Forum for Officials on A-11 Offense Now Open

[Mike L]

Originally Posted by JugglingReferee

As for the definition of obvious, I think you seem to believe that there is this reality that exists above the freedom that we all have to define what obvious is.

Again, what has the NCAA defined as obvious as it relates to kicking situations? Without a definition, it seems that obvious to one person has no relation to obvious to another.

Actually, I believe one of the downfalls of society today is the belief words can be defined in anyway one chooses to fit their situation. And I also do not see any great need for the NCAA to have to define in the rulebook what every word in the English language means. Obvious, per Websters means "easily discovered, seen, or understood". I would think the NCAA would probably agree with that definition. As with many such rules, it will depend on what the individual officials think regarding this situation and its obviousness. I continue to submit that in the examples I previously posted, it is far from obvious a kick will be attempted.

[JugglingReferee]

Originally Posted by Mike L

Actually, I believe one of the downfalls of society today is the belief words can be defined in anyway one chooses to fit their situation.

This I agree with as a general rule.

Originally Posted by Mike L

As with many such rules, it will depend on what the individual officials think regarding this situation and its obviousness.

I don't like this. It's treading too much into coaching philosphy for my liking.

Originally Posted by Mike L

I continue to submit that in the examples I previously posted, it is far from obvious a kick will be attempted.

Say it's 4th and 20 - an obvious kicking situation right? 4th and 10? 9? 8? 7? 6? 5? Where do I stop? I bet it depends on the team, made up of a hundred different elements. For each official to decide what obvious is does a disservice to the team's abilities and strengths.

[Bob M.]

REPLY:

By the way, here's what I've dug up from the Federation side of things:
1976 - the numbering rule was added to (1) require five numbered 50-79 on the line, and (2) ensure that eligible receivers would only be wearing 1-49 and 80-99. Prior to this if a #77 was on the end of the line, he was eligible by rule
1982 - The numbering exception was added so that skill players on the punting team would no longer have to wear those pull-over 'pennies' with 50-79 numbers on them. But it still required any exceptions to report in to the umpire.
1983 - Requirement to reportto umpire is removed.