[hawk65]

1. NFHS inserted new rule 9-9-3 in the 2007 Rule Book (“No player shall hide the ball under a jersey.”) but didn’t change the numbers for 9.9.3 SITUATION A and 9.9.3 SITUATION B in the 2007 Case Book. The result is that these two cases are mis-numbered – these cases previously related to 9-9-3 but that rule is now 9-9-4.
2. Rule 9-9-4 states, “Neither team shall commit any act which, in the opinion of the referee, tends to make a travesty of the game.” The rule does not define “travesty,” nor does it define “deception,” “trickery,” “scope of sportsmanship” or any other descriptive terms mentioned in this case. This rule is subject to a very broad or very narrow interpretation “..in the opinion of the referee” as to what is an “Unfair Act.”
3. The Case Book states a conclusion that the play described in 9.9.3 SITUATION B is “Unsportsmanlike conduct prior to snap” because “.. actions or verbiage designed to confuse the defense into believing there is problem and a snap isn't imminent is beyond the scope of sportsmanship and is illegal.” This conclusion is not supported by any other rule(s); it may or may not be “the opinion of the referee” (the applicable rule which this case is supposed to support); and it makes no objective case why this is “unfair.” In NFHS football it is “fair” to:
   • allow a ±250-pound lineman to run full speed and block a ±125-pound defensive back (and the smaller defensive back can no longer equalize the mismatch and initiate contact below the knees);
   • allow a 250# runner to run over a 150# tackler;
   • allow a fast and shifty player to put a “good move” in the open field on an opponent causing that opponent to look clumsy or incompetent and be embarrassed in front of opponents and fans (and teammates);
   • allow mismatched teams to compete with no restriction on scoring (NFHS rules don’t provide for any “mercy rule” – if one exists it is because it has been adopted by the local association). Even within local rules, scores can be lopsided and embarrassing.
4. The NFHS Rule Book and the Case Book do not define “sportsmanship” or the “scope of sportsmanship.” In our culture, sportsmanship ranges from “report your own score” of the PGA to mayhem in the WWE. What standard of sportsmanship should govern “the opinion of the referee”?
5. The end result of this vague rule and a case that isn’t supported by rules is controversy – two crews can look at the same play and judge it legal or illegal. And both can cite a rule – “the opinion of the referee,” “deception,” “trickery” or “scope of sportsmanship” to support their decision.