New Mechanic

[OKREF]

Went to state rules meeting on Saturday. Starting this year during non varsity contest, the HL and LJ will be switching positions at halftime. Starting with the 2017 season, this will be done at Varsity levels.

[SE Minnestoa Re]

Do the chains move as well? If they do, it will be difficult for the booth to see them. As a white hat, I look for different skill sets with the linesman and the judge. I expect my judge to maybe run a little better so he can assist with punts.

[HLin NC]

This is an NC AA mechanic that is starting to get some "me too" action at some state's HS level. Personally I think it is pointless. If I wanted to be a LJ, I would be one. I like working H. It's an answer in search of a question. Supposedly brings a perception of equality to the sidelines. Next we'll be having to get coaches and players a safe place and stop blowing those harsh whistles

[Altor]

Originally Posted by HLin NC

This is an NC AA mechanic

Actually, it's an NFL mechanic. The difference being the NFL switches the sides the chains are on when they do this...something that's not as easy to do in most NCAA and NFHS venues as the press box will have more difficulty seeing them on the near side.

[HLin NC]

Which is why the NCAA just switches the wings and now the practicing Fed states, which is why I said its an NCAA mechanic.

[OKREF]

Originally Posted by SE Minnestoa Re

Do the chains move as well? If they do, it will be difficult for the booth to see them. As a white hat, I look for different skill sets with the linesman and the judge. I expect my judge to maybe run a little better so he can assist with punts.

The chains stay on the visiting side. If I remember correctly, this is coming from the NFHS, and not a state decision.

[ajmc]

Is there a "rational" explanation as to what this accomplishes? It seems ONLY based on the flimsiest suspicion, that somewhere a wing official might have, or develop, a bias against a sideline.

Maybe if "sidelines" focused on what their responsibilities ACTUALLY are, instead of trying to fabricate excuses, or attempt to create unearned advantage, there wouldn't be any need to throw ALL officials under, what seems like an imaginary bus, to try and excuse self inflicted mistakes, or create imaginary ones by opponents.

Football, at any level, is a better game when there is less whining, and everyone focuses on their own responsibilities and performance, than worrying about what everyone else is doing.

[HLin NC]

Not a Fed decision or we'd all be doing it. They may be experimenting but it is not national.

[JRutledge]

Your state can do or not do any mechanic suggested. I would not be surprised if many states do not do this for all kinds of reasons. Nothing really to worry about at this point.

Peace

[Cliffdweller]

Originally Posted by SE Minnestoa Re

Do the chains move as well? If they do, it will be difficult for the booth to see them. As a white hat, I look for different skill sets with the linesman and the judge. I expect my judge to maybe run a little better so he can assist with punts.

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.

[OKREF]

Originally Posted by Cliffdweller

Also changes where the Umpire lines up on kickoffs.

Our new mechanic for kickoffs is BJ on 40, on visitors sideline, U on 50, press box sideline. LJ on 15 press box sideline, HL on 15 visitors sideline, R middle of field on goal line

[BktBallRef]

Originally Posted by OKREF

The chains stay on the visiting side. If I remember correctly, this is coming from the NFHS, and not a state decision.

I don't think so. Haven't seen anything from the NFHS on this. This is a state option.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by OKREF

Our new mechanic for kickoffs is BJ on 40, on visitors sideline, U on 50, press box sideline. LJ on 15 press box sideline, HL on 15 visitors sideline, R middle of field on goal line

We had this for a year and then got rid of it like 2 years ago. Umpires hated it for the most part.

Peace

[Welpe]

Originally Posted by BktBallRef

I don't think so. Haven't seen anything from the NFHS on this. This is a state option.

There are a few states experimenting with it this year. I think it's an experimental mechanic change coming from the NFHS.

[HLin NC]

Frankenstein was an experiment too. Jus' sayin'.