Quote:
Originally posted by mikesears
I wouldn't say it is stupid. I think the R is usually in the best position to determine if some action on the QB caused an errant pass (especially with 4 or 5-man crews).
I do agree it can be difficult (if not down-right impossible) to know if there were any eligibles in the area. My wings will let me know if they didn't have an eligible in the area and allow me to throw the flag. Trust me, the worst thing an R can do is wave off ANOTHER officials flag for IG. (I did this with a rookie official once and we both got our butts chewed on). It looks better if he waves off his own flag after another official confers with him.
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Let's keep in mind that philosophies that I know well and subscribe to are within the Canadian game. It is worth considering if field size has an effect on mechanics.
I too agree that the R is in the best position to see if some action on the QB caused an errant pass. In fact, his opinion should be
sufficiently greater than any other official's. I also agree that the R may not have the best opinion about who was "in the area" on a forward pass.
When you say that worst thing that can happen is for the R to wave off another's flag for IG, do you mean that the LJ faces the coaches, throws his flag to the ground, and voices with a penalty declined signal, "There is no flag for intentional grounding?"
The method here in Canada is after a flag is thrown for IG (by other than the R), that official and the R confer, and the R reports the IG or non-IG call. The is great communication. Often the R will also have a flag. But if the worst thing an R can do is wave off another official's IG flag, it must be a US football thing. And that I think is largely based on field size (over 3,500 square yards difference).
Maybe stupid is overkill. But I still think the side guy should be able to throw a flag for IG.