Obstruction mechanic

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally posted by Dakota


Question 1:
The delayed dead ball signal when obstruction is seen means:
1) I saw a violation and I have more to say once the play concludes, or
2) I saw a violation and the runner is protected as long as my arm is out.

Both, but don't read into it that the runner isn't protected should I happen to drop the arm 'cause that isn't what was asked.

Question 2:
When I drop my arm it means:
1) I have kept the signal visible long enough for everyone to see it, or
2) The runner is no longer protected and is not in jeopardy.

1 Yes
2 Maybe, maybe not. Cannot tell because the statement seems contradictory. How can a once-obstructed, unprotected runner no longer be in jeopardy?

I have always used the mechanic according to both answers 1). My reasoning is that,
a) It is clumsy to be running around the field with a wing flapping, and
b) I can't always tell how far the runner will be protected until the play concludes, and it depends in part on how the defense makes plays for the rest of the play.

What do the rest of you do? Why?

If I can keep it out without looking like a one-armed bird, I will as a matter of courtesy. If movement toward any play causes me to drop it, that does not mean the runner isn't protected. However, if I do have the arm raised, that runner is protected save an act of interference.

[Edited by IRISHMAFIA on Oct 8th, 2003 at 12:58 PM]