mechanic question: dead ball vs. down indication

[Ed Hickland]

Originally Posted by Robert Goodman

This is funny because at one time (before the current rules re the play clock) it was only in H.S. games (some Fed, some not) that I saw such a signal routinely given. I'm sure it's appreciated by deaf players. It's the oldest signal in football.

What happened to the live ball possession signal? Used to be that when the ball was turned over during a down, and at other times when there might be confusion over possession, officials would immediately point toward the attacking end line. Of course that was at a time when there was a big difference between what the offense and defense could do with their hands. It was distinguished from a "new series" signal by its absence of the opposite hand pointing straight up with 1 finger.

Robert in the Bronx

The dead ball signal dates back to the beginning of football as we know it. Originally, only the referee had a whistle. The other officials would give the dead ball signal and the R would blow the whistle.

[DesertZebra]

Originally Posted by Ed Hickland

The dead ball signal dates back to the beginning of football as we know it. Originally, only the referee had a whistle. The other officials would give the dead ball signal and the R would blow the whistle.

Wow, I did not know that. Thanks, Ed

[Texas Aggie]

I don't know about Mass., but Texas HS has not adopted the 40/25 clock rule. We use the 2005 timing rules and probably will indefinitely. However, our wings typically raise a hand to eye or possibly top of the head level (as opposed to straight up like a basketball official signaling a violation) with the next down. I'm not sure its an actual mechanic, but its something we've done for a while.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Texas Aggie

I don't know about Mass., but Texas HS has not adopted the 40/25 clock rule. We use the 2005 timing rules and probably will indefinitely. However, our wings typically raise a hand to eye or possibly top of the head level (as opposed to straight up like a basketball official signaling a violation) with the next down. I'm not sure its an actual mechanic, but its something we've done for a while.

The rest of the country has not adopted those rules, because the rest of the country does not use NCAA rules.

I also do not see the NF adopt such a rule unless the play clock on the field becomes a common thing. Unless something changes in the country financially, there will be no such rule in the NF level.

Peace