Holding away from point of attack

[sloth]

It took me a little time to adopt this sort of "selective" foul calling. It makes sense if you view to role of the official as a game manager and not a rules enforcer.

The reason holding is an issue (when not a safety factor as in a takedown sort of hold) is that the holer is putting the holdee at a disadvantage. If the holdee was not anywhere near the play and thus not a factor to effect the outcome, does the hold really matter?

Its the same way with DPI away from the catch. We are now instructed (by NFHS in the rule and case books) not to flag DPI that is clearly away from the reciever catching the pass.

Its tough and it takes getting used to not calling something obvious...espically when a coach is all up on you for "missing" the obvious hold that everyone saw. But, like I said, after a lot of mental debate and discussions with other officials...I think it really is a good thing for the game.