It's been way too long since my last post and I will be writing more often this next season. But first a quick recap of last season.
Spring Scrimmage
I received an offer to apply for a PAC-12 officiating position and, of course, I applied. To my surprise I was extended an invitation to work a spring scrimmage at Stanford. I had no expectation that I would be picked and when the email arrived, I was very surprised.
Originally I was assigned to scrimmages as a Deep official. Somehow the feedback on me was I was a deep guy. That is the last thing I am. Luckily, they made some adjustments and moved be back to umpire but I was assigned only one scrimmage.
This was not an evaluation scrimmage. None of the coordinators from the other conferences were there which was rather frustrating. But we were told we were invited because they 'know' who we are and that we are on the radar. What that turns out to mean I really can't say.
For me this was exciting. There were nine of us working, six of which were already D1 guys in other conferences. Some had worked Bowl games.
This was a full contact scrimmage with players still fighting for starting positions. It was real football. They ran somewhere around 60 plays and I worked all but 12. This was by far the best scrimmage I have ever worked. I picked up some new techniques from an Umpire worked a Bowl game last season and incorporated these into my game.
High School
I became a Crew Chief last season. This means I am the Referee (White Hat) and have a group of guys I assign games to. I am the boss on the field and the guy everyone one looks to when thing go bad. My crew had a few mishaps but nothing major.
I worked all three rounds of playoff including the CIF Central Coast Section Division IV Championship game. For our local area this was the biggest game in twenty-five years and the biggest game of my football career. Around 8,000 people in attendance, televised, and hyped for a week on the radio. I worked Umpire during this game. Mostly a clean and simple game to officiate. Two interesting plays I'll outline next post.
College
During the first game of the season I was briefly knocked out by a player. It was late in the forth quarter and a receiver drove his shoulder directly into the side of my head. I don't recall hitting the ground, but it was bad enough the medical guys game out to check on me. I went out for a few plays and the doctor asked if I knew where I was. I told where I was and what the score was. I went back in and finished the game.
I did work a post-season bowl game - the Capital City Bowl in Sacramento. I always welcome another chance to work a game, but at the end it degraded into a shoving match. Fifty minutes of great football tainted by poor-sports and player who cannot win with grace.
Sabercats (Arena)
Last spring I worked on the chain crew during the San Jose Sabercat games. This is a lot of fun and a lot of work. I explain more of this in a subsequent post.
A quick-and-dirty recap of last years football season.
A lot of new rules this coming season so there will be plenty to talk about.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Monday, December 6, 2010
Final Season Game
Earlier in the season I did not even know if I would have a season. In August, I was still working 100 miles from home, never came home until the weekends, and never saw my family. I had planned on dropping High School football. I was kinda ok with this since I worked the CCS Division IV Championship game and have pretty much accomplished all the big ticket items one can do in High School officiating. My wife convinced me attend the required meetings and at least qualify, just in case another job pans out. Which it did. I’m glad I listened to her and stuck it out because this season I once again I worked the CCS Division IV Championship this year and it was a great game.
Carmel was ahead 11-25 at halftime, but by the end of the game they lost the lead 39-32. I never worked a game with this large of a momentum change. Click on this link to read about the game in the local paper.
Clock Problems
One very annoying problem that occurred more than once was the scoreboard went blank several times during the 1st half. The first time we waited 10 minutes trying to get the thing started again.
Carmel was ahead 11-25 at halftime, but by the end of the game they lost the lead 39-32. I never worked a game with this large of a momentum change. Click on this link to read about the game in the local paper.
Clock Problems
One very annoying problem that occurred more than once was the scoreboard went blank several times during the 1st half. The first time we waited 10 minutes trying to get the thing started again.
I actually cannot find anything specifically in the rule book or the mechanics book about the clock when it malfunctions. We always say we will track the time on the field if this occurs, but I don't see the procedure on how this is done. We did track the time on the field.
Rule 1-3-6 (Game Equipment) says “A timing device referred to as “the game clock” or “the clock” shall be provided by the game management. The operator(s) shall be approved by the referee.” There has been many a game where we ‘fired’ the clock operator. (There are several examples of this on the blog.) During this game the issue was with the scoreboard itself and not the operator. Rule 3-4-7 says “The referee shall have the authority to correct obvious errors in timing if discovery is prior to the second live ball following the error, unless the period has officially ended.” Which we did do several times when the clock did come back on-line.
