Instant Replay Field Operator

3 Instant Replay Field Operators (IRFO) will be used per game. If a scheduled IRFO cannot work an assigned week, the alternate will be contacted first to replace them. IRFOs will email their crew captain an agreed-upon working schedule. Sideline personnel will be limited. During pregame, make sure that fans with field passes are kept away from the field unit. Talk with stadium security to make sure the rope line does not extend into the hood area. Any issues with media being in the way should be relayed to the Replay Technician or NFL IT to escalate if necessary.

Field Operator’s Equipment

The field operators carry a variety of gear in addition to their uniform:

1. A utility belt containing:
2. A Riedel branded wireless intercom unit. This is a voice-over-IP (VOIP) intercom. It has a 4-pin XLR connection for the headset.
   • BNC video cable. It is essential that when coiling the loom, the proper over-under technique is used to avoid introducing extra twists into the cable. This is attached via Velcro to the back side of the hip.
   • A carabiner connected to a ring at the back of the belt is used to secure the wire harness to the belt. This provides stress relief so that pulling on the wires doesn't put stress on the connections to the tablet computer.
3. Two NFL branded headsets: (1) worn by Field Operators when at their station; (2) a headset for Referees to use during Replay Reviews. 
4. Y Adapter to split the audio on the intercom unit to both headsets.
5. Microsoft Surface tablet, with shoulder strap.
6. A clean towel for drying the headphones.

 

Intercom Etiquette

During a game, keep the Riedel intercom switched to the REPLAY channel. When conducting tests of the system during 2nd TV timeout or two-minute warning, use the REPLAY channel to communicate with the Replay Official. Press the button that corresponds with the REPLAY channel to turn on your mic, and again to turn it off when you are done speaking. During a review with the Referee, Press the button that corresponds with the ALL channel and turn on the mic for the Referee just like with the REPLAY channel. For brief, technical discussions pertinent to the job, the TECH channel can be used to communicate with other operators. The channel is monitored by the AMGC Technicians in NY, so keep all other chatter during the game to a minimum. The TECH channel can also be used to talk with the IR Tech in the booth if needed.

As a reminder, as an Officiating Game Day Assistant you are a NFL league employee. You must stay professional while you are working, especially when we are communicating via headsets. Please do not cheer or make comments suggesting that you are a fan of a team that is playing. You must stay unbiased to uphold the integrity of the game.

General

• The sideline field monitor units should never be left unattended on the field. During pregame and halftime (and any other time when the field operators leave the sideline), the units should be stored in their cases or at the field monitor station (the “hood”).
• If it becomes necessary to touch the screen, field operators should use the Microsoft Surface Pen and not their fingers.
• If field operators notice any spots, watermarks, or fingerprints on the screen, they should wipe it clean with the provided cloth.
• Sideline field operators should place the clear acrylic rain shield on the sideline field monitor units when it is raining or snowing. The shield should be removed before leaving the sideline for a replay review.
• The tablet screen should never be exposed to direct sunlight. Always face the instant replay tablet away from the sun. For example, if sun hits the tablet screen when wearing it on the left hip, move it to the right hip.
• Equipment and cables should never be stored when wet. Dry all equipment with a towel prior to storing it. If the equipment is not dry, it will get mold and need replacement. 
• The New Replay Cart cover should be on when transporting on and off the field.
• All Intercom units (O2O Included) and Tablets should be charged inside the new cart.  Any storage related questions should be directed to Gray Hats (NFL IT).      Cart doors might need to be left open for air flow.

  Uniform

• You must wear league issued uniform. This includes NFL-issued burgundy hat, burgundy polo shirt, and issued shoes. Black officiating pants are required but not supplied. In cold weather, you are permitted to wear the burgundy jackets supplied. In raining conditions, you are permitted to wear the rain gear provided.
• No cell phones should be seen or used on the field during a game. It is a good idea to have your cell phone on your person if it is needed as a backup communication channel. However, the phones should be taken out only during such an emergency – and, if possible, concealed (for example, using it inside the replay field unit).
• You will quite likely appear on national TV and reflect on the NFL. Please take care to present your best self when taking the field.
  • Turn on MIC for the “ALL” channel so Referee will be heard in NY
  • Wipe headset with towel, pretend to hand to referee
  • Hold up tablet, making sure not to cover logos
  • After a second, put it down
  • Turn off MIC for “ALL” channel on intercom
  • Walk off field, making sure not to trip

Best Practices

This practice drill is a good tool for getting comfortable with moving onto the field for a review. It is recommended to practice this on a separate training day prior to preseason (if possible) or sometime between the 4:00 mark and 3:00 mark before the game. Even during the season, spending 5 minutes to refresh procedures and muscle memory is a good idea.

