Blocking a defensive player on the ground

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Rich

We officiate to the next threat -- only so many eyes and so many officials. Someone blocked to the ground? I'm moving to the next competitive matchup / threat.

When they give us 11 officials, we'll watch all 11 players all the time.

I might be watching them for a while longer after they go to the ground, but not very much longer unless there seems like they have stopped playing football. But even with that being said, we often get the second reaction. Players and coaches need to realize this and not think their reaction is going to go unpunished.

I threw out a player in a college game a couple of weeks ago and I only called what I saw. I could not make up the first action even when I was told that the player was reacting. And even the video did not show up what I saw. If the player does not want a penalty, then behave as if you are always being watched. Your reaction is not justified because something is done to you. It does not work that way.

Peace