During the last rounds of the playoffs the chain crew is comprised of football officials, so one of them kept the clock on the field. The press box also was also keeping the time, so after the 3rd time, when the clock came back on-line, it matched the time we had on the field perfectly. It was disappointing this occurred so often and was a momentum killer for the teams.
Defensive Holding
One unusual situation I think I missed was related to defensive holding on the line of scrimmage. The foul is called Illegal Use of the Hands. Typically, the defensive lineman will restrict (otherwise known as holding) the offensive lineman so the linebacker can blitz into the backfield. Can’t do that. That’s not what happened. Untypically, this defensive lineman was typing to hold his opponent on sweeps. The defender was trying to hold the offensive tackle. As umpire, the tackles are not one of my keys to watch, but depending upon the play, such as a sweep, I can change my focus and pick up the tackle and help out. On this particular plays the “hey, that looks funny” light went on. And then the, “did I just see what I thought I saw” bell went off.
The defender had his arms outside the frame of the defender (a clue, but not holding) and was outsized by about 6 inches and 50lbs (a clue – if he’s beat he’ll cheat) and is trying to control the offensive play (another clue). What the heck is going on? So, I ask my self - does this have a bearing on the play? Is the defender trying to get to the ball carrier? If he is, he may “Push, pull or ward off an opponent in an actual attempt to get to the runner or a loose ball…” Rule 2-3-5-b. This play is near the sideline and these two players are near the hash marks. No linebackers to be found. So, who cares since all the action was 10 yards away. Then the defender falls and attempts to grab the offensive player around the ankles. What is this kid thinking?
So, he does a crappy job actually ‘holding’ the guy, but he does (inhibit) slow him down. I’m thinking, this isn’t right, but not at the point of attach, not a ‘take down’ and seems to have no bearing on the play. If the offensive guy was put at a disadvantage, it may have been simply not being able to go downfield to make a block. So, I don’t throw a flag. I see the same action again later in the quarter, but just can’t bring myself to throw a flag in a game where we what ‘make them big’ fouls.
Still bugs me. Let me know what you think.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Can I Inspect Your Balls... Footballs
This week I worked a high school, open division, regional semi-final playoff game. To be honest, it wasn't much of a game. The visitors dominated at the game was over by half-time.
There was huge collision where two players ended their seasons. One of the two players was strapped to a stretcher and sent to the hospital. I have learned from someone who knows the family that the young man is ok.
Special Balls
Following the first score by the visitors, I place the ball on the 3 yard line for the Try. The ball boy brings me a football and says this is the 'kicking ball'. I inform him the ball cannot be changed and send him back to the sideline. The Try is attempted and blocked by the defenders.
Was I right in not allowing the 'kicking ball' to be used? Sort of.
This is an interesting exercise of understanding the English language and the understanding of the rule. However; in this case there is no 'foul' if the rule is broken. Rule 1-3-2 says "Each team shall provide at least one legal game ball to the referee at the time the game officials assume authority for the contest. Only legal game balls approved by the referee may be used during the contest..." (there is a part 2 to this rule)
Let's stop here. I would bet if you ask 100 high school officials how many footballs can be used by a team during a high school game, 99 of them would tell you they can only use one ball during the game. I don't know where misconception comes from, but most officials I know believe this. Let's go on.
Rule 1-3-3 says "The referee shall decide whether the ball meets specifications. If the field is wet, the referee may order the ball changed between downs." So, if you wanted to be picky, if the team did not provide more than one ball for the referee to inspect, and the snapper, or in our case the ball boy, requests a new ball to be used, the Referee could deny the requests. No right minded Referee would do this during a rainy game, but there is a point here I hope you can see.
And to make another point, the book says REFEREE, not UMPIRE. Good luck getting the White Hat to deal with this. Since I touch the ball every play this is placed, and I think rightly so, on my shoulders.
Anyway, let's get back to the 'part 2' I refereed to previously. Part 2 of Rule 1-31 says "... Each team may use any referee approved ball of its choice to free kick or start a new series of downs. If a touchdown occurs following a change of possession and the scoring team did not put the ball in play, ANY referee-approved ball may be used for the try."
So, if you read carefully, the team can have a 'kicking ball' -- any approved ball may be used for free kicks. Also, ANY approved ball can be used following, for example sake, an interception which is run back for a score. The scoring team can use the same "kicking ball" they use for kickoffs on this particular Try.
But, and this is where you must be a good reader, is where things get interesting -- each team may use any referee approved ball of its choice to... start a new series..." So, the question becomes, is the Try following the touchdown, a new series, or a continuation of the same series? It is.
