mechanic question: dead ball vs. down indication

[Robert Goodman]

I tell all sideline personnel never to turn their backs to the field while the game is on, but to backpedal with hands out front to protect themselves if play comes toward them.

Robert in the Bronx

[jaybird]

Originally Posted by Robert Goodman

I tell all sideline personnel never to turn their backs to the field while the game is on, but to backpedal with hands out front to protect themselves if play comes toward them.

Robert in the Bronx

Huh?
Protect themselves from what? I don't understand.
They should be backpedaling to the sideline after the ball is spotted, arriving about, or shortly after, the RFP.
Backpedaling with your hands out in front of yourself would be a pretty unnatural motion that would seem awkward at best.

[Robert Goodman]

Originally Posted by jaybird

Huh?
Protect themselves from what? I don't understand.
They should be backpedaling to the sideline after the ball is spotted, arriving about, or shortly after, the RFP.
Backpedaling with your hands out in front of yourself would be a pretty unnatural motion that would seem awkward at best.

"sideline personnel" != officials