2006 Mechanic Change NOT Adopted in Arizona

The National Federation has suggested a change to the 5 man mechanics in situations involving field goal attempts and PATs. Officials in the state of Arizona will not be using the new mechanic. The new mechanic places either the Linesman or the Line Judge under the goal posts to rule on the kick. The determining factor on which wing goes underneath is which side of the field the Referee takes on these plays.

Under the current and continuing mechanic in Arizona, all field goal and PAT attempts will have the Back Judge and the Line Judge under the posts. The Referee will line up in a position facing the “open side” of placekick holder, having a clear view of the snap, the hold, and the kick. In some circumstances, based on the lateral position of the ball at the snap and/or whether the kicker is right or left footed, there can be an uncovered sideline since the Line Judge has vacated his normal position.

The 2006 change, suggested by the National Federation, summarily states the wing official facing the placekick holder’s back will remain on the line of scrimmage and the wing official facing the placekick holder will join the Back Judge to rule on the kick. The National Federation has determined the new mechanic is appropriate, saying it is preferable to have the Referee able to cover one sideline and the remaining wing official cover the other.

The Advisory Council to the AzFOA Board has reviewed both mechanics. After considerable discussion and debate, it was decided the vast majority of formations of this type actually do result in kicks and the current mechanic provides sound and consistent coverage of kicking plays. The only time the new mechanic becomes an advantage is on those plays where either a fake is executed or a bad snap forces a “busted” or improvised play.

Speaking on behalf of the Advisory Council, Chairman Brian Mahoney stated, “We want to have the best coverage on the most probable outcomes of the play.” One concern of the new mechanic was the “last second” awareness of a field goal attempt via a shift or late substitution and the potential of a crew not having personnel recognize which wing official was to reposition in a timely manner. Using the current mechanic, the Line Judge will adjust in all cases.

The AZFOA Board urges all members to review the approved 2006 mechanics and be familiar with them.