9 Yd Marks and a Spread Offense

[l3will]

Here in MN the state organization is also using the conference on the sideline during a timeout as their example. They want it flagged if after the timeout everyone doesn't come inside between the nine yard marks. Guess some of the observers here saw examples of this and the flag was not thrown.

I now include the discussion of this situation in my pregrame discussion with both coaches.

The state wants the no-huddle hurry up situation called too.
They want any wideout to move out beyond the 9 yd. mark after
the RFP.

[SoGARef]

As an ole timer who has mellowed with age and also bruises easier with age I have on several occasions this season told a player to step inside the numbers or 9-yard marks. I also think this rule is petty and would be used by a technical offical as opposed to a practical official. I also make sure that I tell the QB to allow his man to get set.

[actmiller]

Absolutely nothing wrong with preventative officiating. I appreciate your remarks.

[BulldogMcC]

Originally posted by SoGARef
As an ole timer who has mellowed with age and also bruises easier with age I have on several occasions this season told a player to step inside the numbers or 9-yard marks. I also think this rule is petty and would be used by a technical offical as opposed to a practical official. I also make sure that I tell the QB to allow his man to get set.

I agree that enforcing it when A is covered seems petty, but I can also see the state associations point about insuring it is called consitently in all the games. Hopefully, commen sense will prevail, but if my ability to get play off games depends on whether I enforce a petty rule the teams have been warned will be strictly adhered too, I think it puts me in a position where I will try preventive officating to avoid it but will call it when it occurs.

[grantsrc]

Originally posted by l3will
Here in MN the state organization is also using the conference on the sideline during a timeout as their example. They want it flagged if after the timeout everyone doesn't come inside between the nine yard marks. Guess some of the observers here saw examples of this and the flag was not thrown.

I now include the discussion of this situation in my pregrame discussion with both coaches.

The state wants the no-huddle hurry up situation called too.
They want any wideout to move out beyond the 9 yd. mark after
the RFP.

Where you from in the great white north? I grew up in Roseville. Just curious.

[Ed Hickland]

Originally posted by actmiller
If B is not deceived and A gains no advantage - no flag. Sweet and simple. The thread that compared this with 6 men on the line in incorrect. 6-men on the line gives A a distinct advantage because they now potentially have 7 eligible receivers instead of 6 which will totally confuse B as to who they are to cover. This rule was changed to be more in line with NCAA. NCAA doesn't have a problem with the rule and they don't flag it when B is not being deceived. When was the last time you saw that one flagged on National TV?

The NFL has the same rule and it was enforced in the Miami-Cleveland game late last season.

I personally like the rule. The old rule was impossible to enforce consistently. The spirit of the rule is intended for just that spread offense at the end of the game when some offensive player steps a yard on the field and goes unnoticed until he catches a pass downfield for a winning touchdown.

Not being inside the numbers does give the offense an advantage.