Fellow Officials,
Illegal Formation (Kicking Game) 7-2-5 Exception(s):
First, we must know the definition of what constitutes a scrimmage kick formation (2-24-2a, b) and then how the exceptions apply. Rule 7-2-5 states, there must be 5 Team A players numbered 50-79 on their line of scrimmage, unless: On first, second or third down “A” shifts into scrimmage-kick formation. If this occurs, then a player numbered 0 to 49 or 80 to 99 MAY BE THE SNAPPER. There must still be four players numbered 50 to 79 on the line-of-scrimmage under this exception and THE SNAPPER MUST BE BETWEEN THE ENDS and is an ineligible forward-pass receiver during the down, unless the pass is touched by “B” (7-5-6b). On fourth down or during a kick try, when “A” shifts into a scrimmage-kick formation any numbered “A” player may take the place of lineman numbered 50 to 79. A player in the game under this exception must assume an initial position on his line of scrimmage between the ends and he remains an ineligible forward-pass receiver during that down unless the pass is touched by “B” (7-6-6b).
Fouls:
Multiple and double fouls are not complicated by themselves. However, once they are combined during a play (running plays, loose ball play or combined with a change of possession) they can become a little more complicated.
Multiple Fouls (10-2-4): Very simply put more than one foul on the same team during a live ball. As we know, the offended team gets their choice of which foul, they wish to have enforced. This is usually the foul that places the offending team further back. Unless the offended team would gain possession as a result of change of possession or a fourth down situation (not replaying the previous down).
Double Fouls (10-2-1): A double foul is a situation in which both teams foul during a live-ball situation. We could have a double foul during a dead-ball (IE unsportsmanlike fouls on both players) situation. In this situation, the fouls would be offset for unsportsmanlike. If there is an unequal number of unsportsmanlike or other deadball fouls, we are going to cancel out an equal number of these fouls and enforce only the remaining foul(s).
Multiple & Double Foul Situations During the Same Play:
Should we have a play where there are multiple fouls on one team, and the other team has a single foul creating a double foul situation, these fouls will offset and we replay the down (10-2-1a). However, if there is a change of possession, the team in possession at the end of the play has first choice in accepting or declining the opponent’s penalty (10-2-2). This will drive whether we end up with off-setting penalties or not. Don’t get into a hurry to offset and replay the down in this type of situation. You MUST explain clearly to the coach how his options/choice could affect the outcome of his decision regarding his penalty enforcement or declining a penalty. In other words, everyone on the crew needs to know the rules! Remember, the team last gaining possession may keep the ball if they decline the opponent’s foul(s) 10-2-2b. If the team last in possession fouls prior to the change of possession, unless PSK is involved, the penalties cancel, and the down is replayed (10-2-1).
Snap-Legal or Illegal?
The center attempts a shotgun snap to the quarterback. The ball hits the center’s butt and drops to the ground. The center turns around and picks up the ball and runs for a few yards. Can the center legally snap the ball to himself (retrieve the ball and run)? Ruling: Rule 2-14-1 states, A snap is the legal act of passing or handing the ball backward from its position on the ground. ART. 2, the snap begins when the snapper first moves the ball legally other than in an adjustment. In a snap, the movement must be a quick and continuous backward motion of the ball during which the ball immediately leaves the hand(s) of the snapper and touches a back or the ground before it touches an A lineman.
ART. 3 . . . The snap ends when the ball touches the ground or any player.
Rule 7-2-4 stated, A snap shall be such that the ball immediately leaves the hand or hands of the snapper and touches a back or the ground before it touches an A lineman. A scrimmage down must start with a legal snap. An illegal snap causes the ball to remain dead. The action described above constitutes a legal snap even as odd as it appears.
Pregame Routine:
Spotters has watched a couple of crews over the weekend that missed several pregame issues we are required to address.
- Team Uniforms: Knee pads properly worn (1-5-13) that cover the knees, Jersey (including undershirt) properly tucked in (1-5-1b1), Uniform towel – same color (1-5-3 5a).
These are not big deals per se, but we are required to address them. Do your job, as we have said you never know who is watching your game.
Whistle End of Play (4-2-1):
There has been much discussion regarding the sounding of the whistle when the play becomes dead. We all are aware the play kills itself. However, by rule (4-2-1) we are to sound our whistle when the down ends. We know the players are taught to play to the whistle. Should a foul occur after the play became dead, i.e., a late hit between players away from the dead ball spot, it makes us look bad especially if a flag is not thrown for an obvious dead-ball foul. Sound your whistle. Keep this type of situation from happening.
Closing:
A good philosophy to officiating is knowing the difference between officiating the game and managing a game. Managing a game will in my opinion always trump officiating a game. When we officiate a game (particularly as young officials) we tend to throw flags regarding infraction that have little or no bearing on the play. Holding is a good example of this philosophy. Did the hold impact the play, was an advantage gained? Managers of the game consider the outcome of the play. Did the hold give the offense an advantage? Was the defensive player able to make a play at the point of the hold? Managers generally will let the hold go if it has no impact on the play with a quick comment to the offensive player (done quietly). Managing a game makes your crew look good and keeps the game running smoothly. Remember, no one pays to watch us throw flags. Player safety fouls we always flag!
The season is going by quickly. As always, have fun officiating. Being prepared for your game, knowing the rules and using proper mechanics will help make your game run smoothly.
Week 3 training tape is now in Hudl under “Training Tapes” if you see yourself in the film, please do not get offended. We are all learning.
We are accepting nominations for IHSA official of the year. If you have a nomination, feel free to send it to me or any other board members.
Next meeting will be 9/21 at Jon Davis Wrestling Center in Edwardsville at 7. Special Guest Sam Knox.
Keep the questions coming.