I had a game last night where A quarterback was running around the backfield for a good 20 seconds. After about 5 seconds I hear B's coach screaming something (they were already up by 3 TDs in the 4th), he was screaming that the QB didn't have his mouthpiece in, and he addemently wanted a penalty. So I looked toward the now runner and saw that sure enough his Mouthpiece was dangling. We didn't throw a flag because I thought that since we didn't know that he started the play w/o a MP that we had to assume that it was knocked out during the normal course of play. I tried to explain to the coach from accross the field (I was U) but he kept on whining, so I finally just yelled to him "stop talking" and put my index finger to my mouth.

Is this explanation right or should I have thrown some type of flag? Ideas!?

Don't flag it as it may have come out during the play. If a player loses his helmet during a play, are you going to flag him for not properly wearing equipment during a down?? Not likely. Same goes for the mouth piece.

No foul is the correct call. You were right in deciding that since you did not see how it came out, you must assume that it came out in the course of play.

However, please do not yell at a coach from across the field to "stop talking". Is that how you would like to be treated if you were coaching? Send the info over with the wingman. If you are working 3 man without a wingman on that side, then get the info to him yourself or by the R. If a coach is a continual whiner, you might at some point have to hold up your hand and say "That's enough coach", but try to avoid doing that from across the field. Nobody likes to be shown up in front of their players and fans.

We had a game last year where on a couple of plays the QB on one team actually spit out his mouthpiece right after the snap. I watched him do it. The first one was a little surprising and we flagged him for the second one. He and his coach thought it was legal as long as he started the play with it in his mouth.

I have always thought a MP was a pretty important piece of equipment. I could see where he would rather start the play without and the insert after snap (of course this probably wouldn't work into the flow of his play) that way he could call for plays and snap count. Why would someone want to spit it out?

I have another question, my Son's first game (away) is this week and so all the players wear their jerseys to school. He had on his white and I questioned him on it. He called a buddy and confirmed that was what the coach said they would wear. As a basketball official, I know whites are for home games. Isn't this the same for football?

Actually, in football, white is for away teams. Home team is to wear their "dark" uniforms.

thanks, that answers my my my question

Aren't we supposed to stop play if the ball-carrier loses his helmet?

NFHS - yes.

I agree on both counts. To add on to the second part, I would not put my finger to my mouth. In my opinion this is rather "demeaning." If he wants to whine, let him whine. If he goes too far give him a USC, otherwise, let him talk and go over and explain the call to him during the next natural break in the game.

Thanks for all the input.

Just as a side note, the coach and I have a pretty "Jovial," fun poking kind of relationship; anyway I said it with a smile and then told him wait till the next TO and I would explain it to him. If this was a Friday or Saturday game where things were much more professional I would have obviuosly gone with the direct/immediate explination, instead of the playful goading.

Good Luck this weekend everyone, hope there was a good one tonight!

What is the signal, and enforcement for a mouthpiece violation.

-Sorry, didn't bring my rule book to work and its bugging me-

### Probably S23.

here's a signal chart (at least half of it) for reference
http://www.nfhs.org/staticcontent/pd...nal_chart2.pdf

5 yard penalty. One arm behind the head, like the loss of down signal but only one arm. If its before the snap blow it dead, but it can be live ball too.

I may be nit picking here but a pet peeve of mine is to be professional no matter what level you are working. It just sets a good example to the kids.