[Bob M.]

REPLY: Schmitty...I know you've been around here for some time, and I respect your opinions, but I would take exception to your characterization of the back judge as having exhibited an unusually lengthy delay prior to throwing the flag. In the video clip, which is slowed down a little, the time from the receiver’s first contact with the defender to the BJ’s reach for the flag is about 3.1 seconds. From the point where it is obvious that separation is gained to his reach for the flag is about 2.2 seconds. And remember, these durations are elongated because the speed of the clip is slower than real action. If you think this is an unreasonable delay, I humbly disagree. All officials—especially professional and college officials—are taught to delay, process (replay) the situation in their minds, and then decide if a flag is warranted. A ‘kneejerk’ flag to the contact itself doesn’t give the official the time to consider the relevance of the contact to the play in progress or evaluate the advantage/disadvantage gained by such contact. A few seconds is a small price to pay to avoid throwing a flag prematurely that you’d want or have to pick up later.