You Make The Call Challenge

While fans see officials only on gamedays, much more happens away from the field — even before the officials ever don the stripes in the NFL. Each season, the quest for officiating excellence begins before players report to training camps.

During the offseason, the NFL holds two clinics to get on the same page with its officials. The first focuses on new rules, physical assessments and administrative changes. The second features written exams, testing their knowledge of the rules, mechanics for their positions and on-field mobility. New rules and points of emphasis are thoroughly covered as officials prepare for any situation they may encounter on gameday.

Here are sample questions from the exam taken by NFL officials this off season. How well do you know the rules?  

You Make the call

Question 1

On a kickoff from the A35, the ball lands at the B5 and is picked up and returned by B87 to the B18. Prior to the ball hitting the ground or a player inside the landing zone, (a) A38 of the kickoff team lifts a foot and starts to move downfield; (b) B75 of the receiving team takes a step while inside the setup zone; or (c) A38 of the kickoff team moves downfield and B75 of the receiving team reacts and moves to block him. What is the ruling on the field?

• Answer 1
• Answer 2
• Answer 3
• Answer 4

Question 2

On a kickoff from the A35, B4 is one of the two deep receivers and is standing on the B5 yard line. As the kicker approaches the ball, he runs forward and is at the B22 when the ball is kicked. He continues into the receiving team’s setup zone and is at the B32 when the ball is caught at the B4 by returner B1. B1 is tackled at the B35.

• Answer 1
• Answer 2
• Answer 3
• Answer 4

How did you do?

Answer 1

(a) Re-kick A30 for the offside; or B’s ball first-and-10 on the B23. The setup zone and landing zone do not change if the penalty is enforced from the previous spot for a re-kick.

(b) Re-kick from A40 or decline the penalty and B’s ball first-and-10 on B18.

(c) Re-kick from A35. Offsetting fouls (Illegal formation by A and Illegal Formation by B).