[Daryl H. Long]

Originally posted by Patton
I'm sorry Daryl, You've lost me. How does beanbagging the spot where a player intentionally went out of bounds relate to OPI?

When?

Hopefully I cleared up some confusion on PI by my amended post.

As to the beanbag:

I have been very specific as to why I will beangbag the spot where the player went OB. It has nothing to do with the administration of any penalty.

It has everything to do with showing I saw the whole play which will add to my credibility as an official not only to my peers on the field but also to coaches.

The beanbag at the spot where the player went out of bounds is only a visual confirmation of what I saw. During the fast action of the play I do not have to be distracted with knowing the exact yard line in case I am asked "WHERE?". I know definitively when I return to pick up the beanbag. Additionally, I can show evidence I saw the player go out because I have a bean bag at the spot noting such.

As to my officiating credibility: In Ohio, coaches and Athletic directors have a vote for playoff officials. On Friday night if I communicate to the coach of the offending team that "your player exited on the 25yl and returned on the 30yl" it seems to me to be a lot better than saying "I don't know exactly where your player went out but when he returned to the field at the 28 it became an illegal participation penalty". Besides, on Saturday, when they view their video tape and confirm the information I gave them about this play was correct also helps.

Snake-eyes thinks the NF says to do this in the Officials manual. Personally,I think I have read it somewhere else, maybe Referee Magazine. Whether written or not, I still advocate the use of the beanbag in this case but I am not telling you it is Mandatory. Do what you want.