[JRutledge]

Nevada,

What I am saying is not only what the NF suggests, but not what the POE was all about. The POE just says that players are not immune to the penalties when they are in the huddle. I think it is safe to assume that the NF would expect us to know who used the language and not just penalize someone when we are completely unclear.

Also it does not matter what I say or what JR says. You better listen to the people that hire you and what they think. Even the NF is not going to save you when you have to explain your reasoning to the assignor or state administrators. It is not JR that is going to save you when you have to T a coach again because you "assumed" someone from their huddle used language. When the fall out happens, it will not be anyone here you can get you out of trouble. No one here is going to take games away from you if we feel you are wrong.

One of the reasons the NF puts us on the block is to stay away from the possibility of overhearing comments and possible confrontation with players and coaches. I know when I have worked games in loud gyms. It is very difficult to make out what is said in the huddle when I am on the block away from the benches. Technical Fouls are very serious infractions. You better be sure who did what and when if you want to maintain credibility in your decision.

I have said this a hundred times and I will say it once again. This is just a discussion board. There is no one here that can make you do anything. If you feel the rule supports your action, go right ahead and call it. I just think in the issues of common sense at the very least know who used inappropriate language. There are a lot of things in the rulebook and we should use the spirit of the rules and not the letter of the rules to govern our actions. The POE does not say to penalize anyone you cannot identify. The POE only says to penalize players and bench personnel that use inappropriate language. It says nothing about taking action just because you "thought" you heard something. I hear a lot of bad language and much of it comes from the stands. I am just saying be sure, do not guess.

Peace