2011 Season Week 6 Clips
Unsportsmanlike Conduct One of the most discussed plays from the past weekend was this one which included a flag for unsportsmanlike conduct which erased a TD under the 2011 rule change for penalty enforcement of unsportsmanlike conduct fouls. Despite the best efforts of the Rules Editor, there continues to be inconsistency on judging what is and is not unsportsmanlike conduct. As the Editor made clear, it is impossible to list every conceivable act and situation which we will be required to judge on. There does appear to be general consensus that when an act is directed AT an opponent, it is much more likely to be flagged than the same act that is not directed AT anyone in particular. You have a chance to weigh in with your opinion as to whether or not you would flag this as unsportsmanlike conduct.
Another interesting facet to this play concerns the player's actions AFTER the score. Guidance in the past has been fairly clear that this interaction is to be discouraged, by flagging if necessary. (9-2-1-a-1-h) One wonders what the reaction would have been from the fans and media, and more importantly, from the Conference, had the covering officials flagged that act as well. This could have resulted in the first double unsportsmanlike conduct against one player on one play in recent memory. And that would have resulted in an automatic DQ of the player for 2 unsportsmanlike conduct fouls.
Snapper's Actions This play was featured in last week's clips with the focus on the unsportsmanlike conduct part of the play. Some astute viewers pointed out there was another equally important part of the play worthy of discussion. Observe the snapper's actions with the ball prior to the snap. Has he fouled, and if so, what is the foul and penalty enforcement? (7-1-3-a & 2-23) Did Team A gain an advantage by his act?
Explanation of Defensive Holding A very good explanation of the penalty enforcement for defensive holding in this play.
"And the Academy Award Goes to..." Very good try by this punter to draw a flag but even better work by the referee NOT to flag any running into or roughing the kicker.
Blasts from the Past! There may be several viewers who recall how the game was officiated in 1969, and perhaps even 1 or 2 who were actually on the field in that era. Penalty Enforcement Apparently penalty enforcement was completed as quickly as possible, even quicker than we strive to complete it in these days. Back Judge Athleticism The deep officials have traditionally been the most nimble and fleet footed on the crew as proven by this video.
"Crackback 1 " The term is widely used by fans, coaches and players although as officials we know the correct term is a block below the waist. In the 1st play, had the blocker been able to maintain contact before going low, he would not have fouled. By losing contact, his block below the waist becomes a foul (last year and this year). (2-3-2-b) "Crackback 2 " In the 2d example, it appears neither the coach nor the announcer understand the rule. It is noted the blockee appeared to be starting to leave his feet prior to the block. If indeed he did get airborne BEFORE the block, there would be no foul for blocking below the waist. (2-3-2-a)
"Guns Up" This referee has left a very favorable impression upon the announcer.
Sideline No-Catch Ruling Great work by a deep official on a tight sideline catch play despite the obvious disagreement registered by about 45,000 fans and an announcer.
Strange Snapper Alignment The snapper must be legally on his scrimmage line at the snap. To be legally on his scrimmage line he must be facing his opponent's goal line with the line of his shoulders approximately parallel to the goal line. (2-27-4-a)
9 in the Backfield Not even close to legal.
Kick Causing a Fumble? It is illegal to kick a loose ball. (9-4-4) And it is illegal to bat a held ball forward by a player of the team in possession. (9-4-3) But is it legal to kick a held ball to cause it to become loose? Apparently so, as long as the "kicker" avoids kicking the opponent. (9-1-2-b) Also observe the game clock and the mechanics of the officials. At what point should someone be signalling for the clock to be stopped. If it is stopped, who should be signalling for it to be restarted if deemed required?