Instant Replay Field Communicator

The Instant Replay Field Communicator (“Field Communicator”) serves as the primary communication liaison between the Instant Replay booth and the on-field game officials. The Field Communicator is responsible for relaying vital information between the two parties when necessary, including game stoppages for replays or emergencies. 

Additionally, if the ATC Spotter is unable to communicate with the game official, the ATC Spotter will contact the Field Communicator and the Field Communicator will provide the necessary information to the nearest on-field game official. The Field Communicator must be aware of the events of the game, have a strong understanding of the rules of the game and be able to work under high pressure.

Timeline 

2:30 before kickoff 

• Arrive at the stadium and immediately clock in. 
• Upon arrival, immediately go to the official’s locker room before they arrive to get in-game equipment. Avoid pregame congestion and foot traffic in the officials’ locker room. 
• Introduce yourself to the Replay Official when they arrive and ask where they would like to meet you for the pregame at 2:00 before kickoff. 

2:00 before kickoff 

• Meet with the Replay Official at their locker room or at the hood unit (depending on the agreed-upon location) for your pregame. 
• Follow the Replay Official to each field monitor location for equipment checks. 
• Verify that all radio equipment is working. 
• Conduct testing in your full uniform, NFL issued teal game shirt and hat. 

1:40 before kickoff 

• IR Field Communicators will attend the in-person 100-minute and 90-minute meetings. Meetings are generally held outside of the official's locker room, unless stated otherwise. 
• Field Communicator participates as a source of communications for the Referee during inclement weather and other emergencies. 
• If a drone is detected in the stadium, security shall assess the threat. If a threat has been assessed, then the Field Communicator will be notified immediately by a representative of NFL Security, or a representative of NFL Football Operations. The Field Communicator will notify the Referee and/or closest official, who must stop play and direct the players and field personnel to safety. If NFL security/NFL Football Operations determines that the threat requires the field of play and sidelines to be cleared, teams should be sheltered in the entrance tunnel(s), service corridors, or the locker room.

0:50 minutes before kickoff 

• Report to the field by the tablets and replay station. 
• Be present and visible when the Referee completes his equipment tests. 
• If you have not yet met the Referee or wing officials, this is a perfect opportunity to introduce yourself. 

0:10 minutes before kickoff 

• Booth will perform one last radio test before the game starts. 
• ATC spotter will perform a radio test before the game starts. (This test will also happen prior to the start of the 3rd quarter.) 

During the game 

• Observe the game from behind the near the wing official on the line of scrimmage (LOS). IRFC’s should always be behind the play. 
• If the play comes toward you on the sideline, move straight back into the bench area to stay out of harm's way. 
• Be aware that you are the primary source of communication on the field. 
• When moving through the bench area, be aware of players coming on and off the field. Practice social distancing when possible. 
• Always be aggressive when conveying messages from the replay booth to the officials. 
• If the Replay Official is asking you to relay a message to an Official, it is important. If the nearest Official cannot be interrupted (e.g., dealing with an injury or talking with a head coach), go immediately to the next nearest Official to convey the message to them. Make sure you start by tell them that “(name of the Replay Official) says …” 
• If the Replay Assistant tells you to stop the game, then stop the game even if the snap is happening or has happened. Grab the nearest official and repeat “STOP THE GAME, STOP THE GAME, STOP THE GAME.” You must be aggressive. No hesitation. 
• During replay reviews, stand on the field a few feet away from the field monitor, in the case of audio issues. 
• If it has been a while since last communication with the Replay Assistant, check in during a break in the game to confirm audio is functioning. (e.g., a quarter has gone by and there have been no replays initiated). 
• 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 does not get affected. 

After scoring plays, turnovers, or 4th down failures 

• After a score (touchdown, field goal, safety), all Trys, all turnovers, and fourth down failures (interception, fumble, backward pass recovered by the opponent, or possession by the kicking team on a free kick or scrimmage kick down.), stand a few steps onto the field at the yard line where the ball has been placed with your arms crossed over your chest. During this time, make sure you keep eye contact with the Referee. 
  • If the Replay Assistant tells you that the score/try/turnover, fourth down failure is confirmed, then uncross your arms and give a “double thumbs up.” 
  • If the Replay Assistant tells you to stop the game, immediately tell the nearest official to stop the game. 
• If the Referee makes the ball ready for play following a confirmation through O2O, keep your arms crossed and back out into the white area just behind the nearest official and check for verbal confirmation through the headset. 

Last 0:02 minutes of each half 

• Be especially aware of what is happening in the game. Be close enough to LJ or DJ to stop the game immediately. 

Scrimmage kick plays 

• At the snap, be aware of flyers coming into bench area after being shoved out of bounds. Stay safe! 

Postgame 

• Return equipment to the official’s locker room. 
• Clock out as you leave the stadium. 
• Submit game report in GMS by 12:00 pm ET the day following the game. 

Uniform Attire 

• You must wear an approved uniform, including appropriate black officiating pants (not supplied) and a league-issued teal shirt, teal hat, and shoes. 
• In cold weather locations, you are permitted to wear the league issued burgundy jacket, but always wear the teal hat or teal knit cap. 
• As the Field Communicator, you are responsible for telling Officials when a uniform inspector instructs you to have a player removed from the game for equipment violations.