SA Gridiron Officials

Coaches Certification

2011-06-13T17:45:00.003+09:30

Editorial change for 2011/12
Again there shall be spot checks this season for ensuring players are following this rule.

Coaches’ Certification
ARTICLE 9. The head coach or his designated representative shall certify in writing to the umpire before the game that all players:
a. Have been informed what equipment is mandatory by rule and what constitutes illegal equipment.
b. Have been provided the equipment mandated by rule.
c. Have been instructed to wear and how to wear mandatory equipment during the game.
d. Have been instructed to notify the coaching staff when equipment becomes illegal through play during the game.

Extended period - untimed down

2010-12-03T14:17:00.004+10:30

An unusual ending to the first half in game 1 last weekend that really needed to have the captains thinking clearly about the choice of a penalty. It is not as simple to extend the half only if Team B are penalized. This can occur if Team A are penalised in certain situations such as the one below.

Team A had 5 men in the backfield and flag was thrown for a live ball foul. Team A completed a pass in the EZ for a score. Time expired during the down.

Team B had the choice of:
1. Decline the penalty, Team A score and end of the half.
2. Accept the penalty, Team A don't score but the down is replayed and the half is expended for an untimed down.

The key to this is by accepting the penalty enforcement the down is replayed, even to extend the half for an untimed down. You cannot accept the penalty and not replay the down.

Here is the rule:
Extension of Periods
ARTICLE 3. a. A period shall be extended for an untimed down (other than a try) if during a down in which time expires one or more of the following occurs (A.R. 3-2-3-I-VIII):
1. A penalty is accepted for a live-ball foul(s) not treated as a dead-ball foul (Exception: Rule 10-2-5-a). The period is not extended if the statement of the penalty includes loss of down (A.R. 3-2-3-IX).
2. There are offsetting fouls.
3. An official sounds his whistle inadvertently or otherwise incorrectly signals the ball dead.

So by reading the rule there is nothing to say that only Team B fouls extend a quarter. In fact if Team A are leading and time expires in a half on a Team B foul they don't have to accept the penalty and play another down. They could decline the penalty and the half ends. We cannot use the generic statement that a half cannot end on a Team B penalty. It can only end if the penalty is declined.

AR - Time expires during Team A’s run for a touchdown after A70 fouls at the snap or clips during the down. RULING: Penalty—Five yards from the previous spot for the foul at the snap or 15 yards for the clip. The 15-yard penalty is enforced from the previous spot if the clippingfoul occurs behind the neutral zone. The period is extended.

Quick question:
What if the same situation occurs at the end of the first or thrid quarter? Would you:
A. Accept the penalty and extend the quarter from the same end to replay the down.
B. Accept the penalty, change ends and then replay the down at the other end of the field and normal clock rules apply.
C. Decline the penalty to let Team A score and free kick for the new quarter after the extra point play.

Grant Martin
SAGOA

Sniping / Head-hunting

2010-10-04T10:59:00.003+10:30

To follow up on week 3 last year we are making it clear that for a player to be blocked well away from the ball and out of the play is not to be done or when someone has relaxed and the ball has become dead.

We were told later that this wasn't called in other places and to hear this shocks me when it is a safety call. It is not on to take a shot at someone who is blindsided and well out of the play. One was called in game 1 and another close to being called in game 2 and the player warned about it.

From week 3 2009:
Most of the NCAA football anyone here ever sees is Div 1 and in Div 1 you rarely have "spectators" on the field, unlike our level where this is remarkably common. The objections are always along the lines of "if they're on the field they should be ready to get hit" and I understand where you are coming from and even agree to a point. The question our officials mentally ask to clarify is simply "was the block made in aid of the ball carrier / tackler or was it simply taking a shot?" If you are taking a shot at a player who has pulled up as they've realised the ball has become dead even if the whistle hasn't yet gone you will get flagged. Football is a collision sport and we do not want to remove the contact at all. Nowhere in any true football program is there a place for players who only want to fly around the field taking shots at people just because they can. That is not football, just thuggery.

