No mans land??

[kd0254]

This is something, if you get a chance, you might be able to get taken care of in pregame. If when watching warm ups there are variations of formations that are illegal address it with the coach and describe to him the rule (if neccessary) so he either has a back or a person on the line, not both. I have found that 100% of the time coaches are very receptive to this and appreciate this "preventive officiating".

Not a rule reference, but when officiating anything we can address in this manner I think everyone is better off.

[With_Two_Flakes]

Back in the day (25 years ago) when I first started officiating, it was hammered into me - Don't ever call this, no-one ever calls it, it's a ticky-tack call. Stand a few inches to one side or the other to make him legal from your viewpoint and have a word with the kid after the play is over.

Is the general philosophy in the US nowadays to take it more seriously?

[ajmc]

Originally Posted by With_Two_Flakes

Back in the day (25 years ago) when I first started officiating, it was hammered into me - Don't ever call this, no-one ever calls it, it's a ticky-tack call. Stand a few inches to one side or the other to make him legal from your viewpoint and have a word with the kid after the play is over.

Is the general philosophy in the US nowadays to take it more seriously?

I don't know that it's EVER been a "Don't ever call this" situation, although I would agree it's always been a "Don't go hunting for", or "nitpick" type violation. As several mention above, this is the type situation a well placed word of advice or caution, to a coach or player, can accomplish a lot more lomger lasting good than a quick flag.

Even the best advice, or most valuable word of caution doesn't much matter until the person it's directed to decides to pay attention, and when all else fails a flag is a wonderful attention grabber.

[Welpe]

Originally Posted by With_Two_Flakes

Back in the day (25 years ago) when I first started officiating, it was hammered into me - Don't ever call this, no-one ever calls it, it's a ticky-tack call. Stand a few inches to one side or the other to make him legal from your viewpoint and have a word with the kid after the play is over.

Is the general philosophy in the US nowadays to take it more seriously?

I've always been taught to make 'em legal if at all possible and talk to afterwards and that we should only flag if it is a repeated problem.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by With_Two_Flakes

Back in the day (25 years ago) when I first started officiating, it was hammered into me - Don't ever call this, no-one ever calls it, it's a ticky-tack call. Stand a few inches to one side or the other to make him legal from your viewpoint and have a word with the kid after the play is over.

Is the general philosophy in the US nowadays to take it more seriously?

A few inches off is a "hey, don't do that". But if you see the defense confused, you'd better flag it.