Pet Peeves - Federation

[cowbyfan1]

Actually the cosmetic contact can keep us from properly seeng the eyes. I called a JV game last season and the player had cat eyes styled cosmetic lenses in. Looked cool but I could not tell you what color his eyes were. While part of the reason for the clear mask is to see the face it is also to see the eyes to see if the player is suffering from a concussion and is dazed.

[Middleman]

I'll stick my 2-cents worth in here. The change you propose is inaccurate, and does not convey the intent of the rule. The rule, as written, is correct when all fouls are enforced properly.

Consider this: As you would have the rule reworded, unsportsmanlike acts by B and dead-ball fouls by A would be ignored.

Second and 5 from midfield is stopped short of the line-to-gain. After the ball is clearly dead, A62 throws B55 to the ground and pounces on him. B55 retaliates by punching A62. Two dead ball fouls. Enforced by existing rule, the ball would remain essentially where it became dead (15 back, 15 up), third down. By your change, considering only the dead ball foul by B, there would be a first down. If you then enforce the dead ball foul by A, which you cannot ignore, it would be first and ten from the dead ball spot instedad of third and short.

As for your other change, same scenario. Linebacker B55 stuffs A36 for a short loss. As he unpiles, he gets in A36's face and is flagged for taunting, an unsportsmanlike act. A36 gets up and says, "Oh, yeh ... well, F*** you too" giving him the mid-finger salute. Two unsportsmanlike acts. Ignoring the UC by B until after the enforcement of A's foul denies A of a first down.

The rule is correct as is. Proper knowledge and enforcement of dead ball and unsportsmanlike fouls will result in the correct placement of the ball and declaring a new series appropriately.