25/40 sec clock

2010-10-04T10:47:00.005+10:30

We are now using the 25/40 sec play clock as per the 2009-10 NCAA Rules. The basic rule of thumb is if the play stops for any sort of administration of the game then there is a 25 play sec clock. If the game is continuing along at its own volition then the 40 sec play clock will be in play. Even if a 1st down is awarded then between plays is still 40 secs.

This comes under Rule 3 of the rule book.

Returning the ball to an official

2010-10-04T10:34:00.003+10:30

Last weekend of games showed up that without a close fence surrounding the field like we previously had that officials had to go and retrieve balls from well outside the field of play. It is not the job of the official to have to go and retrieve the ball in the game that you play, nor should it be the job of a ball person to retrieve a ball when you have been the closest player to it. If you think it is then it is your responsibility as a team to ensure the ball person is following along on the play, this rarely happens so it is the job of the player closest to retrieve the ball and return it to an official or to the ball person.

Page 123 of 2009-10 NCAA Rules state:
After a score or any other play, the player in possession immediately must return the ball to an official or leave it near the dead-ball spot. This prohibits:
(a) Kicking, throwing, spinning or carrying (including off of the field) the ball any distance that requires an official to retrieve it.
(b) Spiking the ball to the ground [Exception: A forward pass to conserve time (Rule 7-3-2-d)].
(c) Throwing the ball high into the air.
(d) Any other unsportsmanlike act or actions that delay the game.

So if you are a player who runs out of bounds carrying the ball it would be best to hand the ball to the official who is calling for it and is holding your spot. If your play ends in bounds an official will be coming to the dead ball spot so hand it to him or if you can't see them then leave the ball at that spot, but to drop it well out of the way of the official can delay getting the ball ready for play and/or may require the official to move from his spot and lose the place where you got up to. To drop it out of bounds and tell the official to get it or the ball person is unsportsmanlike, esp if those people have called for it 3 or 4 times.

Week 5/6 Comments

2009-11-09T16:29:00.006+10:30

A couple of rulings of note in the last couple of weeks:

Re: Hurdling. There have been a number of complaints calling for hurdling calls, particularly against the Eagles RB. There are two arguments to refute this (emphasis mine):

Rule 2-14-1
a. Hurdling is an attempt by a player to jump with one or both feet or knees foremost over an opponent who is still on his feet (Rule 9-1-2-i).
b. “On his feet’’ means that no part of the opponent’s body other than one or both feet is in contact with the ground.

Rule 9-1-2
i. There shall be no hurdling (Exception: The ball carrier may hurdle an opponent.).

If ball carriers are athletic enough to be hurdling by the above definition, we should be applauding not penalising them!

Re: Hands to the helmet. A couple of calls for this have been disputed as "a stiff arm", but the rule is pretty clear that only two exceptions apply:

Rule 9-1-2
k. No player shall continuously contact an opponent’s helmet (including the face mask) with hand(s) or arm(s) (Exception: By or against the ball carrier).

Re: "Leaping" to block a FG/PAT. The rule in question is as follows:

Rule 9-1-2
n. No defensive player, in an attempt to gain an advantage, may step, jump or stand on an opponent (Rule 9-3-5-b). No defensive player who runs forward from beyond the neutral zone and leaps from beyond the neutral zone in an obvious attempt to block a field goal or try may land on any player(s). It is not a foul if the leaping player was aligned in a stationary position within one yard of the line of scrimmage when the ball was snapped.

This means that the onus is on the defensive player to avoid contact with any player if he takes a run up, even if the offensive player fires out to engage. Despite seeming rather strange, we are interpreting this correctly according to multiple US conference sources.

As always, contact us if you have any questions or comments

Simon

Week 4 Comments

2009-10-28T16:39:00.002+10:30

A much shorter post this week as there were relatively few problems to comment on.

Firstly and most importantly, quality of sportsmanship was very high and consequently so was the quality of the games. Well done to all involved for focusing on the game and avoiding the peripheral activity.

