Punt Return Penalty

[Robert Goodman]

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel

Apparently, because there is no rush, the league felt it was an unfair advantage to allow the receiving team to drop back enough players to form a wall/wedge.

In our case it's not that, because neither team is allowed to cross their line of scrimmage, and the ball is dead where it comes into any player's possession, the spot being the farthest point toward R's end the ball was touched at (if no touchback). I tell our players spread out to field the ball that knocking it forward is as good as catching it. They just want to limit the number of players we have back there to make them cover more of the field each.

[MikeStrybel]

Originally Posted by Robert Goodman

In our case it's not that, because neither team is allowed to cross their line of scrimmage, and the ball is dead where it comes into any player's possession, the spot being the farthest point toward R's end the ball was touched at (if no touchback). I tell our players spread out to field the ball that knocking it forward is as good as catching it. They just want to limit the number of players we have back there to make them cover more of the field each.

Here is part of what I received from a rule interpreter this morning.

Mike, your question was addressed a few years ago when the rule was changed to prohibit the rush of a punter at FW level ball. It is felt that since the defense cannot move until the ball is kicked, the receiving team will present a dangerous situation by presenting a static wall or wedge. Limiting the number of receivers also limits the likelihood of full speed collisions, much like what the NFL is doing by moving up the kickoff line.

He added

With regards to the assessment of penalty, it was misapplied. At FW ball, the play should never have begun. Adjusting the players during this illegal formation has been discussed with officiating crews many times. We may have to do it again. I hope this helps and good luck in the playoffs.

[ajmc]

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel

Here is part of what I received from a rule interpreter this morning.

You might suggest, to your interpreter, explaining the logic behind this and every "local" rule as points of emphasis to your coaches, might reduce the number of times you need to deal with it with officials.

[MikeStrybel]

Originally Posted by ajmc

You might suggest, to your interpreter, explaining the logic behind this and every "local" rule as points of emphasis to your coaches, might reduce the number of times you need to deal with it with officials.

You read my mind! My response email said that very thing. Coaches need to be aware and officials consistent and informed.

[Rich]

I believe that if I'm going to take the money of a program, it's up to me to know the rules.

Youth football programs have added so many local rules that the game (in some instances) hardly resembles football.

I'd rather stay home.

At least with your league, it sounds like if I asked for the rules in advance, I could get them.

Not the same everywhere and that's what's frustrating, as if those little stickers on the helmet should tell me that the player can't run the ball or that the line backs have to be 4 yards off the line. Why would I know such things when nobody provides written copies of the rules?

[CT1]

Originally Posted by RichMSN

Why would I know such things when nobody provides written copies of the rules?

Or they change them mid-season & forget to notify us.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by RichMSN

Not the same everywhere and that's what's frustrating, as if those little stickers on the helmet should tell me that the player can't run the ball or that the line backs have to be 4 yards off the line. Why would I know such things when nobody provides written copies of the rules?

It is also not like everyone that works a game at one of these leagues is working a game normally in that league. It is not totally surprising that a day before or the night before someone is asked to cover one of these games. It is possible that officials did not even know anything about a local rule or knew there something they needed to address. It is usually when you get to the field or get to that situation and then you find out there is some special rule you have to enforce.

Peace

[Rich]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

It is also not like everyone that works a game at one of these leagues is working a game normally in that league. It is not totally surprising that a day before or the night before someone is asked to cover one of these games. It is possible that officials did not even know anything about a local rule or knew there something they needed to address. It is usually when you get to the field or get to that situation and then you find out there is some special rule you have to enforce.

Peace

Which is why it doesn't bother me at all when I miss one of these weird rules. I do the best I can, but if they think I can see if a LB is 4 yards off or 3 yards off with 3 officials on the field, they're crazy.

Typical "let's make up rules for the good of the kids" stupidity. Reminds me of all the house rules that local Little Leagues try to put in place and then complain when we don't enforce them in the tournament.

This is why I *rarely* work youth games and only if they're close to the house and the teams are really desperate.

[bcl1127]

What your interp said about the play not starting is what I was mentioning earlier. I don't care if it is week 1 or the champ games with this level I would make sure that they are 100% lined up correctly on these punts rather than throw a flag...

[MikeStrybel]

I agree and mentioned it earlier. Thanks again for noting how being proactive at this level will help keep these players around for football in the future. Enjoy your games this weekend.

Mike