Florida/'Bama
 

Okay, I was listening to the SEC game on the radio this afternoon, and they talked about the "Sideline Interference " call that pushed FL away (temporarily) from the endzone on a scoring drive.

What is that?

In this case it was 4 coaches on the field.

Yep, and some were as far as 5 yards (my estimate) onto the field. Pretty easy call. The TV color guy didn't like it, but he knew it was the rule.

Actually it was not handled correxctly by rule. The coaches were on the field in a dead ball interval. Now that is not permitted but it is generally disregarded as long as they are off by the snap. If yu are going to flag them for being on in the dead ball interval then it is a 15 yarder for unsportysmanlike conduct They went with sideline interference which is only a foul if it happens when ball is live.

Sounds like an odd combination of strict enforcement of the wrong foul for the sake of a lesser penalty.

On the contrary, it seemed like a perfect application and a judicious use of common sense to get a needed point across at a critical situation. After a momentary, obligatory, "What did we do wrong" posturing, the Florida coaching staff quickly accepted their improper, obvious display of over excitement, and accepted their fate.

Perhaps, technically the application of rule was slightly adjusted, but the punishment selected more appropriately fit the infraction, and the situation along the lines of plea bargaining.

However, the entire game was well played on both sides and the crew of officials appeared non exisrent, which we all know is the ultimate objective.

Game well played, job well done.

Radio guy didn't like it either, so I figured it was a good call. Thanks for the info, I was wondering what happened.

Good thing FL scored, or ESPN guys would be having heart attacks over the over-zealous officials trying to make a name for themselves.

NCAA eliminated sideline warnings. Gary Danielson knew the rule instantly but still harped about it. Basically he wanted no call at all.

While I don't know the rule or its enforcement, I did watch the game.

Danielson did a good job I thought. Knew the rule, said it was the right call, and said he thought it was a bad rule. Didn't kick the refs over it. Just kicked the rule.

All season I haven't heard him say one stupid thing... most of the time he agrees with the judgment calls and always clarifies confusing calls with the correct rule (like illegal formation, illegal shift, multiple enforcements, etc.)

He could replace that hack Dan Fouts any day.

I saw it, too. I was surprised by the application of the rule at that point but I agreed with the enforcement that they did. Good job of applying common sense.

So officials just get to decide what the penalty for a specific foul should be as they go now, are you think that is a good idea?

Actually, the real goal is to officiate the game properly.

Excuse me "grasshopper" but the REAl real goal is to manage and control the game properly, insuring the rules are applied appropriately so that neither team gains an unfair or unearned advantage as inconspicuously as possible without becoming a nusince or a factor in it's outcome.

Knowing the rules is extremely important, but not nearly as much as understanding how and when to apply them. Sometimes being precise isn't always all it's cracked up to be and common sense is a necessary tool.

I dunno. The best answer yet to "why did you do that?" is: "That's the rule, coach (supervisor, etc.)"

I looked at it and said, "Okay, yeah, that makes sense." I didn't know there was no warning anymore. Kudos to Danielson for knowing. (And I went to Florida.)

They did miss about four face mask calls, though.

Which can be summed up in 5 words as "officiate the game properly".

Why are you all about this hiding stuff? Sometimes the official must stand out.

Everything the officials do the entire game effects the outcome. It is naive to believe that result could have been exactly the same with different officials.

If I was the opposing coach I would have requested a conference with the referee regarding what foul was just called. How does the referee justify your "common sense" ruling?

Don't remember the plays you're referring to, but you do realize they eliminated the 5 yard facemask in college, right? A simple grasp and release is not a foul any longer.

I know. I was talking about the guy's head turning. One was on a kickoff return, IIRC. I'd have to check the tape.

I did not get to see the game, but was told there was a problem with the play clock starting early on the play. Were the coaches trying to either get the officials' attention to point out the problem or get the players' attention to get them to hurry up? I guess my question is, had they been out there all game or were they out there in this situation because of a play clock problem?

There was A situation with the play clock, but I don't recall if it was on that play or not.

I believe the coaches came out onto the field after a score or a first down or other big play. Hey, it's been like three days, I can't remember this stuff. :)

Prediction - there will be a rule change next season that essentially validates what was done this year as correct, even though, by current rule, it is not. Texas put the word out prior to the season beginning that the sideline rule could be handled as a dead ball foul (even though rule says it is not) The fact it is also penalized as a dead ball foul will make it even easier to justify just changing the rule wording a little bit.

Video of the call:

YouTube - Sideline Interference


From Florida Gators Country Football Meyer relieved when BCS picks Gators

Meyer picked up the first penalty of his coaching career Saturday night against Alabama in the fourth quarter. With the Gators leading 24-20 and the ball an inch away from the Alabama goal, Florida was flagged for sideline interference by side judge Chris Conley. From second and goal an inch away, the ball was moved back five yards and it could have contributed to a different final outcome if Tim Tebow hadn’t connected with Riley Cooper for a touchdown pass on third down and goal.

“That was wrong,” said Meyer, who voiced his displeasure with the call in his post game remarks. “I need an answer for that one.”

Meyer explained what was going on when he got called for the penalty.

“What happened was one of their players kicked the ball,” said Meyer. “One of their players ran through our formation --- they had 12 people on the field --- and the guy kicked the ball and the official stops the clock and the referee --- I thought he did a great job throughout the game just handling the game --- resets the clock and they stop the game. Phil Trautwein and our offense, they start walking toward me. They thought it was a time out. As they’re resetting the clock so we have a time issue. I’m 35 yards away and the ball is on the one inch line or foot line going in. I’m saying, ‘Get back in there! Get back in there!’ I start walking back and someone says there’s a flag and I thought delay of game. I said delay of game? And that’s what the call was.

“Major implications in that game. Four point lead and 35 yards away from what’s going on. … I’m on the 30 yard line and that ball is on the one-foot line. There was a mechanical procedural, resetting the clock and with a noisy stadium they couldn’t hear.”

Meyer implied that he is taking the penalty up with the SEC office, saying, “We’re addressing it.”