Opinions on this?

[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!