You will not find anything in the book that says you must use the same ball, or even better, cannot change the ball during a series of downs. That would be simply too easy to understand. Instead, we get the mumbo-jumbo in rules 1-3-2 and 1-3-3.
And compounding the issue with playoff games is teams are required to only use Rawlings footballs during the game.
So, I suppose you could penalize the head coach for unsportsmanlike conduct for allowing an non-referee ball to be brought into the game, but I would never do that. Just kick the ball out an get the 'right' one. You could instead call a delay of game foul, but again, just kick the ball out. These would be ticky-tack fouls for sure.
Did either team offer myself or the referee more than one ball to inspect? No.
Wrap-up
Our area has two teams with the high seed position going to the finals. Last year I was fortunate to work one of the final games, and ironically, one of these two teams is the again in the finals. I don't know if this excludes me from consideration or not. I'll let you know.
There was huge collision where two players ended their seasons. One of the two players was strapped to a stretcher and sent to the hospital. I have learned from someone who knows the family that the young man is ok.
Special Balls
Following the first score by the visitors, I place the ball on the 3 yard line for the Try. The ball boy brings me a football and says this is the 'kicking ball'. I inform him the ball cannot be changed and send him back to the sideline. The Try is attempted and blocked by the defenders.
Was I right in not allowing the 'kicking ball' to be used? Sort of.
This is an interesting exercise of understanding the English language and the understanding of the rule. However; in this case there is no 'foul' if the rule is broken. Rule 1-3-2 says "Each team shall provide at least one legal game ball to the referee at the time the game officials assume authority for the contest. Only legal game balls approved by the referee may be used during the contest..." (there is a part 2 to this rule)
Let's stop here. I would bet if you ask 100 high school officials how many footballs can be used by a team during a high school game, 99 of them would tell you they can only use one ball during the game. I don't know where misconception comes from, but most officials I know believe this. Let's go on.
Rule 1-3-3 says "The referee shall decide whether the ball meets specifications. If the field is wet, the referee may order the ball changed between downs." So, if you wanted to be picky, if the team did not provide more than one ball for the referee to inspect, and the snapper, or in our case the ball boy, requests a new ball to be used, the Referee could deny the requests. No right minded Referee would do this during a rainy game, but there is a point here I hope you can see.
And to make another point, the book says REFEREE, not UMPIRE. Good luck getting the White Hat to deal with this. Since I touch the ball every play this is placed, and I think rightly so, on my shoulders.
Anyway, let's get back to the 'part 2' I refereed to previously. Part 2 of Rule 1-31 says "... Each team may use any referee approved ball of its choice to free kick or start a new series of downs. If a touchdown occurs following a change of possession and the scoring team did not put the ball in play, ANY referee-approved ball may be used for the try."
So, if you read carefully, the team can have a 'kicking ball' -- any approved ball may be used for free kicks. Also, ANY approved ball can be used following, for example sake, an interception which is run back for a score. The scoring team can use the same "kicking ball" they use for kickoffs on this particular Try.
But, and this is where you must be a good reader, is where things get interesting -- each team may use any referee approved ball of its choice to... start a new series..." So, the question becomes, is the Try following the touchdown, a new series, or a continuation of the same series? It is.
You will not find anything in the book that says you must use the same ball, or even better, cannot change the ball during a series of downs. That would be simply too easy to understand. Instead, we get the mumbo-jumbo in rules 1-3-2 and 1-3-3.
And compounding the issue with playoff games is teams are required to only use Rawlings footballs during the game.
So, I suppose you could penalize the head coach for unsportsmanlike conduct for allowing an non-referee ball to be brought into the game, but I would never do that. Just kick the ball out an get the 'right' one. You could instead call a delay of game foul, but again, just kick the ball out. These would be ticky-tack fouls for sure.
Did either team offer myself or the referee more than one ball to inspect? No.
Wrap-up
Our area has two teams with the high seed position going to the finals. Last year I was fortunate to work one of the final games, and ironically, one of these two teams is the again in the finals. I don't know if this excludes me from consideration or not. I'll let you know.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
College Bowl Game
Bowl Game Assignment
Yesterday I had the priviledge of working my first college post-season contest; the first annual Living Breathing Foundation Bowl, hosted in one of the most beautiful places in the world - Monterey, Ca. The air was damp and cold, the threat of rain was eminent, and the promise of a great gridiron battle hung in the air. Both teams were undefeated in conference play. The rain never materialized. Perfect.
