Question for the white hats.

[hawkishowl20]

Thanks,
I know thats why we get the big bucks, but I like to be able to explain my judgment process to other people without saying my judgment says so.

ticky tac:
So, if the ball carrier can't/doesn't score, yet is far away can you call this?

[Jim D]

Originally Posted by hawkishowl20

Thanks,
I know thats why we get the big bucks, but I like to be able to explain my judgment process to other people without saying my judgment says so.

ticky tac:
So, if the ball carrier can't/doesn't score, yet is far away can you call this?

I can't give you a hard yardage answer. Just tell the coach the player who was blocked was well out of the play and the hit was totally unnecessary.

[mikesears]

Originally Posted by hawkishowl20

That is what I remembered. I guess I was hoping their was some guideline as to what obviously out of the play is. 10 yards from ball? 15? 20? Behind the ball? In front of? I know this is ticky tac, but I’m curious as to what others think it is.

I know this is ridiculous, but you could interrupt “out of the play” as virtually impossible because they are on a football field during a “play.” That is what the old and masochistic coaches think. I don’t know the guideline as to what that definition is, I can only guess… which I try to eliminate by asking questions.

The majority of these will jump out at you if you are being a good clean-up official. You will see the player carrying the brick and targetting an unsuspecting opponent.

A player who is either jogging downfield without a care as to where the ball is or a player standing still watching the ball are often targeted for this kind of illegal hit. However, those aren't the only two that can be fouled. A player in chase mode who is losing ground to the runner and more of an observer can also be fouled if you judge him to be "out of the play". The first two should be easy to get. The third one is more difficult.

[OverAndBack]

Judgment. Takes time to hone one's judgment in this game. Often there aren't hard and fast rules. Sometimes there are. Sometimes it's a matter of one guy might say 20 yards isn't enough and another might say the guy has given himself up so it was just totally unnecessary and he's flagging it.

[Bob M.]

Originally Posted by Jim D

If a player can't possibly get to the ball carrier ...

REPLY: Or if he isn't trying to.

[Bob M.]

Originally Posted by hawkishowl20

Thanks,
...So, if the ball carrier can't/doesn't score, yet is far away can you call this?

REPLY: Absolutely.