Where is the TEE???

[BktBallRef]

Originally posted by JimNayzium

Could a referee witness an entirely new play that he deems unsportsmanlike just "because?"

Yes, he can. That's we study the Rule Book and Case Book so hard. Many coaches who are unable to line up and play smash mouth football are constantly looking for ways to deceive their opponent. They will push the envelope until a play is ruled illegal.

It seems this puts the judgement entirely into the refs hands. Why do we even have the NF rulebook if we have to have the casebook also. No doubt I am in the process of getting the casebook, but I know I will be the only coach that uses it regularly.

You're probably also the only coach that uses the rule book regularly.

We have the Case Book because everyting can't be covered in the Rule Book. If the NF attempted to cover every possible situation in the Rule Book, it would be the size of a dictionary. Anyone studying the rules must also study the Case Book to effectively understand and interpret them.

Allow me to make a comparison. Ever read a passage in the Bible and wonder what it meant? That's when you go to a Commentary for an interpretation. The Rule Book and Case Book are no different.