But you act like them getting the ball is some great accomplishment. It was a punt, not a play where they got the ball with "clean hands." They are going to get another chance to get the ball back. And being closer then their own 35 is a real possibility in HS football in this situation if I am imagining where the ball would likely be kicked from.

Peace

Then most Referees that you know (including you) are going against the rules, and asking for trouble that can be easily avoided.

Most Referees that I know (including me) give options unless the choice is blatantly obvious.

Not me. When it comes to replaying a punt down, I'm definitely giving the coach the option of taking the ball, regardless of field location. I am going straight to the coach to give the options, though.

What rule does is say we must ask no matter what? And do you ask every time we have a false start or other dead ball fouls? I know many that think crews are crazy to even ask in those situations. Now maybe there is a standard you want to use and I am fine with that, but not much to ask here IMO and not something I really care if you ask or not ask. Actually I think some are making a bigger deal out of the options.

Also saying something is "blatantly obvious" is very subjective, it always will be by definition. And getting the ball at the 35 on your side of the field is not something I see many coaches wanting to do. And when I see a coach get upset over this, it will be a first.

If we are going to replay 4th and 1 or 4 and 5 I have no problem with asking R. But if we are replaying 4th and 20 or 4th and 25, different story.

Peace

Blatantly Obvious.....

Tie game 15 seconds remaining in the 4th quarter.
A's ball 4th and goal form B's 20 yard line.

While the ball is in the air on a forward pass, A81 commits offensive pass interference by pushing B34 to the ground in the end zone. After the push, A81 leaps to catch the ball, however, A81 does not maintain possession and drops the ball for an incomplete pass. The BJ, who threw the flag for the OPI informs the R of the foul and the result of the play which was an incomplete pass.

10-1-1.

Not if there's no option.

Then you should ask on EVERY foul where there's an option, shouldn't you?

Just admit you misspoke & let's move on.

I agree with asdf. I would also add that the assumption by Jeff that most would take the replay without much thought is likely faulty. I'd assume the opposite in fact. Unless declining the foul and keeping the ball puts the team in a disadvantageous situation (like the aforementioned "own 14"), MOST coaches are going to take the ball without a rekick. MOST coaches see the punt return as a risky play already - risky enough that they're going to keep the ball without a rekick most of the time. (Consider before numerous enforcement changes about 8 years back, how often coaches declined penalties against teams that were kicking off, solely because they'd just rather have the ball and be done with the return play rather than rekicking 5 yards back).

I agree that if an official were to simply set up to rekick - a lot of coaches will not know they had an option and think nothing of it. But I disagree that given that option it's a no-brainer that they would take the rekick.

Not to put words in his mouth, but I think Jeff agrees with that.

Where the two of you differ (and where I differ from Jeff) is whether THIS scenario is blatantly obvious.

Absolutely...

We don't know if R is having issues with returns, (blocking, catching, fumbling, penalties, injury to players...etc) therefore we actually may be putting them at a greater disadvantage than accepting the ball at their own x-yard line...

Not our job in this situation.

I do.

And I think this is a typical internet officiating conversation. I have never had this much debate on my crew or with other officials in person. It is a double foul, not rocket science. And it is not blatant unless I know the down and distance and game situation.

Peace

You would likely know that if you know something about the teams or if there are other situations in the game. And we also do not know if the punter is having good day that would also factor. Honestly I would consider many more things then just if they got the ball back anyway.

Peace

I get it....

You are right.... I am wrong.......


Time to move on.......

Interesting. I think what I do works for me. If you have to do something else as if your life depends on it, do that. Again, I do not have to work with you so it really makes no difference who is right or wrong. ;)

Peace

The coach best knows if his punt return team is worth a damn or not. Maybe they aren't or the kick returner has hands made of butter and that having the ball period is a good option for them.

The fouls don't offset automatically and the decision is not obvious so I'm giving them an option in this case.

There you go, all wrapped up in your own little universe. Maybe it doesn't make any difference in your game on that night.

But what about the crew that has that team next week? Or the week after? What are they to say when the coach says "The crew we had last week did it differently?"

That's why it makes a difference.