|
I agree with those who think the rule book does not belong on the field. However, most who visit this forum take the time to study the rules and probably have a good command of them.
But, I go back to Georgia. The facts are a player for Duluth punches a Dacula player during a play. Duluth got a first down on the play and the penalty was enforced from the end of the run giving Duluth a first down. The coach protested that the penalty should have been enforced form the spot of the foul (correct) giving Duluth a third down and 18 at the 12 not 1/10 at the 17.
Georgia authorities in their infinite wisdom upheld the protest and ordered the game replayed from the misapplication, 11:51 in the 4th quarter. Dacula still lost.
How can a situation like this be avoided, or can it?
The rules are tough to master but this was a simple interpretation. Live ball foul because it occurred during the play. I am sure the answer lies in knowing and understanding the rules. Yet, the impetus for seeking that level of knowledge may not be there at the high school level -- coaches who typically don't understand rules and mechanics determine who are the best officials. And, when one official in one game makes one mistake it reflects poorly on everyone because those naysayers who think officials don't know the rules have an example.
|