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Opening second half kickoff of a 5th grade game (going by NFHS), R32 takes it for a touchdown. However, our U sees R32's mouthpiece isn't in when R32 is on about K's 20, so he throws the flag. K's coaches and players are vehement that R32 had the mouthpiece out all along (when the ball was kicked). Our U said he didn't see the mouthpiece either way when the kick began (if he had, he would've told him to put it in--or he'd have blown it dead).
Since equipment can legally come out during play, we waived off the flag and allowed the touchdown. Obviously, we would've liked to be able to tell K that we saw R32's mouthpiece either in or out, but that didn't happen so we ruled accordingly. Obviously, a good lesson on checking equipment and calling it out to players.
Thoughts?
Eric
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