Quote:
Originally Posted by Ed Hickland
Thanks to those who sent private messages. I have been bombarded with calls, messages, opionions, etc. over this one call.
I remembered how I tried to get those 6 seconds off the clock but being honest the play clock started at 31. Then came the delay of game, in fact, the clock was directed to put 6 on the clock has it had ticked down to one and he was the losing home team operator.
The Newsday message board wants my head and funny thing happened yesterday, got a call to do a game at Sayville -- not on my life!
Quickly, here is what happened. The fumbled snap came rolling toward me and it appeared it had been recovered and I would have to separate the players to determine possession. Notice the Kings Park player come in and shield my view at the same time I am looking for the ball and holding my whistle when suddenly the ball is in the air. How did it get there? At 1/5 normal speed the answer is simple in real time not so simple.
We conferenced. The story I got was the player in wrestling the ball away knocked it in the air. Whats the rule, if you cannot prove intentional its accidential and I am positive someone will criticize the logic.
Should I have seen the throw (the player admitted he threw the ball yesterday)? Should I have been so close?
We did not make the right decision and why? I had the line judge on that side go over the video.
This is one of those where you blew it and egos prevent you from saying it.
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Thanks for sharing your version of the play. I finally got to watch the play last night and speculated it happened as you described it. Because you came in to uncover the pile, you didn't see the player throw the ball. Your logic is correct on intentional/accidental and this time your crew was unfortunately wrong. That sucks but it happens. Too bad your LJ didn't see it though. He should have been wide enough to see this clearly.
Do you think the play would have turned out differently if you had the ability to change balls during the drive? Sorry...couldn't resist.
Keep your chin up and good luck the rest of the season. I'm sure now you can sympathize with Mr. Hochuli.