Gorilla Arm

[Thom Coste]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

Well, that's (likely) your answer for your area.

It's legal in OBR and NCAA. Last year, FED issued an interp that it was illegal. There is some concern in some states that FED didn't really mean "gorilla arm" when they wrote this. As long as R1 can tell whether F1 is set or not, then it's legal.

This year, the NFHS published a rules "comic book" as they have in football for years. The illustration is clear and it is equally clear that the "gorilla arm" is illegal. If you do not balk it, you are doing a disservice to your fellow umpires and, yes, the team from your area that may make it into the post season.

I agree with what Tim said in the other thread (April, 2005). Call it, call it, call it until the NFHS changes the rule.

And if you fear that you will get flack from the coaches, make copies of the sketch out of the illustrated rule book and hand them out. While you're at it, go back and read the NFHS Points of Emphasis on "Umpire's Professionalism."