If there is one play in a football game that cannot be easily officiated by a five-man crew, it is the dreaded swinging gate on the try-for-point. Our friend the Line Judge needs to be cloned in order to be in two places at the same time. This not normally being an option, just how can the play be covered?

When the Referee and Umpire meet with the coaches before the game, one of the questions that should be on the list is whether the team uses the swinging gate formation. If they use it, then the coach should be asked under what conditions they actually use the play and what triggers it for them. Normally, the coach will be forthcoming with this information, and the Referee can inform the rest of the crew upon returning to the dressing room before taking the field.

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