Quote:
Originally Posted by parepat
I think the bigger picture is that the force out rule in high school is terrible and needs to be eliminated. It should be the burden of the receiver to catch the ball within the field of play. The NFL and NCAA have recognized this fact and changed their rules. If the "best of the best" aren't expected to split this hair, why are we? Maybe this play will help push the NFHS in that direction.
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One theory I heard is instant replay is causing rules like that to go away at the NCAA or NFL level. Since they can't make it reviewable, it's easier to get rid of it. Think about how many rules have been adjusted (or at least philosophies changed) because of instant replay. Things like fumbles (when exactly does a player lose control) and catches (maintaining control to the ground or making a football move) are great examples.
It wouldn't surprise me if this play did cause the force out rule to change. The NFHS office is less than a mile from where this play took place and I'm sure there are coaches submitting rules change requests. The losing team is an affluent suburb of Indy and it's possible there were NFHS and NCAA staffers with kids on the team.