[dokeeffe]

I'm amazed that this post didn't open a can of worms. As officials it is our responsibility to ensure, at the high school level, that the integrity of the game is protected and that, as much as possible, the experience is positive for the participants. Kinder's conduct and comments, if reported accuractly, should be actionable by the state authority.

I do not know of any rule that forces a punt return; so there isn't any room there. On the other hand, the rule book does not stipulate that a hold or illegal use of hands MUST affect the play in order to be flaged. We, as officials, simply use common sense in that area, aided by a mechanics manual. It's the rare High School play that doesn't have something happen on the field that could be flaged. A blockers hands slightly ourside the frame? Flagable! A back twitching ever so slightly before the snap? Flagable! The center moving the ball forward ever so slightly as opposed to simply tilting the ball? Flagable! As a Referee, after it becomes apparent what the winning team is doing in a case like presented in the post, my crew and I are getting together to very briefly review when flags are to be thrown. Make up the foul? OF COURSE NOT. But call everything we see, everywhere on the field - you bet! Problem probably solved. If my crew gets scratched from that school next year, GOOD! It would be hard for me to forget that quote from the coach - even a year later.