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Although the White Hat has "ultimate responsibility" for rulings on the field when necessary, it is an unwise R that doesn't foster a team approach, especially on a ruling on a backward pass. And wing guys, don't be bashful when the R is looking for a call, because if you're doing your job, your best guess will probably trump his best guess. Help your R if you are in position to do so.
You guys have covered the landscape with who should call the play. My thoughts:
1. Agree with Bob M., the offside wing has the best position to rule on a backward pass. I don't agree with the R making the call unless both wings are releasing downfield. He has too many other things to do (QB)and he doesn't have the angle. That being said, our R's typically will look to the flanks for the call and if all they get are a couple pair of DOE EYES, he sells his best guess!
2. Punch? Don't use it in FED games. If it's back, it's a no call, ball is live. If it's forward, whistle it dead. All the punch can do is get you in trouble. You can always come together to make a perceived backward pass (which a crew member swears went forward) dead.
3. If in doubt, IT WAS FORWARD, not backward!
Discuss handling of this call in the pregame - PRICELESS!!
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