Opinions on this?

[Robert Goodman]

Originally Posted by Mike L

Who the heck makes a couple of "hi-lite" films of an 8 year old to be posted on UTube? I mean really.

The same people who post videos of their children doing anything. It's mostly a convenient host for geographically distant friends & family. I'm sure they're not seeking to be scouted! I can't watch the videos from here, but if it they look like those of a high school player seeking to be scouted, that's just part of the gag that says, "See, we can do this just like they do for grown-ups."-- which gag is repeated in tons of non-sports videos on YouTube.

Robert in the Bronx

[dumbref]

I’m drafting #51. He doesn’t fire off the ball very well, but he is in a bad mood when he gets there.

[jaybird]

:d

[Texas Aggie]

Officials who are often working these games are not varsity officials in the first place.

Around here, it can be harder to break into peewee than it is to work HS, even varsity in some cases. I think I worked my first HS varsity game the Friday night before my first (and only) peewee Sat. games. I had an opportunity to fill in the year before (my first) but couldn't. Not that I tried real hard to get in, but for some guys it takes asking several PW assignors.

[gd191]

In answer to your specific question. The first block at 0:52 by #51 is legal. The blocked player ,once down, attempted to get back up, and as far as #51 knew, would influence the play. As an official, seeing this from the flank (not pinched in so much) and knowing what has occurred, I would simply watch #51 to see how he continues to block. Maybe talk to him. This is after all 8yr old football, our first job, not being a coach, but as an official/adult is to encourage fair play and sportsmanship. If he continues to block in this manner which could be construed as not necessary, talk to his coach, then the player, lastly flag him.
The second block is indeed a flag, not real thought there, flag it. If the player or coach needs an explanation, talk to them.
As for the critique on the officials, well... that was not was billgates51 asked, so why comment on this? But since it was brought up in further discussion, I'll comment too:-) since we do not know these officials, their experience level, their local mechanics etc, none of us can really comment on them specifically. Rather I think the comment directed to them is generally about the mechanics. Did they pinch in too tight, yeah probably? Does it seem kind of "lazy"…. matter of opinion, yeah maybe. But I know after my 6th game of Saturday youth football, I am ready to go home, while I try to give each game my all, I’m kind of tired too.

By the way, this is a very valuable resource for officiating questions. I have seen very good arguments pro and con on many good questions. While I myself have some years officiating under my belt, I value reading others inputs, views, interpretations. I am glad I found this forum.
By the way my favorite Saturday morning answer to pain in the butt coach is "Yeah coach I saw it, you got nothing"

Happy conditioning folks! Have a great 09-10 season.

[billgates51]

Thanks to all for the responses. My goal in posing the questions was to get an unbiased point of view on whether my Son's blocking was "unsportsmanlike." I received a comment that my Son (#51) needed to receive better coaching in sportsmanship because he blocked players that were already on the ground. While no flags were thrown on any of the plays, I agree that the officials involved are probably not ready for the NFL just yet.

My Son has been coached to be aggressive, and play to the whistle. I have told him (perhaps wrongly) it is legal and advisable to continue to block players that have been knocked to the ground to prevent them from getting back into the play. While the highlights were put together to make him look “beastly”, he is a good kid and is not looking to injure anyone. Interestingly, I have received several comments from other coaches who really liked this type of aggressive play, and asked how it was developed. His coaches are very pleased with his level of play and aggressiveness.

That said, I understand the need to cut out unnecessary stuff that could lead to flags or escalate. i.e. while it's hard to see because of the angle, 31 actually kicks 51 in the “berries” after being knocked down at :56. While both were seen by the white hat, nothing was said about the hit or kick.

As someone surmised, I created the highlight videos on youtube so geographically dispersed friends and relatives could see them, not for any other reason. That said, my 529 has really taken a beating so if anyone knows of any college coaches that would be interested in extending a scholarship offer to a 9 year old who is willing to work hard.... ;-)

Once again thanks for the comments. You have a cool forum here.

[bisonlj]

Originally Posted by billgates51

My Son has been coached to be aggressive, and play to the whistle.

You may hear this from others but this comment makes most officials cringe. I understand the concept that you are encouraging the players to play to the end of the play. But if you teach a player to play specifically to the whistle, you are going to get him in trouble.

I forget the exact number but there are like 40 ways for a play to end and a whistle is only one of them and it's not good (inadvertent whistle). For example, the play is over as soon as the pass is incomplete or the runner's knee touches the ground, not when the subsequent whistle blows. As I work up to higher levels I'm leaning that whistles are used less and less. If a player only stops when he hears a whistle, he is likely to eventually get penalized for a personal foul for hitting after the play is over.

I admire your pride for your son and wanting him to improve! I wish him the best of luck as he advances in his career!