[JoeT]

You know what has actually been troubling me (more as a coach than an official)? Given the current trend, it seems like the NF feels as though we HAVE to have a few rule changes every year. I'm not talking about clarifications or officials' mechanics, but actual rule changes. As a coach, I will freely admit that many coaches do not have adequate rules knowledge, but I am increasingly disturbed by the number of officials who do not have excellent rules knowledge. I have always admired my official friends who take such pride in really being rules experts - that's why I enjoy the discussions on the board so much.

But changing rules every year only serves to exacerbate these difficulties for all involved - coaches, refs, and players. In some ways I think the constant changes also discredit the work of very good officials. For good officials, points of emphasis should be enough. If officials commit to these points, they shouldn't need to be enforced by constantly-changing rules. The lane spot tampering is a good example. Find a way that works and leave it alone.

I know some will say (correctly) that many officials will not commit to the POE's, and so the emphases must be enhanced with rules changes, but this is troubling as well. If the NF or a state or local officials' association wants things called a certain way, officials should consider acquiescing for the greater good.

The other consideration (as a coach) has to do with teaching (although I know of your collective antipathy toward many coaches' ability to do so). The idea of eliminating the 5-second count is a good example here. This rule is a great tool for a coach who is trying to teach the value of good defensive footwork. Altering it will not only make it harder for us to teach this skill, but also invalidate some of the teaching we've already done.

So my question for the board and the NF is this: Do we (or can we) ever consider freezing the rules (ie no substantive changes - only clarifications) for one or more years? Would this even be possible? I'm not suggesting that we never improve rules that simply aren't working, but I would like to see these changes approached more judiciously and slowly than is the current trend.

I'm interested in the thoughts of the members of this forum.

Joe