Fan Question about PI..

[Bob M.]

Originally posted by ChristianHog1965

REPLY: I just think the current rule creates a situation where the offending team can beneift greatly by committing the foul and I just don't think breaking the rules should be rewarded.

I can understand your frustration regarding the penalty that the NCAA RUles Commitee has deemed appropriate for a defensive PI call more than 15 yards downfield. It may not be the "eye-for-an-eye" penalty that you might want to see, but when the offended team gives up 15 yards and an automatic first down, it's hardly a "reward." It's a very difficult proposition trying to balance penalties with the nature of the offense. But I do understand your point.

Originally posted by ChristianHog1965

Fans don't see any accountability or repurcussions for officials who make blatantly or consistently bad calls.

REPLY: That's exactly the point. Fans rarely see, and in my opinion don't deserve to see, any repercussions for consistently inadequate officiating. All conferences that I know of keep that stuff within their walls. They may make an announcement about a highly controversial call, and they have even gone so far as to publicly announce that a crew of officials has been suspended, but they will rarely if ever single out a specific official in the public record. [Note: Of course, if you think it never happens, ask the BJ from the Giants-SF playoff game last season.] How many times have you heard a coach ream out one of his players in public for consistently screwing up his blocking assignments and say that he'll be reassigned to the scout team? Rarely, if ever. The coach will be supportive in public, but you can bet the family jewels that the player will hear about it on the practice field!