Another reminder about spearing seems to be due this week though, with a number of flags and a large number of warnings. Keep your head up at all times and this is not going to be a problem for the most part, as the calls we've been making have all been from seeing the drop in the head at the last moment. Remember that both offensive and defensive players are prohibited from spearing - it is not only the defenders who can get called for it.

Regarding celebrations, there have been a number that have been called as taunting recently as the celebration is occurring right over the top of the tackled player. I realise that it is not as cut and dried as a TD score celebration, but defenders must not be facing the opposition bench or their opponent in order to avoid this penalty. On scoring celebrations, remember that the rule is "Score Legally" - in other words no high stepping or uncontested dives into the endzone etc. One was not flagged on the weekend, it should have been, and will be next time around.

Other than that, a good week for you guys from our perspective.

Simon

Week 3 (and a bit of week 2) comments

2009-10-20T13:10:00.003+10:30

Sorry for the absence of post last week, but this one is a bit of a joined up summary. Firstly points from the games:

Re: Spearing. We've had multiple warnings against every team over the last few weeks and little appears to have changed. Please make completely sure you are training players to never lead with the helmet or drop the head just before the point of contact. It is illegal and exceedingly dangerous as we are all aware.
Re: Offensive Pass Interference. We have a number of receivers who are adopting a sort of Aussie Rules hip bump to clear out a defender as the ball is arriving. Rest assured that this is pass interference and the defense of "but I didn't push off" doesn't hold water!
Re: Mandatory Safety Equipment. Rule 1-4-4 is blindingly clear:
All players shall wear the following mandatory equipment,
which shall be professionally manufactured and not altered to decrease
protection...
Cutting down pads is certainly "altering" and looking me in the eye and continuing arguing that they are not cut down (when they are clearly not evenly cut, or even the same on both sides!) also doesn't wash.
Re: Coach on the field to communicate with QB between plays. Yes, we allow latitude here, but just a couple of yards. Coming in past the numbers is too far and shouldn't be happening.
Re: missed calls. We had a few on the weekend (mainly mine - not a good week), but all teams seemed to get some going for them and some against (from footage review). Apologies for the errors - we are not perfect and messages are going to coaches today about them. Unfortunately we are also the only group that is put in a position to apologise for errors!
Hand the ball back. Most players on most teams are completely fine with this, but there are still exceptions. When a run has completed, please don't spin the ball on the ground, don't look at the official then bounce it away, don't wander off with it. Put it on the ground or hand it to the official, nothing else. I know this sounds a little petty, but on the wet surface it really is important to not let it roll around too much if at all possible. Surprisingly enough, we also don't particularly enjoy chasing after the ball that you've just rolled away. We also hold the belief that if a ball carrier wants to roll the ball around on the ground, the team obviously doesn't care if the ball is wet or dry - so requests for a dry ball will be disregarded completely.

Secondly there have been 2 major areas of concern/complaint/argument over the past two weeks, separated into:

Cut Blocking / Chop Blocking / Spearing

The discussions on The Bear have been interesting and at least I didn't have to chime in with my "cut blocking and chop blocking are not the same thing" - a personal bugbear.

Firstly, nowhere in the rules is there a term "cut block". What is defined is Blocking Below the Waist, which is generally referred to as cutting. BBW is legal with some exceptions, and I don't believe that any of the exceptions are being argued about. I'm happy to provide a discussion on that topic if people would find that useful or relevant?

Secondly, I believe that cut blocking is, along with being legal, a completely valid form of blocking (which I used and had used against me frequently while playing I might add).

However, there are two problems with it: players are not taught how to do it correctly and; players are not taught how to defend it correctly. I cringe every time I hear someone yelling "Just hit him in the knees" or "put your helmet in his legs" - these comments are ill-informed, dangerous and incredibly stupid. Funnily enough (another of my hobby horses) it is also against the Football Code ("Deliberately teaching players to violate the rules is indefensible.").

A block below the waist, when executed by leading with the helmet, will be penalised as spearing whenever seen.

By all means block low, but do it correctly and legally. Coaches must teach their players how to do this correctly, and not just leave it to chance. Players, especially OL and RB, make sure you know how to execute this safely and legally. Players, especially DL and LB, make sure you have been taught how to defend against low blocks.

