Stop on the

[JustMy2Cents]

PiggSkin,

Good point. I would recommend that all officials forego taking the whistle to the next game as well. That way, not only will we be able to enforce the rule about when the ball is actually dead, I as a coach, won't have to worry about any IWs either. Serves 2 purposes actually. Thanks.

TXMike,

I was joking.

Patton,

That's different. I reserve the right to enforce my personal double-standard at anytime I see fit, if I think it gives my team a better chance to win. But seriously, I doubt that I would go "ballistic," if the play is as bang-bang as you say it is, then I give the benefit of the doubt to the officials. Now, if it is not bang-bang, then there will be at least 1 whistle out of 5 sounding before that kid gets hit, at which time, yes, I will go ballistic because it is after the whistle.

This discussion about whether or not there is "technically" any rule about whistles reminds me of the cross-examination of the private in "A Few Good Men."

Tom Cruise: Did you ever eat a meal at any time at Guantanamo Bay?

Private: Yes, sir, 3 squares a day.

Tom Cruise: Could you please point to the [specific rule in the rulebook] that says where the chowhall is?

Private: Uh, sir, I don't think it actually is in the [rulebook].

Tom Cruise: How did you know where to go to eat if [there is no rule in the rulebook] about where the chowhall is?

Private: Well, I guess I just followed the crowd.