Helping the runner??

[Rock Chalk]

The first part is illegal formation. They only have 6 on the LOS. Question for you. Why does your U call this penalty? I'm on my 3 year as HL and have been taught that is the linemen's call. They are the ones looking across the line. Is this just the way your crew or assn. does it?

I think that is a great call for aiding the runner. Two hands into the runners back is an easy call. Much like Reggie Bush helping Mr. Linart.

[DrMooreReferee]

Originally Posted by Rock Chalk

The first part is illegal formation. They only have 6 on the LOS. Question for you. Why does your U call this penalty? I'm on my 3 year as HL and have been taught that is the linemen's call. They are the ones looking across the line. Is this just the way your crew or assn. does it?

I think that is a great call for aiding the runner. Two hands into the runners back is an easy call. Much like Reggie Bush helping Mr. Linart.

Well, in our assoc. the umpire is taught to look out at the wings and see their on/off signals. With this info, he can then make a judgement on how many we have on the line. But I always go over this in pre-game. I believe its a joint responsibility with the L,LJ and U all having a stake in it. I'll say this, the umpire calls this foul 99% of the time.

[jaybird]

Play 1- Our LOS officials are responsible for this and if there are not 7 on the LOS, both H and L will have a flag down. I can't imagine an Umpire being given this responsibility since he should be looking for 11 A players, 5 numbered 50-79 and focusing on the G-C-G.

Play 2- Good job by the L for getting the spot short of the GL.

Play 3- Legitimate helping the runner foul.

Good job, Doc. Thanks for sharing. Keep 'em coming.

[Bullycon]

What the heck was wrong with those announcers? Agreeing 100% with your helping the runner call? Has no one told them that they are supposed to be ignorant and accusatory when you call such a rare foul?

Count me in with those wondering why a U would ever call illegal formation for less than seven men on the line. Seems like a very easy thing for the L and LJ to call, allowing the U to keep his focus on the snapper, linemen and free blocking zone.

Good job on all three plays, though.

[bbcof83]

Your crew nailed all three calls. Regarding the assisting the runner: I bet the "elders" said something about how the guy was going to score no matter what, his linemen had a great push going and the assistance was not the reason he scored. But I say this is what that rule is intended for, good job.

As for the U calling illegal formation, I disagree and so does the NFHS Officials Manual:
UMPIRE
A. After the ball is spotted:

2. Check the following:

a. Number of A players
b. Five players numbered 50 through 79 on offensive line
c. Interference with the snap, a false start or encroachment
d. Disconcerting signals by B
e. Note position of ball between inbounds lines
f. Note B's players on the LOS in the FBZ

LINESMEN
A. After ball is spotted:

5. Check the following:

d. Minimum of seven offensive players on the LOS

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by Bullycon

What the heck was wrong with those announcers? Agreeing 100% with your helping the runner call? Has no one told them that they are supposed to be ignorant and accusatory when you call such a rare foul?

I was impressed that the announcers seemed to know the foul based on the preliminary signal. Maybe they had a signal chart in front of them...

[Forksref]

That U must have tremendous depth perception.

I've never heard of the U watching for that. As mentioned above, he should be worrying about G-C-G, snap infractions, etc.