Rule 1, The Forgotten Rule

[TxJim]

Over the bowls, I've seen a number of occations where the officials fail (or choose not) to enforce NCAA Rule 1. Mostly, Ive see towels of non-regulation size, or on ineliglble players or on too many players simultaneously.

If you get a chance to re-watch the Ohio State vs Michigan game from November, see if you can catch all the towels on Ohio State at any one time.

Now comes tonight.

If you are watching he Sugar Bowl, how many different socks have you seen Notre Dame wearing? Ive seen at least three on the field at the same time.

Failure to wear mandatory equipment from the NCAA rulebook page FR-31:
"Rule 1-1-4-h All squad members must wear visible socks or leg coverings that are identical in color, design and length (Exceptions: Unaltered knee braces, tape or a bandage to protect or prevent an injury, and barefoot kickers)"

"If a player is not wearing mandatory equipment in compliance in all
respects with Rule 1-4-4, the team shall be charged a timeout and the player shall not be permitted to play until he complies."

Some may think this is petty to bring up. but its in the rulebook for a reason. Its not our option to enforce the rules as we choose, but it sure seems to me Rule 1 is a rule that sure seems mostly forgotten by many officials.

[MJT]

I commented in the chat room how many of the receivers and DB's are leaving one chin strap undone, like the NFL players. Nothing done about that either. It will trickle down to the HS guys just like the bicep bands and cause problems for us.

[ljudge]

Originally Posted by MJT

I commented in the chat room how many of the receivers and DB's are leaving one chin strap undone, like the NFL players. Nothing done about that either. It will trickle down to the HS guys just like the bicep bands and cause problems for us.

My high school crew is all over this crap like a cheap suit. We get more rolling of the eyes by coaches and players when we make them remove the bicep bands. And, we all know in Philly that McNabb always leaves two chin straps undone. So my reply to QB's is something "Yo, Donovan get the chin strap buckled --- this ain't the NFL." The kids know I'm sort of kidding with the McNabb remark but they know I'm serious and never give me any crap. I usually get a grin and they comply but they get annoyed with us enforcing the bicep band.

Unfortunately, many (including other officials) will criticize crews of worrying about the "wrong things" when all they're really doing is their jobs. We're screwing each other as officials if some let it go and some not, and that's unfortunate. (just like some crews allowing coaches on the field)

[waltjp]

Originally Posted by ljudge

And, we all know in Philly that McNabb always leaves two chin straps undone. So my reply to QB's is something "Yo, Donovan get the chin strap buckled --- this ain't the NFL."

I thought Andy Reid told us he'd speak to Donovan about his chin strap.

[Warrenkicker]

My brother is sort of an idealist which would cause him a lot of problems if he ever tried to officiate but he has an idea which may work here at the higher levels. When you see a chin strap undone you just go up to the player and ask him if he wants it snapped. If he says no then pull out a scissors and cut it off. There doesn't appear to be any requirement for a 4-point chin strap in the NFL so if you aren't going to use a piece of equipment, get rid of it.

[Rick KY]

First, do you carry a scissors on the field? Second, the NFHS does have a 4 point chin strap requirement, and all 4 snaps need to be snapped.

[ljudge]

Originally Posted by waltjp

I thought Andy Reid told us he'd speak to Donovan about his chin strap.

Coach Reid did say that didn't he? I wished I knew exactly what Andy was thinking when he was asked that question in the Q&A part of our meeting.

Imagine if that was really said to a player. I'd love to be a fly on the wall if it was Parcells saying that to T.O.

[waltjp]

Originally Posted by ljudge

Coach Reid did say that didn't he? I wished I knew exactly what Andy was thinking when he was asked that question in the Q&A part of our meeting.

Imagine if that was really said to a player. I'd love to be a fly on the wall if it was Parcells saying that to T.O.

As I recall, after stating that he doesn't pay much attention to McNabb's chin strap Reid sarcastically added, "I'll mention it to him."

[Forksref]

Originally Posted by waltjp

I thought Andy Reid told us he'd speak to Donovan about his chin strap.

Chin straps need not be secured while the player is in the training room.