2010 Season Week 7 Clips
Forward Progress and the Sideline Determining the forward progress spot when a held ball crosses a sideline can be tricky. (See Week 7 Quiz - Play 7) The most forward part of the ball when declared out of bounds between the end lines is the point of forward progress even if the ball is outside the sideline. When a ball carrier dives or jumps toward the sideline and is airborne as he crosses the sideline, then forward progress is determined by the position of the ball as it crosses the sideline. The logic for this rule is the same logic that applies at the goal line pylon. (See 2010 Mini Missive #10 )
Fumble Forward to the EZ Just as in the previous play, it is also important to try to know where a loose ball crosses the sideline. In this play, the covering official ruled the ball did not cross the sideline until it got to the goal line plane. Had he ruled it crossed the sideline before getting to that plane, even though it did not come to ground until it was beyond the plane, the result of the play would have been significantly different.
Fair Catch Signal Followed by Muff This play has been discussed in depth by many officials since the rule change which granted continued protection to the fair catch signaller, even after he muffs the kick. If the covering officials deem he could still complete the catch before the ball hits the ground, Team A must not interfere with his attempt to do so. The viewer can decide for themselves if this rule was correctly applied in this play. The signaller must make a valid fair catch signaller to get the extended protection. (Another interesting topic for discussion is the apparent facemask foul by Team B. Had that and the kick catch interference been flagged, what would have been the penalty enforcement? Was the facemask a live ball or dead ball foul?) UPDATE: IT HAS BEEN REPORTED THE SEC HAS SPOKEN ON THIS PLAY AND HAS JUDGED THE RULE WAS CORRECTLY APPLIED AS THE PROTECTION AFTER THE MUFF ONLY APPLIES TO PHYSICAL PROTECTION OF THE RETURNER AND NOT TO INTERFERENCE BY TOUCHING THE BALL.
Late Subs and the End of the Game This play sequence generated considerable discussion. Time was running out near the end of the game and Team A subbed late. The crew properly held Team a from snapping until Team B had a chance to get their subs in. However, Team B did not get all the replaced players off the field. There was also discussion about Team A players removing headgear after the play ended and they thought the game was over as time had expired. Common sense dictates no foul in the situation shown in this video.
Offense "Offside" Once the snapper has touched or simulated touching the ball , no offensive players may be in or beyond the neutral zone. Officials should immediately whistle and flag if they see a foul for this as it is a dead ball foul. Even if they mistakenly permit the ball to be snapped, the foul was still a dead ball foul. (And the correct signal for this "encroachment" is 19, not 18 which may be the signal used in NFHS rules)
Clipping? Watch the the action of the player in motion. Is this clipping?
"TD" on an Incomplete Pass It is important give a complete report to the R when reporting fouls. He needs to know the result of the play, especially on passes when he often has no idea if the pass was complete or not as he is watching the passer.