• Both operators stand on 20, have person at hood announce over headset “We have a challenge” or “Stop the game.”
• Operators check screen for video and animation running properly (not frozen).
• If necessary, remove the rain shield and drop it at the sideline.
• Unplug the power cable.
• Unclip cables and drop them behind you.
• Person at hood says which 20 the pretend Referee picks
• Referee’s 20
• Other 20
  • Walk off field making sure not to trip
• Make sure you are listening on “Replay.”
• Coil cable using over-under technique and secure with Velcro and attach to belt via carabiner.
• If necessary, replace the rain shield.

The field operators at the hood should watch and check that everyone performed all the steps and provide feedback if something could be done better.  For example, did they walk straight onto the field along the 20-yard line?  Did the cables play out neatly behind them, or were they improperly coiled causing a tangle? 

Once agreed which station you will be working at for that game (Cart, Near 20 , or Far 20), you must stay at that station for the entirety of that game. Instant Replay Field Operators must never leave their station during the game unless it is for a work-related issue such as swapping out an official's belt pack.

  Variations/Scenarios

• The operators at the hood can randomly declare that the video is not working at one position prior to referee coming towards the position: That operator should not go onto the field or should walk back to the sideline if they already walked out. This signifies that their station is not operational.
• Simulate video failing AFTER Referee has arrived at the position. The operator pretends to hand them the headset but does not raise the tablet.      Say, "I'm sorry, but we've lost video"

Resources

Sometimes you might need help with a problem that comes up during setup or the game. Make a point of introducing yourself to these people, so that should the need arise, you can ask them for help with whatever problems have come up:

• “Gray Hats” are IT technicians who help with all Football Technology systems on the field and in the booths.  They are a good resource for any technical problems and sometimes can help locate spare cables, wire cutters, etc. Gray Hats are Football Technology Reps (FTR) and Instant Replay Technicians (IR TECH).
• Security personnel.  Get to know the manager of the on-field security personnel. They can help with any disruptive fans and will know other stadium people who could help get a hold of stanchions or extra help keeping fans with field-passes from crowding your space.
• Locker room manager. These people can help you coordinate your access when setting up the official’s radios before the game.  They will also help you know when it’s okay to enter the official's locker room after the game, so you aren’t intruding on their private space.

Timeline 4:00 to 4:30 before kickoff

• Arrive at stadium and clock-in. 
• Upon arrival immediately go to officials’ locker room before they arrive to get your equipment. Go directly to the field to set up and stay there to avoid pregame congestion and foot traffic in the officials’ locker room.
• Set up the Field station
• Hood stations and tablets will have 2 headsets, 1 for the field operator and 1 for the Replay Official/Referee testing and in game review. 
• Run the long cable from the Field station to the other 20 -- the sidelines get crowded quickly so putting this in as soon as possible helps avoid collisions with TV trucks, etc.
• Indoor stadiums should use wide gaff tape to secure the cables down
• Power on hood and give it five minutes for the hardware to boot up.      Ensure the UPS is fully charged and is NOT running off battery
• Run optical cables from field station to stadium IR field box
• Ensure tablets are charged or charging inside the cart. At outdoor stadiums, use best practices and make sure cart doors are closed.
• Officials’ radios (O2O) should be charged or charging inside the field unit. 
• Set up tablets at each 20-yard line and Field Review Station.
• Confirm Riedel intercom panel is powered on.
• Mount both Intercom antennas on Field Unit mast.  ANT01 on left mast and ANT03 on Right mast when facing the cart. 
• Antenna mast cables should be neatly wrapped around pole using Velcro.
• Put fresh batteries in the battery pack of the sound cancelling headsets.
• Ensure that all hardware is operational.  Any audio tests on Intercom headsets should be on ALL at this time. It is a good idea to also do a test of official’s radios prior to the 3:00 check, too.
• Find and talk to the stadium security personnel so you are known to each other in the event you need help securing things during the game.

  3:00 before kickoff

• Conduct replay and communication testing with AMGC
• All positions (both 20’s, hood, "R" radio, "A" radio, “U” radio, booth and NY) are on headset.  This check is done on ALL.
• All positions do a 5-count, and all other positions confirm good audio
• Take R/A/U official's radios back to official’s locker room and make sure all officials radios are setup and ready for them to put on.      All officials travel with their own peripherals such as mics and PTT buttons.
• If a game official requires a mic or PTT button from your spare inventory, please make sure to report that in your game report and to the IR Tech. 
• Go have a bite to eat, time permitting.  The whole crew should go together and discuss and review protocols or go over any technical issues that have arisen during the morning checks. 

  2:00 before kickoff

• Replay Official will meet all operators at the Field Review Station and lead a pregame discussion for each position.
• Replay Official will then conduct test of equipment at each station, same checks as the 3:00 check will occur except we do not check R/A/U radios again.  This check is still done on the "ALL" channel.
• If there was not time for eating between 3:00 and 2:00 there is often time here for the meeting and to grab food.
• By this time, the LCC (Social Media Photog) should be plugged into the Field Unit via ethernet cables.  After they are plugged in, they are not permitted at the cart until post-game.  Their cables should extend outside the working area.