Any coach who promotes putting a helmet to the knee of an opponent should really consider another avocation - that is unacceptable and I really can't be any clearer.

Chop blocking is illegal at all times and will be called even in borderline cases.

Sniping / Head-hunting

This is a term I use to describe blocks made against players who are completely out of the play and/or who have relaxed when the ball becomes dead. These blocks are penalised as unnecessary roughness and are prohibited by rule. Before I hear any screams about this not being called in the US etc. etc. etc., let me assure you that it is - you just very rarely see it.

Most of the NCAA football anyone here ever sees is Div 1 and in Div 1 you rarely have "spectators" on the field, unlike our level where this is remarkably common. The objections are always along the lines of "if they're on the field they should be ready to get hit" and I understand where you are coming from and even agree to a point.

The question our officials mentally ask to clarify is simply "was the block made in aid of the ball carrier / tackler or was it simply taking a shot?" If you are taking a shot at a player who has pulled up as they've realised the ball has become dead even if the whistle hasn't yet gone you will get flagged. In the contentious one from the weekend, the blocking player was almost stationary (no committed momentum to the block) and the player being blocked had clearly been slowing up for 2 or more steps. The block was thrown simultaneous with the whistle, but as the blocked player had clearly relaxed, the penalty was called. Video shows this play well and confirms the call.

Football is a collision sport and we do not want to remove the contact at all. Nowhere in any true football program is there a place for players who only want to fly around the field taking shots at people just because they can.

That is not football, just thuggery.

Simon

Week 1 comments

2009-10-06T23:00:00.002+10:30

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.

See what you hit

2009-09-26T07:14:00.000+09:30

http://www.jonheck.com/hdc/comments/seewhathit.htm
See What You Hit ... Almost Always Misunderstood
By Jon Heck, MS, ATC 9/07 "See What You Hit" is a phrase that had good intentions. It came along to help eliminate head-down contact and serious cervical spine injuries. Unfortunately, the often- used phrase is almost always misunderstood by coaches, players and lots and lots of others. Most interpret this phrase to mean "initiate contact your face mask." And it's easy to understand why, the phrase can easily lead you in that direction. It's to the point where I often wonder if it's done more harm than good. I do not use the phrase when I'm talking about contact in football.

It was developed to help teach players to approach contact with their head-up. It was never intended to be an ally for coaches to teach their players to initiate contact with their helmet in tackling, blocking or any other type of contact. In fact it was and remains a rule violation to initiate contact with the face mask (ie, head-up) in high school and college football. The idea is to approach contact with the head-up and then to make contact with the shoulder while keeping the neck in extension. A more precise and accurate phrase is "See What You're About to Hit". Or even better "See What You're About to Hit With Your Shoulder". But the objective is never to literally "See What You Hit" by initiating contact with your face mask.

Leading with the helmet will lead to trouble, sooner or later.

This is a direct quote from the 2007 High School Football Rule Book, and it's been in every Rule Book as far back as I can remember. "... the intent to make contact 'face up' is no guarantee that the position can be maintained at the moment of impact. Consequently, the teaching of blocking/tackling techniques which keep the helmeted head from receiving the brunt of the impact are now required by rule and coaching ethics ..."

The problem with teaching players to initiate contact with the face mask is two fold. First anytime an athlete initiates contact with the head he increases the risk of concussion and closed head injuries. Obviously, not a good thing. But the biggest risk is that the players will not execute the face first contact as intended and drop their head at the last instant. And when this happens it puts the athlete in the head-down position and at risk of axial loading and cervical spine fracture. And remember, it is instinctive for players to drop their head to protect their eyes and face at contact. It is this exact problem that is credited with the highest incidence of catastrophic neck injuries in the early 1970's ... teaching athletes to initiate contact with their "face in the numbers" and the athletes dropping their head's at contact.

