Saluting

[a4caster]

We had a game last night (yes, Tuesday night Varsity, long story) where the home team's band was placed behind the end zone about 10 yds. The issue came when the home team scored and made a simple salute towards their band. Now, the first time they did it, the player was surrounded by teammates, and only the far wing caught a glimpse (it did make the highlight reel on the evening news) so was not penalized first time. We notified coach, and I never saw it again, but that doesn't mean it didn't happen.

Here's the debate: Is this really taunting? It's focused towards their team, nothing extravagant, no more than a second. The argument was that it's seen on Sunday, so nip it in the bud. You also see running the kickoff out of the end zone, are we allowing that, too? My personal preference is if it does not bring excessive attention to oneself and does not focus towards the other team, let it go. However, if it gets too showy, then proceed with the USC.

Any opinions? This is why we discuss these things.

[FredFan7]

I wouldn't flag in this instance. It was directed at their own fans and did not taunt the opponets. I might tell the coach, "make sure it's directed at the fans and is not prolonged." Now, if the player did some drawn out Terrel Owens type of "salute" to the fans, I'd flag it.

Running through the end zone for a kickoff? As long as they avoid contact with opponets after the whistle sounds and don't taunt I'd ignore this. The players want to burn energy running 70 yards through the endzone? So be it.

[JRutledge]

We have to allow some celebration. I guess I would have to see it to call it. I might just simply talk to the kid to that they do not get out of hand. But if it is something very quick to their teammate, I could see not calling anything this situation. The problem is that most of the time it is obviously out of hand from kids of HS age.

Peace

[waltjp]

FED wants this penalized. The following is from the Points of Emphasis, pgs 87 and 88.

FED POE - Examples of dead-ball unsportsmanlike acts after scoring and certain offensive/defensive plays are, but not limited to:

• Diving into the end zone when uncontested by an opponent.
• One or more back flips.
• Jump shooting a football.
• Dunking or attempting to dunk a football over the crossbar.
• Interacting with spectators.
• Bringing attention to oneself through choreographed movements and displays of symbolic gestures and signs. Standing with crossed arms on chest.
• Strutting back and forth.

Celebrations should be spontaneous and shared with teammates.

[ABO77]

When it comes to Celebrations, it's always a HTBT judgement call. What if the player waved to the spectators...pumped his fist in the air or pointed to a group of fans of his team. In black n' white it's USC according to the Fed 's POE. But all the actions mentioned above including the salute, can be done in different ways....some of them in good taste...others clearly USC.

IMO, when in doubt...its a no call.

[MJT]

Originally Posted by ABO77

When it comes to Celebrations, it's always a HTBT judgement call. What if the player waved to the spectators...pumped his fist in the air or pointed to a group of fans of his team. In black n' white it's USC according to the Fed 's POE. But all the actions mentioned above including the salute, can be done in different ways....some of them in good taste...others clearly USC.

IMO, when in doubt...its a no call.

I totally agree. You HTBT cuz some are in good taste and some are not.