 

1:00 before kickoff

• Have field stations ready for Referee equipment check

  0:50 before kickoff

• Referee test at each 20-yard line tablet and the Field Review Station to give final approval that equipment is operational
• IRFO will practice social distancing when possible.
• Give Referee their designated headset.
• Wipe down headsets prior to and after the Referee test/usage.
• Last chance for a bathroom break and to get a drink.  Once the game starts, operators should not leave the field unless urgently needed.

  0:20 before kickoff

• Must be on the field

  0:10 before kickoff

• Return to the Hood unit/20-yard lines and ensure that it is ready for game

  During the game

• Two sideline field operators will carry sideline field monitor units and stand on the yellow dotted line at the two 20-yard line areas on the same side of the field as the field monitor. One operator will remain at the field monitor station.
• Sideline field monitor units must be worn so that the strap is over the field operator’s shoulder and neck. The case should always rest on the left or right hip.
• All three field operators must continuously wear the Bose headset on the “Replay” channel throughout the game. The microphone should be activated only when necessary for communication or just before handing the Referee a headset during a replay review.
• The Replay Official will verify with the field operators that the audio and video communication systems at each monitor station are working:
• Before kickoff of each half (and overtime if necessary).
• During the second TV timeout of each quarter (if the replay booth is busy during the second TV timeout, then the test will occur during the third TV timeout); and
• At each two-minute warning.
• Every few minutes, the sideline field operators should verify that the sideline field monitor units are receiving video and are operating on AC power. If either video or power goes out, the sideline field operators  should immediately notify others on the “IR Tech” channel and begin troubleshooting the issue.
• In the event of severe weather and the bowl is cleared, you must clear the bowl as well. Please be sure to secure and store all equipment properly so it doesn’t get affected. 

Replay Reviews

• At the two-minute warning and after every turnover and score, the two sideline field operators should unplug the power cable, verify that video is operational, and manually hold the video cable in preparation for a potential replay review.
• When a head coach throws a challenge flag, or the Replay Official announces that he/she is stopping the game, the field operators  will immediately do the following:
• Confirm that the sideline field monitor unit is functioning, and the Vision animation is running. The sideline field operators should remain on the sideline (do not step onto the field) if the unit is not functioning properly.
• After confirming that the sideline field monitor unit is functioning properly, unplug the power cable and drop the coil of video cable to the ground. Make sure the coil is clear of the loose power cord and any other TV crew cables so that it will play out without issue.
• Remove the rain shield (when in use) and drop it next to the power cable.
• Latch on the "ALL" channel.
• Walk onto the field approximately halfway between the sideline and the numbers. Be aware of available cable length and stop before the cable is stretched tightly.
• Check the video signal again. If the sideline field monitor unit is not functioning properly at this point, return to the sideline if the Referee has not made an announcement of a review and selected a monitor location.
• Once the Referee chooses a monitor location, the other sideline field operator should return to the yellow-dotted line and make sure mic is off and monitoring the Replay channel. When the sideline field operator reaches the yellow-dotted line, he/she will coil the video cable (using the proper over/under method), reinsert the rain shield (if necessary), and reconnect the power cable.
• Once the Referee begins walking to the monitor location, that sideline field operator should wipe down and plug in the Referee’s Bose headset and have it ready to hand to the Referee, activate the talk button, and ensure the “ALL” channel is selected on the intercom unit.
• If the video signal fails at any point, the Referee will complete the review via audio with New York.
• When the review is complete, the sideline field operator  will receive the Bose headset from the Referee, turn off the microphone, and wipe down the headsets.
• If there is a malfunction with the sideline field monitor system or inclement weather prevents its use, then either New York or the Replay Official will advise the Referee and the field operators that replay reviews will be conducted at the field monitor.

  Post-Game

• Power off and put tablet away in the Field Unit. Use provided extension cords to plug in tablets.
• Remote utility belts and headsets and put away all equipment in the Field Unit
• Coil up the cables running from the hood to the 20-yard line.
• Power off hood unit UPS
• Disassemble official's radios (O2O) and place them in their charger so they are fully charged for the next game.
• Return all equipment to storage location and make sure that location is locked up before leaving the stadium.  Carts should be left plugged in with UPS turned off.
• Equipment should be left to dry properly before being stored if wet. Dry equipment with a towel so it does not get mold. 
• Submit game report by 12:00 noon ET the day following the game. It is a good idea if everyone simply submits the report at the end of the game.      All tech issues should be listed on your report and also shared with IR Tech.
• Think about material that may have been used up and make sure it is reported and someone is assigned to replace: AA batteries, gaffers’ tape, Lysol wipes, wind screens that were lost for official's radios
• Clock OUT