Proper spot and down?

[Robert Goodman]

Originally Posted by oncelost77

How many times on an on-side kick, fumble, etc... have you seen someone that you thought clearly had the ball but when the "digger" clears everyone out, he doesn't?

Happens all the time, but how do you know he didn't lose the ball after it was dead?

I can say that I have seen this a lot, at all levels, and that is why we don't give it to the guy who looks like he has it. I teach my players to wrap it up on the bottom of a pile and hold on for dear life. If someone takes it from them under the pile, then they didn't really have it or they are just too weak and don't deserve it.

Then what you're saying is to keep grabbing for the ball while officials are trying to sort it out.

[oncelost77]

Originally Posted by Robert Goodman

Happens all the time, but how do you know he didn't lose the ball after it was dead?

Then what you're saying is to keep grabbing for the ball while officials are trying to sort it out.

When it doubt, it is a fumble. So, if I'm not positive that someone has it, I won't signal until I dig the pile. Yes, keep fighting for the ball if you can but don't pile on. If we have a 6-man scum, I pick them off one at a time. If I reach in and feel/see that you don't have it, I say, " you're out #25." I keep going until I know. I've never thrown a flag for two guys on bottom of the pile still going for it. But when I say you are off, then you are off. If you don't clear off, that is where the USC comes in. I'm a coach and a referee. So, I got two dogs in this fight and I want them both to win.