28 After the play, when the flag is pulled, you need a loud whistle. Sprint to where the ball carrier was, spot the ball, announce the next down and distance, and rinse and repeat.

4:41 That’s it for this training. We’ll see you next time!