[Reginald Rutledge]

I can only speak from officiating on the Pee Wee, Middle School, High School, and College level in the state of Texas. I am a high school official for the state of Texas (Dallas Division) and it is dependent on the game.

Some games, we had a 2 man crew and for championship level high school, you can have a 7 man crew.

Our crew consisted of the following:

* Referee: Stationed about 15 yards behind the line of scrimmage, either to the right or left of a QB, depending on whether the QB is right or left-handed. General oversight and control of game

* Umpire: Stands on either side of the middle linebacker, usually about yards off the LOS. Once the play begins, the Umpire moves in toward the LOS to check for possible infractions on the backs coming out of the backfield. Lines up approximately four to five yards downfield, varying position from in front of weakside tackle to strongside guard. Looks for possible false start by offensive linemen.

* Head Linesman: Usually on the side of the field opposite the 1st down marker. Responsible for offsides and line play infractions or encroachment.

* Line Judge: This guy straddles the line and keeps the time of the game. Also, he looks at offside, illegal formations, etc.

* Field Judge: He's usually on the same side as the line judge and he's usually about 20 yards down field looking for infractions between receivers and defensive backs.

* Side Judge: He's about 20 yards back on the same side as the linesman. He concentrate on receivers to his side of the field.

* Back Judge: He's about 25-30 yards based on his physical limits. He usually concentrate on TE and play down the middle of the field.

This is what we practiced and had to know as officials in the Texas school system.

Reginald Rutledge