New Mechanic

[ajmc]

Originally Posted by Cliffdweller

Arizona is experimenting with this.
Chains start out on Home side then switch to visitor side to finish game including any overtimes. Ball boys switch also. Also changes where the Umpire lines up on kickoffs.

Another example of some squeaky wheel getting some extra oil it doesn't need. Pandering to whining NEVER works, all it EVER does is encourage more whining.

[rriffle822]

Originally Posted by Cliffdweller

Arizona is experimenting with this.
Chains start out on Home side then switch to visitor side to finish game including any overtimes. Ball boys switch also. Also changes where the Umpire lines up on kickoffs.

what is funny about this, is supposedly this came as a result of a survey with the coaches and then at coaches' meeting when they were told it was going to happen and how it was going to work, a number of the coaches complained about it.

[Ruppsrevenge]

I personally believe it causes confusion as the wing guys forget sometimes momentarily where they are working. Especially in 4-man mechanics for some of the lesser grade levels where the LJ acts similar to the BJ for punts.

This is our second year doing this mechanic and I could do without it.

Except we do not switch the chains. Essentially the LJ has the responsibilities of the HL and the HL has the responsibilities of the LJ.

[HLin NC]

Here's a thought. Make the teams switch sidelines after halftime. See how many coaches vote for that?

Why would you switch ballboys in high school football? I understand college because you have ballboys for each team on each sideline, I believe. Most of the ballboys we deal with are young kids, some are coaches kids. No way are they going to go to the other team's sideline.

[CT1]

Found out in our meeting yesterday that we are now apparently allowed to switch under the following circumstances:

(1) The switch will be announced when the assignment is given out
(2) Both wings will attend the chain crew pre-game
(3) The "stronger" HL will be the LJ for the first half.

[ajmc]

Because it "seems" possible, some people seem bound and determined to milk bulls, and refuse to accept all evidence to the contrary when proves to be just a really dumb idea.

[Welpe]

Originally Posted by CT1

(3) The "stronger" HL will be the LJ for the first half.

So what is a definition of "strength" of the HL? The one with more patience for lackadaisical chain crews?

[Rich]

We'll all be doing this (switching sidelines) soon enough. Mark my prediction and come back to it in a few years.

Personally, I'd like to see the two deeps on kickoffs at the 5 or 10 yard line. That way everyone moves FORWARD on a kick.

The current NFHS alignment has someone on the 30 and the ball typically crosses right past that person -- it's hard to officiate when you have to look to your left and to your right simultaneously.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by Welpe

So what is a definition of "strength" of the HL? The one with more patience for lackadaisical chain crews?

As an R, I prefer the stronger person as the LJ. He's deciding if the LTG has been reached and his spotting the ball and his judgment on getting spots is far more important to the pace of play than the HL. With my current LJ, I wouldn't be surprised if the chains don't come out once all season.

[CT1]

Originally Posted by welpe

so what is a definition of "strength" of the hl? The one with more patience for lackadaisical chain crews azzhole coaches?

Yep. (FIFY)

[HLin NC]

So what is a definition of "strength" of the HL?

The one who really wants to do it, i.e. me, as opposed to the one who didn't, i.e. the LJ.

[ajmc]

Never thought I'd see an actual example of the question most mothers ask their sons, "If so & so jumped off a bridge, does that mean you have to" This is a practice, no matter who has decided to "try it" that is at best a stupid idea to try and justify some solution in search of a problem.

[KWH]

Originally Posted by OKREF

...If I remember correctly, this is coming from the NFHS, and not a state decision.

I can attest for a fact this is NOT coming from the NFHS.
This is coming from Kentucky where someone saw it on TV and conjured up the notion that we needs it too.

This is a big waste of time and has less than little or no chance of becoming an NFHS mechanic.

If it is so damned important to some people that each coach see the Head Linesman for half a game, then,
have the teams swap sidelines at half time.

[OKREF]

Originally Posted by Rich

We'll all be doing this (switching sidelines) soon enough. Mark my prediction and come back to it in a few years.

Personally, I'd like to see the two deeps on kickoffs at the 5 or 10 yard line. That way everyone moves FORWARD on a kick.

The current NFHS alignment has someone on the 30 and the ball typically crosses right past that person -- it's hard to officiate when you have to look to your left and to your right simultaneously.

Our state has written a mechanics manual in conjunction with NASO and published by referee magazine, and both wings are on the 15 yd line, with umpire on R 50 and BJ on K 40.

[JRutledge]

KHW,

Since I am a fool, you can kiss all my state final rings (Counting 5 times BTW)

Peace