So I would like to see the phrase 'exit stage left'. It's misinterpretation remains a reason coaches and players still believe it's OK to initiate contact with the helmet. It should be replaced with "When the shoulder goes down, the head comes up" or "Whenever you lower your shoulder, raise your head." None of the these are as short and sweet, but they're more accurate. And there is always "See what you're about to hit with your shoulder", it won't win any advertising campains but it will help players understand things a bit better.

Numbering

2009-09-09T09:27:00.007+09:30

Numbering

The rules and enforcement on player numbering has not changed from last year. This year the enforcement of correct numbering will occur in week 1. As per the GA modified rule:

1-4-2-b

7-1-3-b-1

Ineligible numbers

These two rules specify that, for scrimmage plays other than plays from a scrimmage kick formation, there must be at least 5 players on the line of scrimmage numbered 50 through 79 (ie. “ineligible numbers”). This requirement must be met at the start of the game, and when the Head Coach certifies that all of his players are equipped according to rule he is certifying that he has sufficient players with ineligible numbers to commence the game with legal formations.

If, as a result of injuries or damage to jerseys during the game, teams cannot satisfy this requirement, the referee will allow a player with an eligible number to report as ineligible. The referee will inform the defence and the other officials that the player hasreported as ineligible. This player must be positioned as an interior lineman (ie. a lineman who is not an end). The player will remain ineligible unless and until he subsequently reports as eligible.

Under no circumstances will a player with an ineligible number be permitted to report as eligible. Players with ineligible numbers can play in any position, without reporting to the referee, but will remain ineligible players.

All teams must begin the game with only ineligible numbered players (50-79) playing on the offensive line. If, due to injury, eligible numbered players are required to play there, they must report in to the Referee (this does not mean a general substitution - only injury-caused changes are excepted). At no time may an ineligible numbered player play in an eligible position and go down field for a pass.

Chop Blocking

2008-10-28T10:03:00.000+10:30

Over the first two weeks of the season a number of chop blocks have been seen and called during regular play. A chop block involves two blockers, anywhere on the field, with one blocking high and one blocking at the thigh or below. It is highly dangerous and often results in very serious injuries, which is why the rules have been tightened up on it this year.

Chop blocking is illegal at all times and in all situations. Flagrant offenses will lead to ejection of one or more parties. All coaches and clubs are required to review this rule and the understanding of it with all players prior to this weekend's games.

2008-10-20T12:09:00.001+10:30

Horse collars

A horse collar tackle requires grasping of the neck/arm pad sections and immediate downward & backward pull. A pull down by the back of the shirt is not enough, even if it is immediate.

Chop Blocks

All chop blocking is illegal as of this year so any high/low combination block will be penalised.

Blocking low towards the landmark

Backs / receivers outside the normal Tackle position may not block below the waist back towards the original position of the ball. This happened a number of times on Saturday and was not penalised only due to limited contact being made. As this is a safety issue, be aware that this will be penalised critically from next week, even if contact is minimal - we will not wait until critical injury occurs!

Block in the back

A defender trying to get to the ball carrier may block through the back of an offensive player. This was complained about vigorously during the first game, but it is certainly not a new rule!

Taunting/baiting

Taunting and baiting are completely unacceptable and will be penalised immediately when seen or heard as Unsportsmanlike Conduct. Be aware that two such penalities attracts an automatic ejection.

Holding

Putting your hands up in the air and yelling "he's holding me" will not lead to a holding call as you have given up on the play and so the hold has no effect. Lateral movement will make any holding that is occurring much more obvious and so will be much more likely to be called.

Numbering

The rules and enforcement on player numbering has not changed from last year. Some latitude was given in week 1, but this will not be acceptable from next week. All teams must begin the game with only ineligible numbered players (50-79) playing on the offensive line. If, due to injury, eligible numbered players are required to play there, they must report in to the Referee / Umpire (this does not mean a general substitution - only injury-caused changes are excepted). At no time may an ineligible numbered player play in an eligible position and go down field for a pass.

Registering for 2008/2009

2008-09-22T09:16:00.004+09:30

Use this link http://tinyurl.com/427bqv and choose to register under SAGOA.

