I worked college scrimmages, albeit inter-squad, last Thursday and Saturday.
Thursday's scrimmage only lasted about an hour. Okay, I guess, but not a lot of work for an hour drive. Our sixth official (a female) never arrived, so we did five-man mechanics. I don't think the coaches even noticed.
But the head coach was smart enough to ask an interesting question following a DPI call. Here is the scenario:
It was 2nd and 8 and a DPI was called 11 yards beyond the line of scrimmage. The pass was caught, they made the line to gain, and earned a first down. In these cases the DPI would be declined because DPI fouls within 15 yards are 'spot fouls'. There is no yardage penalty, but there is an automatic first-down at the spot of the foul. In a sense, DPI within 15 yards of the LOS, is an awarded catch. But since they made the line-to-gain there is no need for the automatic first-down. Just decline the penalty and let's get out of here.
But this cleaver coach asks - can I decline the spot foul (ignore the completed catch) and take the penalty from the previous spot? (DPI fouls beyond 15 yards are enforced from the previous spot). In other words, forgo the automatic first, but take 15 yards from the previous spot and gain 15 yards instead of 11. A net +4. He wasn't upset his man was fouled, but rather he was fouled too early. Interesting.
At certain times during the game yards are more important than and 'benefit' of an awarded catch. Its late in the game and they need yards to get close to field goal. It may be advantageous for the defense to foul if the passes are short. Better to give them the awarded catch than the chance of catching the ball and gaining even more yards.
The college rules have a bias towards punishing the defense, but in the case of DPI on short passes, the benefit may be in the favor of the defense.
Let me know what you think.
Friday night will be my first High School games for the season. I'm the White Hat for the JV game and then move to Line Judge for Varsity. I'm working with the leader of our association during the Varsity game.
As you may recall, I recently asked if I could be considered for the next available Varsity White Hat position. I think I'm being watched during the JV game... like a test. I'll let you know.
