[Rich]

It sounds as some here are stingy about using the bean bag.

I like to use it once in a while. I'd rather mark a spot with it than not catch the late hit out of bounds. Sure, the guys don't do it on TV. But they have 7 officials and another "wing" to clean up the players. We don't have that. We have a beanbag for the spot and ourselves to officiate the players.

It's a communication tool, too. If I bag a loose ball, I just told my partners that I had a fumble -- it's not incomplete, the runner was not down. It's a useful tool.

The other night I had an interception where the MX did not come into play. The defensive player caught the ball stumbling forward and fell with the ball just inside the endzone. His movement forward caused him to roll to the 1-2. I dropped a bag inside the endzone and signalled a touchback. Redundant? Sure. But I thought the play warranted some extra communication and I gave it.

I know some of you have anal-retentive evaluators and I guess I'm lucky in that we don't have any of that here. Do what is required in your area.

Rich