Wes Neal

2008-07-27T19:50:00.006+09:30

The members of the South Australian Gridiron Association and South Australian Gridiron Officials Association deeply mourn the passing of a founding member of gridiron in South Australia. Wes was a great friend to many and he led both organisations as President during his involvement with the league.
Wes you have left many memories with people and trained many officials to become better umpires in the sport of American Football. Your guidance, wisdom and teaching people the game of gridiron has been passed onto the next generation and is now being passed onto those that follow on from us. You joined us as a regular member and left your mark as a Hall of Fame Official.

Always a life member.

On behalf of Daryl Argent for SAGOA members, Dave Sedgwick for GASA members and Grant Martin for AGOA members we say thanks.

Wes Neal

2008-07-23T19:35:00.006+09:30

It is with deep sympathy that after a long battle with cancer Wes Neal has passed away. He will be sadly missed by the South Australian Gridiron Officials Association as he was a valuable contributor to officiating here and all over Australia. Wes was a co-founder of the league in South Australia and served as President for a number of years. He officiated in the first game ever in SA at Norwood oval and was in charge from the start.
Wes we will all miss you and your wise ways to teach us the game that you enjoyed and led from the start.

Grant Martin
SAGOA Training Officer
AGOA CEO

Wes Neal
Started officiating in 1986 – first ever game in SA
Games officiated in South Australia – 304
Founder of the South Australian league in 1985
Founder of SAGOA in 1985
Referee for the 1996 Junior National Championship game
Supervisor of Officials – Australia v New Zealand 2001
Officiated at the 2003 Senior National Championships
Officiated in numerous interstate and Down Under Bowl games
Continued involvement until retiring from “on field” duties at the end of the 2003/04 season
Served as Supervisor of Officials for SAGOA
Served for many years on both the SAGOA & GASA Executive including 10 years as President of SAGOA
Played a leading role in the creation of AGOA in 1989 and is a past-Executive member
Served as SAGOA representative to AGOA
Served as GASA representative to GA
2006 AGOA Hall of Fame Inaugural Inductee

Helmet to Helmet

2008-07-05T08:30:00.003+09:30

Last night there was a cry for a helmet to helmet contact with a ball carrier in a tackle. While much has been said and done about this area of the game the hit of helmet to helmet did not match the philosophy of the rule. This being the use of the crown of the helmet.
In the junior game last night the contact was by the face mask to the helmet and there was no use of the helmet in being a weapon to cause injury to the ball carrier, nor injury to be caused to the person tackling. This was just part of the game.

Grant Martin
SAGOA Training Officer

Updates 2008

2008-05-12T20:54:00.002+09:30

Well the 2007/08 season is well behind us. It is time to look towards the next senior season as the SAGOA website is updated with information. Please take a look back at the old and check out as the new is placed on the site over the next few months.

The SAGOA calendar has been updated for the next few months for Juniors, GASA meetings, SAGOA AGM and a tentative date for SAGOA Senior training.

Again if you want to join us please email.

Congratulations Daryl Argent

2008-05-07T19:11:00.002+09:30

Congratulations to Daryl Argent who has been inducted to the Australian Gridiron Officials Association Hall of Fame for 2008. This now makes 3 South Australian officials out of 4 in the AGOA Hall of Fame.

Other members of the AGOA Hall of Fame include:
Wes Neal - SA
John 'Doc' Sabine - SA
Myles Newman - NSW

This shows how much that SA is respected as officials in Australia and their commitment to the sport here in SA and nationally. It also gives recognition to the years of service and quality of officiating skills developed here in SA.

This award is well deserved as Daryl celebrated his 500th game in 2008. Well done Daryl

Survey Results

2008-03-31T21:28:00.002+10:30

Hi all
Thanks for the comments to the survey. I have spent time looking over the comments and replies and thank you all for your contribution. Please do not think that by me or SAGOA making a reply we are having a go at anyone in particular.
I posted the comments from the blog as I thought it interesting the comments that are written by people totally unsolicited as evidence for the survey that can be used in later years of any progress made in relationships between officials and other gridiron participants. Please do not see this as a reflection of anyone in the SA Gridiron community as I am unaware of who these people are. Please just see them as they are with people of opposing views trying to air their differences and formulating a common ground.

