Quote:
Originally Posted by ajmc
Sometimes it's easy to read more into a rule than is intended. A team is limited from substituting a ball within a series of downs, but there is no prohibition, or limit, relating to officials substituting a ball when circumstances dictate, because such a prohibition would be impractical and serve no rational purpose.
As long as the ball being substituted is an approved ball, which can either be a ball approved prior to the game, or any ball approved for use during the game, even if at the moment of exchange.
Above all else, the sensible application of rules requires common sense.
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I'm not reading more into the rule about replacing balls, I'm reading the rules NFHS 1-3-2 and 1-3-3 as written supported by Case Book 1.3.2 which is seems many are not reading or understanding.
When officials on their own decide the rules do not apply to officials we set a dangerous precedence. Why do you think the Rules Committe writes the stupid book. Surprise! they actually expect us to enforce it like it or not. There is a procedure for modifying rules -- write to NFHS with your suggestions -- when you don't like them. Example, post scrimmage kick, many coaches and officials did not like the way penalties by R before change of possession gavethe ball back to K. It got changed, even though, some officials were enforcing their own version of it.
Trust me. The Rule Book is clear on when balls can be replaced and since I am not working with those who feel otherwise, have at it!