Welcome to NFL Officiating 101

15 Points Per Correct Answer - No time limit  

1. The Redskins start the game by kicking off from the 30-yard line to the Falcons. The Redskins' kicker kicks the ball out of bounds at the Falcons' 32-yard line. The official throws his flag, indicating an illegal procedure. Where is the ball spotted? At the Falcons' 20-yard line. At the Falcons' 32-yard line. At the Falcons' 40-yard line. At the Redskins' 25-yard line.

2. The Dolphins punt to the Bengals. The Bengals return man muffs the punt at his own 28-yard line. The ball bounces to the 31-yard line, where it is picked up by a Dolphins coverage man. He then runs the ball into the end zone. Is this a touchdown? Yes No

3. A Jets defensive lineman, trying to entice a Patriots offensive lineman to false start, snarls and growls at the man before feigning motion. The Patriots lineman, paying more attention to the Jets lineman than to the snap count, raises out of his stance. None of the officials closest to the player--the head linesman, line judge, umpire or referee--hear the growling Jet. What does the referee call? False start on the offense Offsides on the defense Delay of game on the defense Ilegal motion on the offense

4. On a 2nd-and-6 play from their own 29-yard line, a Bills receiver goes out for a pass. The pass is tipped by a Steelers defensive lineman as it crosses the line of scrimmage. A Steelers defensive back pushes the Bills receiver to the turf, intercepting the pass at the Bills 38-yard line and returning it to the end zone. What does the referee call? First down for the Bills at their 38-yard line. First down for the Steelers at the 38-yard line. Third down for the Bills at their 29-yard line. A touchdown for the Steelers.

5. The home team is required to provide how many footballs for game play (not including kicking situations)? 24 28 36 32

6. Which official functions as the backup timekeeper? Line Judge Umpire Head Linesman Field Judge

7. Early in the first quarter, the Browns are forced to punt from their own end zone. The Bears return man gives a valid fair-catch signal and catches the ball at the 50-yard line. He is promptly hit and fumbles the ball, which the Browns recover at the Bears' 46-yard line. Where does the referee spot the ball? At the Browns 46-yard line At the Browns 28-yard line At the Browns 41-yard line At the Browns 35-yard line

8. The Vikings quarterback tries to elude a Buccaneers defender. He throws the football, only to have it batted back to him. He catches the ball and then, after finally shaking his pursuer, throws the ball again, completing a spectacular 37-yard pass to his tight end. Does this play count? Yes No

9. With five seconds remaining in the first half, the 49ers punt the ball from deep in their own end of the field. The Cardinals return man signals for and makes a valid fair catch at the 49ers 43-yard line as time expires. Is the first half over? Yes No

10. Which member of the offensive team can request a playable ball during inclement weather conditions? Quarterback Wide Receiver Running Back Center

11. The Eagles send one of their three wide receivers in motion on a 3rd-and-5 play from the Colts 42-yard line. Before the ball is snapped, the wide receiver turns upfield, moving forward toward the line of scrimmage. By the time the play is over, he has caught a 13-yard pass and keeps the Eagles drive alive. Or does he? Yes No

12. The Panthers punter lines up in formation at the Saints 42-yard line. But instead of punting the ball, he performs a drop kick, which sails between the uprights with room to spare. Is this a legal play? Yes No

13. In 2005, a Cowboys running back breaks into the Raiders secondary on a big running play. While making the tackle, a Raiders defender accidentally grasps the back's facemask, but does not twist it and immediately releases his hold on it. How much more yardage should be tacked on to the end of the run? 5 yards 15 yards 10 yards 0 yards

14. A Chiefs receiver takes off downfield on a pass play. Ten yards beyond the line of scrimmage, he is hit by a Ravens linebacker and knocked to the ground. The quarterback, scrambling to elude the rush, hasn't thrown the ball yet. The back judge sees the play and throws a flag. What penalty should he call? Illegal contact Defensive holding Pass interference Unnecessary roughness

15. Which two officials are responsible for ruling on the success of a field goal attempt? Field Judge and Side Judge Umpire and Side Judge Back Judge and Umpire Back Judge and Field Judge