For your reference, here are the five-official field positions for kickoffs:

Referee

• Positioned adjacent to the receiving team’s goal line
• On the linesman’s side line
• Near the inbounds line
• Counts all receiving team players
• Awaits the ready signal from all other officials (this is typically an arm held straight up)
• Blows whistle  to signal the ball is ready for play and that the kickoff can proceed
• Gives clock start signal upon touching of the ball by the receiving team if observed
• Ready to signal on a touchback
• Ready to throw flag if kick goes out of bounds and untouched by the receivers
• Bean bag location of catch (may be needed if player’s momentum takes them into the end zone)

Umpire

• Positioned on the receiving team’s 20 yard line
• On the line judge’s sideline (typically the home team side)
• Out of bounds
• Counts all receiving team players
• Responsible for making certain that coaches, players and others are in their proper locations on their sideline
• Hold arm above head when ready to signal to the Referee – ready for the kickoff whistle
• Bean bag in hand ready for spot if last touched inbounds by the receivers
• Ready to throw flag if kick goes out of bounds and untouched by the receivers
• Watches players – not the flight of the ball
• If touching by the receivers is in the area then gives clock start signal
• Provides player coverage, watching action and providing cleanup around and behind the runner
• Picks up action of the runner and follows as needed

Watch for my next post which will cover Five-man field mechanics for kickoffs for the positions of Linesman, Line Judge and Back Judge.

Until then, feel free to comment or ask a question.   Here’s a five-yard delay of game penalty for ya!