[M&M Guy]

I used to be 25 at one time. And I used to know as much as you. But a funny thing happened on my way to getting older - I found I didn't know as much as I thought I did.

I think it's safe to say there are times we've all passed on a call for one reason or another. The key to being good is knowing when to pass and when to make the call. One of the worst reasons for not making a call, however, is by stating you don't like the rule for whatever reason. It's not our job to pick and choose what rules we like and don't like. In almost all of your examples you have done the the kids a disservice by not enforcing the rules as written. In your OOB examples where a foot may by just in or out and you pass - you've screwed the other team out a possesion by not giving them the ball when they deserve it. When a player palms the ball to call out a play, and you pass, you've screwed the other team again because the first team got an unfair advantage by being able to do something against the rules AND call out a play. I would certainly call that an unfair advantage.

My guess is you are afraid to make the these calls, and justify your actions by saying it's a good thing to pass on these calls. Does it bother you when the coach asks you "Geez, how could make that call?" Well, how do you respond to the other coach who sees the foot on the line, sees you looking at it, and asks, "How do you NOT make that call?" Knowing WHEN to make or pass on a call is important, not just being able to pass on it.

Ok, I'm off my soapbox. Man, I'm grumpy when I haven't had my dinner yet.