Backward pass

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by bisonlj

I agree with you JRut. Nobody is probably watching you including the other officials. I think the main justification for doing this is when reviewing video. Showing the punch will tell everyone you had a backward pass at the time before you knew there would be a second pass. Without the punch, if you allow the second pass, it could be perceived that you were guessing. That doesn't mean you have to punch it but could help after the fact with selling what you called. If the coaches do happen to notice it when it happens, that's a bonus.

What if you punch back and someone on the crew rules the play incomplete? That is much more of a likely scenario than worrying about two passes. Or what if you rule the pass forward and the tape shows it was backward?

I think we worry too much about what someone might think rather than just calling the play as you see it.

Peace