I worked with a solid crew including two officials from my local area. In fact, one official worked with me the night before during a High School playoff game -- ironically, held at the same stadium. One official, the line judge, I had never worked with before. The White Hat I may have worked once in the past, but I actually don't recall. As I have written in the past, when you have good officials it does not matter if they have worked together or not. Yesterday was no exception.
Interesting Pre-Game Items
During our pre-game I make a point to emphasize that as the Umpire, I am the judge and jury on equipment legality, but I am not the police. We all as a crew have responsibility for player equipment. I get to be the bad guy, but I can't look at 100+ and catch everything.
Kudoes to our Linesman for bringing to my attention a player with tinted eyeshield and cleats that appears to be too long. Upon inspection, these two item indeed were in violation of the rules. Rule 1-4-5-e [Illegal Equipment] "Shoe cleats more than 1/2 inch in length....". And 1-4-5-s "Eye shields that are not clear, that are tinted....". The player responded, "it's the 11th game and you are the first one to catch this." I said, "Well, it still needs to be fixed." Which he immediately did and even came up to me to show me later it was corrected. Good man.
I Have It Here...
Another pregame discussion has to do with how we will handle pile-ups at the goal line. How do we handle situation when a wing official believes the runner has scored, but cannot see the ball in the end zone. The wing official cannot signal touchdown if he cannot see the ball crossing the goal line plane, and the Umpire never signals Touchdown. Somehow I have to give information to the wing officials that I have discovered the ball in the end zone.
What I do not do is nod my head, or the old-school technique of tapping your hand on your head. Coaches have caught on to this signal and it also shows up on film. What we don't want is one guy saying score and another guy saying no score. So, when I discover the ball in the endzone I say, "I have it here" and let the wings decide TD or not. And I have never had to actually do this until this game... and bowl game no less. It worked just fine.
Leaping
Leaping is a foul I will assume most readers have rarely heard of and have never seen. This was another 'first' for me. It was a first for the home team coach as well, because the sideline had to spend a minute or so explaining to him what the foul was. He said he never heard of it. We had about 10 questions during our summer tests on this one foul, so I was pretty clear on this one.
Here's what happened. The visitors score and are attempting a Try (extra point). I see #36 line-up next to me. I'm 3-4 yards off the ball and he just has "the look". This guy is going to charge forward, leap, and try to block the kick. Sure enough, he does this, but he also lands on top of other players. What's the problem?
Rule 9-1-2-n "No defensive player who runs forward from behind the neutral zone and leaps from behind the neutral zone in an obvious attempt to block a field goal or try may land on ANY player." Any player means his own teammates. Which is what happened on this play. This is 15-yard Personal Foul penalty which was assessed on the kickoff.
Player Conduct
It was somewhat disappointing to constantly hear the losers complain about holding. They were really just getting blown off the ball. They never penetrated into the defensive backfield and the offensive linemen were never being 'beat' [if they are beat, they will cheat]. I did catch a few holds, but when the score ended 38-9 and the losers threw four interceptions, it's hardly my fault for them losing. My approach to this game was to "make them big". And the two flags for holding I threw were only moderately big.
The losers also had a melt down with player from the same team practically fighting each other. The coach had to call a timeout and have his own player removed from the field. It was the one major downer for the game.
Wrap-up
Saturday's game was a great way to end the college season and I am humbled to be chosen to work a post season contest. Hopefully this will be first of many and a stepping stone for the next level.
Several of our local high school teams have made it into the second round of high school playoffs. I should have a second round game. Next post will be on the high school playoff game last Friday.
Yesterday I had the priviledge of working my first college post-season contest; the first annual Living Breathing Foundation Bowl, hosted in one of the most beautiful places in the world - Monterey, Ca. The air was damp and cold, the threat of rain was eminent, and the promise of a great gridiron battle hung in the air. Both teams were undefeated in conference play. The rain never materialized. Perfect.
I worked with a solid crew including two officials from my local area. In fact, one official worked with me the night before during a High School playoff game -- ironically, held at the same stadium. One official, the line judge, I had never worked with before. The White Hat I may have worked once in the past, but I actually don't recall. As I have written in the past, when you have good officials it does not matter if they have worked together or not. Yesterday was no exception.
Interesting Pre-Game Items
During our pre-game I make a point to emphasize that as the Umpire, I am the judge and jury on equipment legality, but I am not the police. We all as a crew have responsibility for player equipment. I get to be the bad guy, but I can't look at 100+ and catch everything.
