"Upon Further Review"

                TECHNICAL NOTE:  For those not aware, when viewing these videos in the YouTube window, you can adjust the resolution for a sharper view.  Notice in the lower right hand corner of the video player window a setting such as "240p".  Click on that and you can adjust the setting up to 360p, 480p or even 720p in some cases.  This will give you a sharper image.

      Last week's video clips included a video of a potential wedge formation and asked you to rule.  The poll results revealed 80% judged it to be an illegal wedge formation while 20% said it was not.  One observer pointed out the wedge broke apart before contact and therefore did not meet the spirit of the rule prohibiting wedges.  That may be a conference-specific interpretation but since the inception of this rule we have been told whether or not there is contact is immaterial
 

            Defensive Foul?   Although defenses have come up with all types of "innovative" ways to attempt to draw the offense into a false start,  the rules specifically prohibit defensive players aligned in a stationary position within one yard of the line of scrimmage from  making quick or abrupt actions that are not a part of normal defensive player movement. (7-1-5-a-4)  A defensive player who violates this rule commits a delay of game foul.   Please view the video and then take the poll that follows. 

           Blocking Below the Waist   By definition, it is NOT a block below the waist when a player makes initial contact with an opponent below the waist and the opponent does not have at least one foot on the ground  (2-3-2-a).   Therefore, even though the block against the player rushing the punter is below the waist, there is no foul. Viewers should also look at A24.  Does he commit a kick catch interference foul at the B-41?     

          "Tripping"  The commentator alleges the snapper "got away" with a trip.  The definition of tripping (2-28) is intentionally using the LOWER LEG OR FOOT to obstruct an opponent below the knees.   

          Illegal Batting   After the punt is blocked and goes high in the air towards the line of scrimmage, A46 bats the ball forward.  There should be a flag down as this is a foul.  A46's bat is BEHIND the neutral zone so if there had been a flag and the subsequent enforced penalty, it would have been 10 yards from the basic spot (which is spot of foul here)  AND loss of down. (9-4-1-c and Penalty)  In this play, B scored a TD so the penalty would have been declined anyway.   But, the officials had no way of knowing that would be the result of the play so should have flagged.  Also, what if Team B fouled during the down and this illegal bat had not been flagged?   

         Intentional Grounding ?  Viewers can make their own call here.  The R announced no flag for intentional grounding as there "was a receiver in the area."

        Blocking on an Onside Kickoff  This is not the first time this season we have highlighted an onside kickoff that included Team A blocking in advance of the ball.  Team A is prohibited from blocking until they are eligible to touch the kicked ball.  (6-1-2-g)  Teams are coaching players to execute onside kickoffs in this fashion so crews must discuss in pregame conferences to prepare themselves to adequately cover the play.    

         Catch !   Although we seem to be reminded almost weekly just how athletic today's players are, at times there are plays which seem to defy the laws of nature.  No real officiating issues here but a play to marvel at.