It appears as if penalty enforcement under NFL rules is a complex mess. Can any of you Semi-Pro guys give me a good overview of the enforcement rules?

Your assistance is greatly appreciated.

Mike, it is VERY complicated, with more exceptions to the rules to rules it seems. I have the "Penalty Enforcement Hopperbook" that Ed Hochuli writes for the NFL officials, and it is 35 pages long. Yes, 35 pages just on penalty enforcement!!!! It was sent to me by a current NFL official I correspond with, and has diagrams and play situations on rulings. It is broken up into "hoppers" which are determined by when the foul occured. You first need to consider what "hopper" the play goes into before you think of penalty enforcement. I am at school, and do not have it with me to give you more info, but it is pretty complicated. Fouls during a running play, fouls before change of possession, and fouls during a free kick are just 3 of the "hoppers" to deal with. I think there are 12 "hoppers" but can't quite be sure off the top of my head. I can tell you, there are some odd situations to deal with in all of the exceptions. I find it very challenging, and that is probably why I like it so much. Sorry I cannot give you an overview, but I'll help with any play situations you post. Or you can email me at [email protected] I do have a NCAA to NFL differences document that another board poster sent me, but I have not had time to look thru it much. I know in lookig at some of the differences the exceptions to those rule differences were not covered.

Hey MJT, don't forget "the bridges"! ;-)

14 "hoppers" encompass the 34 page penalty enforcement hopperbook.

Can I buy that book anywhere?

My opinion is that Ed is the best official in the NFL. Having learned that he was created this Hopperbook, it is clear that he sees the bigger picture when it comes to officiating.

I think he will be a Director of Officials at some point. He's what 50 right now? Say he's on field for another 5 years, which is 20 in total I believe, then move on to the DoO position. I also guess that means that Mike P has 5 years left. ;)