Kudoes to our Linesman for bringing to my attention a player with tinted eyeshield and cleats that appears to be too long. Upon inspection, these two item indeed were in violation of the rules. Rule 1-4-5-e [Illegal Equipment] "Shoe cleats more than 1/2 inch in length....". And 1-4-5-s "Eye shields that are not clear, that are tinted....". The player responded, "it's the 11th game and you are the first one to catch this." I said, "Well, it still needs to be fixed." Which he immediately did and even came up to me to show me later it was corrected. Good man.
I Have It Here...
Another pregame discussion has to do with how we will handle pile-ups at the goal line. How do we handle situation when a wing official believes the runner has scored, but cannot see the ball in the end zone. The wing official cannot signal touchdown if he cannot see the ball crossing the goal line plane, and the Umpire never signals Touchdown. Somehow I have to give information to the wing officials that I have discovered the ball in the end zone.
What I do not do is nod my head, or the old-school technique of tapping your hand on your head. Coaches have caught on to this signal and it also shows up on film. What we don't want is one guy saying score and another guy saying no score. So, when I discover the ball in the endzone I say, "I have it here" and let the wings decide TD or not. And I have never had to actually do this until this game... and bowl game no less. It worked just fine.
Leaping
Leaping is a foul I will assume most readers have rarely heard of and have never seen. This was another 'first' for me. It was a first for the home team coach as well, because the sideline had to spend a minute or so explaining to him what the foul was. He said he never heard of it. We had about 10 questions during our summer tests on this one foul, so I was pretty clear on this one.
Here's what happened. The visitors score and are attempting a Try (extra point). I see #36 line-up next to me. I'm 3-4 yards off the ball and he just has "the look". This guy is going to charge forward, leap, and try to block the kick. Sure enough, he does this, but he also lands on top of other players. What's the problem?
Rule 9-1-2-n "No defensive player who runs forward from behind the neutral zone and leaps from behind the neutral zone in an obvious attempt to block a field goal or try may land on ANY player." Any player means his own teammates. Which is what happened on this play. This is 15-yard Personal Foul penalty which was assessed on the kickoff.
Player Conduct
It was somewhat disappointing to constantly hear the losers complain about holding. They were really just getting blown off the ball. They never penetrated into the defensive backfield and the offensive linemen were never being 'beat' [if they are beat, they will cheat]. I did catch a few holds, but when the score ended 38-9 and the losers threw four interceptions, it's hardly my fault for them losing. My approach to this game was to "make them big". And the two flags for holding I threw were only moderately big.
The losers also had a melt down with player from the same team practically fighting each other. The coach had to call a timeout and have his own player removed from the field. It was the one major downer for the game.
Wrap-up
Saturday's game was a great way to end the college season and I am humbled to be chosen to work a post season contest. Hopefully this will be first of many and a stepping stone for the next level.
Several of our local high school teams have made it into the second round of high school playoffs. I should have a second round game. Next post will be on the high school playoff game last Friday.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Beer Penalty
Prelude
While cleaning off the football gear and preparing for the Minor League season (Semi-Pro), I ran across some notes I did not publish. I made a classic rookie mistake and paid the price for it.
Late in 4th quarter the home team had held off a 4th and goal by the visitors. The score was 32 - 27. No f-ing way this should be happening. The home team had the ball around their own 15 with about 2:40ish remaining in the game. So, just make a 1st down, run out the clock, and celebrate the upset. But, where is the drama in that?
A false start, some dumb pass to the flats, a huge sack, and now it's 4th and 15 from their own 5 yard line with about 45 seconds remaining. Now, we have drama!
The punter is near the end-line when the punt is blocked...queue the slow motion close-up on the ball... switch to the linebacker standing in the end zone with his arms outstretched.... queue back to the ball hanging in the air... back to the linebacker. You get the picture. In fact, here is a picture. Notice there are no offensive players around him. The blocked punt skyrockets into the sky and takes forever to come down. The linebacker catches the ball. Touchdown.
While cleaning off the football gear and preparing for the Minor League season (Semi-Pro), I ran across some notes I did not publish. I made a classic rookie mistake and paid the price for it.
Classic Battle during High School Game
Late this season I worked one of the best games I've worked in a long time. 974 total offensive yard during the game, most of them rushing. And 17 penalties. A lot for a high school game. But, what a great game. As umpire, I worked my butt off. You can read about it in the local paper by clicking here. A rivalry game that went back and forth all the way to the end. There were huge swings in momentum and either team could have won. The home team had a terrible season and everyone expected blow-out. But as usually happens, the underdogs had nothing to loose and came to play. And play they did.
