Coach-to-Player Operator

The Coach-to-Player Cutoff Operator (“C2P Operator”) is responsible for opening and closing the communication channel between the coach and a designated player. The C2P Operator sits in the Press Box with the clock operators. The C2P Operator must pay close attention to the game and must have a strong understanding of the rules of the game and the officials’ signals. 

Timeline 

3:00 before kickoff 

• Arrive at the stadium and clock in. 
• Go to the press box for pregame equipment set up and test with the C2P Technician (Orange Hat on the field). Both offense and defensive helmets with the green sticker for both Home and Visiting teams will be tested. 

2:30 before kickoff 

• Accompany the clock operators to conduct a face-to-face pregame meeting with the game officials to review rules and mechanics. 

2:00 before kickoff 

• Ensure that all equipment is working properly. 
• C2P Operator should be seated in the press box next to the clock operators 
• Ensure phone lines are working from the press box:
  • Dialing from the press box to the field
  • Dialing from the field to the press box
  • Dialing to the Instant Reply booth
• If there is a speaker box for the Referee microphone in the press box, ensure it is working. 
• Test the cutoffs when teams are not testing their helmets. If you see them walking the field with helmets near their ear, they are testing communication. Do NOT operate the cutoff during their test. If unclear, call down to the sideline and ask for the team Yellow Hat to coordinate. 
• Call the Home sideline and perform the cutoff #1 and cutoff #2 tests below (Ask for Yellow Hat if you are unsure of contact name) 
• Call the Visitor sideline and perform the cutoff #1 and cutoff #2 tests below (Ask for Yellow Hat if you are unsure of contact name) 

Cutoff #1 

• Press one button on the cutoff switch. As you depress the button say “cut” and await confirmation from the sideline. It should be very responsive. When you release the button say “release.” It should be very responsive. Each of the 4 buttons acts as a cutoff and perform the same function. Do NOT press multiple buttons at the same time. 
• Repeat the previous step for the remaining 3 buttons. 

Cutoff #2 

• Press one button on the cutoff switch. As you depress the button say “cut” and await confirmation from the sideline. It should be very responsive. When you release the button say “release.” It should be very responsive. Each of the 4 buttons acts as a cutoff and perform the same function. Do NOT press multiple buttons at the same time. 
• Repeat the previous step for the remaining 3 buttons. 

0:30 before kickoff 

• Be in the press box at the coach-to-player position, ready for kickoff. 
• Do a final check of your equipment. 

During the game 

• Document the official start time of the game. 
• All four buttons on the cutoff switch toggle the C2P channel (open or closed). 
• When Cutoff is engaged, all LEDs and display will turn BLUE 
• When Cutoff released, all LEDS and display will turn GREEN 
• Use Cutoff #1 only. Cutoff #2 is there as a backup in the event Cutoff #1 fails. 
• Use only one button to cutoff. Both sidelines will receive the cutoff. 
• Do not touch the green encoder wheels at any time. 
• On every play where the play clock is running, disable the C2P channel when the play clock reaches 15 seconds or when the ball is snapped, whichever occurs first. This includes free kicks, punts, and Trys. 
• If the C2P communication is closed and the R pumps the play clock, reopen the communication, and restart the process. 
• The C2P channel remains disabled while the ball is live. 
• When it appears that the ball is about to become dead, you should open the C2P channel. (To keep the game flow consistent, it is critical to open C2P immediately when you know the ball is dead or the ball is about to become dead, even though you may NOT have seen an official signal). 
• The C2P channel should always be open when the play clock is not running, and/or there is an injury on the field. 
• If any C2P equipment malfunctions, contact the C2P Technician (Orange Cap) via phone IMMEDIATELY! 
• If the play clock malfunctions during the game, the C2P operator should follow the on-field officials’ signal (raised closed fist) for closing the C2P channel. This should be discussed during the pregame conference with the officials. 
• Stay attentive and help the clock operator when you can. 

Post-Game 

• Record the finish time of the game. 
• Communicate with Orange Hat/Yellow Hat on any in game feedback. 
• Submit the game report in GMS by 12:00 p.m. ET the day following the game. 
• Clock out as you leave the stadium. 

Best Practices 

• Communicate with the clock operators. Use verbal announcements among the crew on each play. Be aware of items such as play clock pumps, officials killing the clock, and timeouts late in the game. 
• Use only one button to cutoff, not two. Both sidelines will receive the cutoff. 
• Be alert for any play stoppage. 
• Be alert for play clock resets by the Referee. Re-open the C2P channel if greater than 15 seconds. 
• Be aware of anything unusual on the transmitter screen. The screen color should be Green. If the screen goes Blue indicating a cutoff when no buttons are being pressed or asking for a tech pin, press the buttons again to returning to normal operation. 
• In the event a medical emergency occurs in the booth during the game: 
• Contact stadium personnel immediately via phone to address any immediate medical need. 
• Contact the Instant Replay Booth or Green Hat and communicate the situation as quickly as possible. 
• Be prepared to take over a clock operator’s responsibilities should the need arise. 

Contingency Plan 

In the case of a major issue or emergency with the Game Clock, Play Clock, or C2P Operators on gameday at the stadium please see the following contingency plan: 

• Contact the league office immediately to notify them of the issue. 
• If there is an issue with the C2P Operator, the Play Clock Operator will take over both roles. 
• If there is an issue with the Play Clock Operator, the C2P Operator will take over both roles. 
• If there is an issue with the Game Clock Operator, the C2P Operator will take over both roles. 

This contingency plan is to be used in the worst-case scenario. All clock crew members should review the position mechanics that they might cover in the case of an emergency. 

Relevant Rules 

• Rule 4, Section 6 – Play clock rules 
• Rule 5, Section 3, Article 3 –Speakers in helmets 

Salary / Pay Range

This job posting contains a pay range, which represents the range of salaries or hourly rates that the NFL believes, in good faith, at the time of this posting that it might be willing to pay for the posted job in the location(s) specified. The NFL expects to hire for this position near the middle of the range. Only in truly rare and exceptional circumstances, where an external candidate has experience, credentials or expertise that far exceed those required or expected for the position, would the NFL consider paying a salary or rate near the higher end of the range.