Week 1 comments

Each week I will be posting comments here based on our own post-game reviews (and normally after seeing the DVD, although obviously not this week).

Week one had a number of points we'd like to raise, including the following:

• The Football Code. All players are expected to have read and understood this, and each Head Coach certifies before the game that they uphold it. Please note that all registered players, coaches and ancillary, are bound by this code and this includes outside a game itself. For example abusing players, coaches and officials from the grandstand is a clear contravention and must cease immediately. You are not "just a spectator" as I've had said to me before, you are a member and ambassador of the league and must act appropriately. This is not directed at just one team, as members of at least two teams in the stands were clearly heard from the field on Saturday.
• The Football Code part II. Calling out "Thanks " from the sideline when opponents have penalties assessed against them is unsportsmanlike and must cease - again two different teams had this on more than one occasion, even after being warned.
• Mouthguards. A couple of illegal ones have already been picked up, but checks will continue. Please ensure that they meet the rules and (in particular) are not cut down/back.
• Fumbles. Diving on a loose ball is completely acceptable and an encouraged practise. However when there is already a large pile of players, diving on top of the pile and in particular targeting opponents i is not acceptable and will be penalised as USC - as occurred twice on Saturday.
• Targeting. As would have been explained to all players, targeting a defenseless player by initiating contact with the helmet and/or contacting above the shoulder is a personal foul and will generally lead to ejection. Every call of targeting, whether ejected or not, will face league review (as per the current NCAA rules) for additional suspension / penalty. This was covered at the pre-season coaches meeting.

As always, contact me if you have questions about this post - Simon.