Late in 4th quarter the home team had held off a 4th and goal by the visitors. The score was 32 - 27. No f-ing way this should be happening. The home team had the ball around their own 15 with about 2:40ish remaining in the game. So, just make a 1st down, run out the clock, and celebrate the upset. But, where is the drama in that?
A false start, some dumb pass to the flats, a huge sack, and now it's 4th and 15 from their own 5 yard line with about 45 seconds remaining. Now, we have drama!
The punter is near the end-line when the punt is blocked...queue the slow motion close-up on the ball... switch to the linebacker standing in the end zone with his arms outstretched.... queue back to the ball hanging in the air... back to the linebacker. You get the picture. In fact, here is a picture. Notice there are no offensive players around him. The blocked punt skyrockets into the sky and takes forever to come down. The linebacker catches the ball. Touchdown.
Screw-up
During this game I made a mistake I have not made in a very long time - inadvertent whistle. And yes, I did by a round of beer after the game. A $25 dollar mistake.
The IW occurred on a pooch kick during a Free Kick (kick-off). I was working Umpire, so I was at the 20-yard line. The receiver was right in front of me. I see him waive a valid fair-catch signal and all I am thinking is I have to protect this guy. Players were bearing down on him. He must have known this also, because as the ball is slipping between his arms as I am blowing my whistle. I've explained the IW rules and options several times before. You can read about these other glorious incidents here. Wanna Get Away, Play Until You Hear The Whistle, Gridiron Brain Fart.
Spring Season
I'll be working Minor League games this spring, so I'll have plenty of interesting items to discuss in the new year.
Have a great holiday season.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
What do Denmark and a Fumble have in Common?
Last Weeks College Game
Last week was a travel game -- 350 miles round trip. It rained and was played on an old crappy grass field, but it was evenly matched, well played game, without much drama. The game ended 21-31.
This game exemplifies of why I really enjoy working at the college level. Three of my fellow officials I had never met before, but we worked well as a team. In fact, one official, Frank Kristensen, was from Denmark. Frank works Football throughout Europe and is a great official. He also writes a blog which can be found at www.whitecap.dk.
What's really great about working with guys at this level is after spending about 20 minutes reviewing how we are each going to handle basic football scenarios we are all on the same page. It just works when you work with quality guys who really want to do a good job. How I wish we could have this at the high school level.
The other pleasant suprise was PAC-10 official Jeff Hansen evaluated our game and gave us a great assessment after the game. He made the point that last week we observed a Division II crew (a crew that works together all the time) and he could not tell the difference between our two crews. That was cool to hear.
No odd or unusual plays or rules during this game. Just good old fashion football in the rain.
This Weeks College Game
The coolest thing about this weeks game was there were only 13 fouls and we finished in 2:30. From an official's point of view this was a great game. A well played game without any of the testosterone + adrenaline + immaturity = stupid acts drama most JC games have.
One play I think I may my have missed was on a fumble. I was working Umpire and this was a pass about 15 yards down field. The receiver caught the ball, made some football moves and when the pile drove him to back, and before he hit the ground, the ball came loose, bounces in the air, the opponents pick it up and run for a score.
The question is was he down before the ball came out? As I replay this in my mind I'm convinced the ground did not cause the fumble. But were his knees, or "When any part of the ball carrier's body, except his hand or foot, touches the ground, or when the ball carrier is tackled or otherwise falls and loses possession of the ball as contacts the ground with any part of his body, except hand or foot..." This comes from Rule 4 under Ball Declared Dead (4-1-3-a).
You have read this carefully. The second phrase is the classic ground cannot cause a fumble. If a body part other than the hand or foot is in contact with the ground during a tackle, and the ball comes loose, it is NOT a fumble.
The twist comes in with something called the our Officiating Philosophies. It our Philosophy document is states "When in question, the runner fumbled the ball and was NOT down."
These are hard plays to call - hence the need for a "when in question" philosophy. They happen quickly. I am not watching the ball as Umpire, but plays such as this where I turn to help on the pass, I typically see the end of these type of plays. But I'm not looking for non-foot or hands in contact with the ground. I'm watching for illegal contact and other stupid acts (see equation above).
When it happened my mind was going a mile a minute trying to put it all together. My first reaction was fumble, then I started thinking about maybe his knee was down, maybe this, maybe that. Finally, (and this is all in about 1 second) I knew I was "in doubt" so I ruled fumble. Meaning, I did not blow my whistle and continued to officiate.
I think we all properly applied the "when in doubt", but we may have been technically wrong.
The game ended 56-21, so it didn't matter anyway, but I still want to get it right.
Denmark has nothing to do with a fumble.
