quote:
Originally posted by Mark Padgett:
There are only two things I can think of to support their statements. One is that we have the authority at any time to judge an action as unsportsmanlike conduct and issue a T. The other is that there may be some change for the new season since "delay" is a point of emphasis in the 2000-2001 rules and I have not yet seen the new points of emphasis spelled out.
Any thoughts?
I don't know about a change in ruling, such as in the points of emphasis, but I suspect your first inclination is on target. If the action is so obviously intentional to prevent the ball from becoming promptly alive again, it could easily be deemed unsportsmanlike and issued a "T." Or in the last second scenario mentioned by JC, even if less "obvious," it could again very well be a purposeful effort to gain an advantage. In that case, I like the suggestion of not blowing the whistle and letting the clock run out (if the official has really good game awareness). Otherwise, I suppose a "T" could be in order, but it wouldn't be the best option from a game management standpoint, I think.