Krypto you are correct on that statement. I am an official and it is not the umpire's job to signal. As wrong that it may seem, they are told that only the Head Linesman and the Line Judge are the only ones to signal touchdown on short plays from the scrimage. But an Umpire may assisted them by giving a simple nod or yelling "He Is In" if the two officials or shielded from the play by players. Then those officials will go up with their hands. I know people wonder why can't the Umpire raise his hand if he sees it. Even as an Official I sometimes ask the same question. But that is the mechanics an official is taught from High School all the way through the NFL. They are taught the same thing.
Thanks, you actually answered by question. But do you know the reason behind the rule? It just seems like if an official sees something, he should be the one to call it.
Thats a good question. It is taught that the two officials on the line scrimmage ( Head Linesman which is on the sideline opposite of the press box with the chains and the Line Judge which is on the press box sideline) are responsible for all forward progress marks, because they are supposed to be even are as close as possible to where the ball is and should be able to give the most accurate forward progress spots. The Referee, Umpire and Back Judge are always in the middle of field and should never make the forward progress spot. The other two officials, Field Judge and Side Judge are also on the sidelines but much deeper down the field approx. 25 yards down field and they will make forward progress on long plays down the field. To answer the question why not let Umpires give the signal when they can see it, is mostly because it looks bad when the side official should be making the call. But in close plays when there is a pile it is alot harder for the side officials to see if he is in and they should immediatley go in as far as they can with the forward progress and if the umpire is sure without a doubt that the player cross the goaline then he will give a signal to the side officials to help them out. I hope this answer some questions. But as to why not the Umpire. Mainly because it is considered bad mechanics and the power to be's think it looks bad. Since I've been official, I have learn to respect the officals on the field, but don't get me wrong when I'm in the stands I yell at the guys in the stripes like the rest of the fans:lol:
I understand your explanation but the results don't make much sense. I mean you've got officials who can't see the play making a call based on what someone else saw. I wouldn't feel comfortable making a call based on what someone else saw. Yeah, I've done a little basketball officiating and I hear you loud and clear. I understand it's a tough job and nobody's perfect, but I still give 'em hell.