Last week was a travel game -- 350 miles round trip. It rained and was played on an old crappy grass field, but it was evenly matched, well played game, without much drama. The game ended 21-31.
This game exemplifies of why I really enjoy working at the college level. Three of my fellow officials I had never met before, but we worked well as a team. In fact, one official, Frank Kristensen, was from Denmark. Frank works Football throughout Europe and is a great official. He also writes a blog which can be found at www.whitecap.dk.
What's really great about working with guys at this level is after spending about 20 minutes reviewing how we are each going to handle basic football scenarios we are all on the same page. It just works when you work with quality guys who really want to do a good job. How I wish we could have this at the high school level.
The other pleasant suprise was PAC-10 official Jeff Hansen evaluated our game and gave us a great assessment after the game. He made the point that last week we observed a Division II crew (a crew that works together all the time) and he could not tell the difference between our two crews. That was cool to hear.
No odd or unusual plays or rules during this game. Just good old fashion football in the rain.
This Weeks College Game
The coolest thing about this weeks game was there were only 13 fouls and we finished in 2:30. From an official's point of view this was a great game. A well played game without any of the testosterone + adrenaline + immaturity = stupid acts drama most JC games have.
One play I think I may my have missed was on a fumble. I was working Umpire and this was a pass about 15 yards down field. The receiver caught the ball, made some football moves and when the pile drove him to back, and before he hit the ground, the ball came loose, bounces in the air, the opponents pick it up and run for a score.
The question is was he down before the ball came out? As I replay this in my mind I'm convinced the ground did not cause the fumble. But were his knees, or "When any part of the ball carrier's body, except his hand or foot, touches the ground, or when the ball carrier is tackled or otherwise falls and loses possession of the ball as contacts the ground with any part of his body, except hand or foot..." This comes from Rule 4 under Ball Declared Dead (4-1-3-a).
You have read this carefully. The second phrase is the classic ground cannot cause a fumble. If a body part other than the hand or foot is in contact with the ground during a tackle, and the ball comes loose, it is NOT a fumble.
The twist comes in with something called the our Officiating Philosophies. It our Philosophy document is states "When in question, the runner fumbled the ball and was NOT down."
These are hard plays to call - hence the need for a "when in question" philosophy. They happen quickly. I am not watching the ball as Umpire, but plays such as this where I turn to help on the pass, I typically see the end of these type of plays. But I'm not looking for non-foot or hands in contact with the ground. I'm watching for illegal contact and other stupid acts (see equation above).
When it happened my mind was going a mile a minute trying to put it all together. My first reaction was fumble, then I started thinking about maybe his knee was down, maybe this, maybe that. Finally, (and this is all in about 1 second) I knew I was "in doubt" so I ruled fumble. Meaning, I did not blow my whistle and continued to officiate.
I think we all properly applied the "when in doubt", but we may have been technically wrong.
The game ended 56-21, so it didn't matter anyway, but I still want to get it right.
Denmark has nothing to do with a fumble.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Subjectivity Rules
I'm a little late in posting Part II from last week but here we go. As a reminder I made three calls during a single game (were talking High School rules this time) which had a bearing on the outcome of the game. Last post we reviewed the non-Safety ruling. The remaining two rulings were on exactly the same type of play about 3 minutes apart - passes thrown to a receiver at the sideline.
Here's the scenario. It's been a close game. The home team has the ball, there is something like 5 minutes remaining, and they are down by 7. They need to score. They make a critical first-down. And then another. And then, it's 3rd and long at about their own 45 yard line. Time to wake-up Pigskinref because this is a critical play.
The ball is snapped, I read pass and begin to drift down field. I was working Line Judge, so I have partial pass coverage duties. Partial meaning I share the pass coverage with the Back Judge. I have described pass coverage responsibilities in other posts, so we won't dig into that here, but on this particular play, the Back Judge could help me, but it was my call all the way.
The intended receiver streaks down the sideline. I struggle to keep up with these speed demons while watching for any kind of interference. Nothing. Then the ball is thrown. The receiver leaps into the air, catches the ball, and before he hits the ground is driven out of bounds. When he hits the ground he retains possession of the ball.
So, did he complete the catch? What should my ruling be?
Let's look at rule 7-5-5 "A forward pass, legal or illegal, is incomplete and the ball becomes dead when the pass touches the ground or goes out of bounds. It is also incomplete when a player in the air possesses the pass and alights so that his first contact with the ground or anything other than another player or game official is on our outside a boundary..." We are concerned about the last part in italics. In common vernacular, this mouthful means the receiver needs to land inbounds (one foot inbounds like in College) to complete the pass.
