Good discussion....been a linesman for quite awhile now, and unless I see a grab by the defense or the ball is in the air when defense contact occurs, my flag stays in the pocket short of it being flagrant. I'm consistent on this, though most people do look at our game thru the rules of the pros. It can be gray out there sometimes, that's why the concept of consistency was created.
I flagged a receiver last week for OPI. The ball wasn't in the air, but I go on the fact that restrictions for OPI begins with the snap. Pushed off, was free, caught it, ran for TD....sorry boys, bring it back...head coach wanted clarification, asst. coach saw what I saw and concurred...they just want consistency most times...
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