So, my ruling should be incomplete. But, wait there is more. There is always more, isn't there?
If you paid attention I highlighted the word catches a paragraph or two above. What is the definition of a catch in High School? And yes, the definition is different depending upon the level.
Let's look at rule 2-4-1 "A catch is the act of establishing player possession of live ball which is in flight, and first contacting the ground inbounds or being contacted by an opponent is such a way that he is prevented from returning to the ground inbounds while maintaining possession of the ball.
So, in High School, we have this added complexity of determining "IF" this player would have come down inbounds without being contacted by the opponent. There is no time to think this through. No time to discuss this. You gotta know and make the ruling. I ruled completed catch but the wheels were spinning in my head. I haven't made this call in years.
The home team scored on the next play. Now it's 28-29 and the visitors have the ball with about 2:00 left. They get a first down. And then another. Sound familiar? Now they have crossed the 50 yard line, but this time it's 4th down with 30 seconds left. It's gonna be a pass. They just need to get to the 20 or so and can attempt a field goal for the win. Crap, stay awake Pigskinref.
The same scenario. A long pass to my sideline, but this time the receiver leaps sideways and not vertical. He catches the ball about the 10 yard line and is driven out of bounds before he contacts the ground. He maintained possession. The reception was highly athletic and actually beautiful. This is a huge play. And I'm a frigging Umpire. I make big ruling like calling back touchdowns for Holding. What am I doing making these kind of calls?
Oh ya, it was homecoming, so the stadium was packed of people and this play occurred on the home team side.
So, did he complete the catch?
Talk to you all next week.
Here's the scenario. It's been a close game. The home team has the ball, there is something like 5 minutes remaining, and they are down by 7. They need to score. They make a critical first-down. And then another. And then, it's 3rd and long at about their own 45 yard line. Time to wake-up Pigskinref because this is a critical play.
The ball is snapped, I read pass and begin to drift down field. I was working Line Judge, so I have partial pass coverage duties. Partial meaning I share the pass coverage with the Back Judge. I have described pass coverage responsibilities in other posts, so we won't dig into that here, but on this particular play, the Back Judge could help me, but it was my call all the way.
The intended receiver streaks down the sideline. I struggle to keep up with these speed demons while watching for any kind of interference. Nothing. Then the ball is thrown. The receiver leaps into the air, catches the ball, and before he hits the ground is driven out of bounds. When he hits the ground he retains possession of the ball.
So, did he complete the catch? What should my ruling be?
Let's look at rule 7-5-5 "A forward pass, legal or illegal, is incomplete and the ball becomes dead when the pass touches the ground or goes out of bounds. It is also incomplete when a player in the air possesses the pass and alights so that his first contact with the ground or anything other than another player or game official is on our outside a boundary..." We are concerned about the last part in italics. In common vernacular, this mouthful means the receiver needs to land inbounds (one foot inbounds like in College) to complete the pass.
So, my ruling should be incomplete. But, wait there is more. There is always more, isn't there?
If you paid attention I highlighted the word catches a paragraph or two above. What is the definition of a catch in High School? And yes, the definition is different depending upon the level.
Let's look at rule 2-4-1 "A catch is the act of establishing player possession of live ball which is in flight, and first contacting the ground inbounds or being contacted by an opponent is such a way that he is prevented from returning to the ground inbounds while maintaining possession of the ball.
So, in High School, we have this added complexity of determining "IF" this player would have come down inbounds without being contacted by the opponent. There is no time to think this through. No time to discuss this. You gotta know and make the ruling. I ruled completed catch but the wheels were spinning in my head. I haven't made this call in years.
The home team scored on the next play. Now it's 28-29 and the visitors have the ball with about 2:00 left. They get a first down. And then another. Sound familiar? Now they have crossed the 50 yard line, but this time it's 4th down with 30 seconds left. It's gonna be a pass. They just need to get to the 20 or so and can attempt a field goal for the win. Crap, stay awake Pigskinref.
The same scenario. A long pass to my sideline, but this time the receiver leaps sideways and not vertical. He catches the ball about the 10 yard line and is driven out of bounds before he contacts the ground. He maintained possession. The reception was highly athletic and actually beautiful. This is a huge play. And I'm a frigging Umpire. I make big ruling like calling back touchdowns for Holding. What am I doing making these kind of calls?
Oh ya, it was homecoming, so the stadium was packed of people and this play occurred on the home team side.
So, did he complete the catch?
Talk to you all next week.
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