http://www.sagoa.info/resources/2007/SAGOA%202008%20Survey%20report.pdf

Please have a read and comment back to me personally if you feel strongly about something that has been omitted or is wrong.
Happy reading
Regards
Grant Martin

Survey SAGOA 2008

2008-03-03T16:53:00.002+10:30

Please feel free to fill out the survey before the 12th of March 2008.

http://www.zoomerang.com/survey.zgi?p=WEB227HY8L6G6B

Grant Martin

Thanks

2008-02-24T22:11:00.006+10:30

Congratulations to all who participated in the 2007/08 Grand Final. Who would have thought the Eagles would have 2 scores before the half time. What a way for the Razorbacks to come back and the Eagles take it right up to them to the end of the game.

I wish to thank those people who have been proactive in learning the rules, its interpretations and making the necessary adjustments to become better players and teams. You should all be proud of your efforts.

As the game comes to a close many participants turn to what the future will hold for them in the game of gridiron. Some will retire and leave the game for a break while others will move onto other duties within the league or club. Don't forget to come join the officials to help boost the ranks. Wouldn't it be great to have 10 officials who only do 1 game a week and not have to double up any games in 1 night. 2 or 3 extra people would be great so come join SAGOA.

While SAGOA have used the blog as a tool to improve communication and rules knowledge for 2007/08 the desired outcomes have not been produced, in fact players are now arguing the blog comments on the field during a game and some people just disregard the information at their own peril saying that in particular circumstances the rules don't apply to them.

A few weeks ago I wrote about a player saying that 'it's not our job to teach the rules.' Since then I have reflected the use of the blog and weekly newsletters previously used. It appears such efforts are a waste of time across the league. Because of this incident I have also looked at my own goals and involvement in gridiron for the future. While I have not absolutely made up my mind I am considering leaving onfield duties to take up another role in officiating or leaving SAGOA altogether.

While I do make some errors in officiating because I am only human the comments from players and sideline personnel are disrespectful and many a time uneducated. The worse thing is a player or other team member in uniform 'telling' an official how to do something or a rule is something that is not even NCAA, rather it is NFL, or that a rule doesn't apply to Australia.

Just how often has an official gone up to a player and verbally told him how silly he was for dropping a pass or for missing a block that allowed his player to be tackled? The reality is that SAGOA is not the keeper of the rules and have no responsibility to take on the role of teaching the rules to clubs, unless the clubs invite the officials to attend a rules training session. But how effective would this be? Probably very ineffective as from experience nothing would actually change but rather cause more arguments.

Those 'arguments' are something I no longer want to be a part of nor have to continue justifying a rule that some people have never taken the time to actually read in the context of all the rules. What the future will now hold and if and how I continue will depend on what my family expects and how participants reflect back on their conduct as well. Apologising after the fact about your own personal conduct towards myself and officials is to late.

Regards
Grant Martin

Thankyou to the Gridiron SA Community

2008-02-17T09:35:00.003+10:30

This is a big thank you to those of you who stayed to watch the second game last night and celebrated Daryl's 500th game. Thanks to the retired officials who managed to attend the game and those that gave their support and best wishes from around Australia.
Below is the Crunchtime article celebrating this milestone in Gridiron SA.

Daryl Argent

Over 20 seasons ago no one would have thought an original official from the first season would still be on the field 500 games later. Tonight SAGOA and GASA invite you all to celebrate 500 games with Daryl Argent. He has been a part of 60% of GASA games, officiated in each junior season as well being a life member for services to GASA.

Daryl has been loyal to gridiron in South Australia and to officiating, giving up his time to serve on the GASA Board and be a part of the junior committee before work commitments took up this time in the latter years. He has always expressed that he enjoyed attending those meetings and the interactions he has had.

Tonight we welcome back the ‘older’ crew of officials that Daryl has worked with over time, some of those officials also being in the inaugural season, including Wes Neal, ‘Doc’ Sabine and Bruce Daley. It must be great for them to see the game continuing on in SA and that SAGOA is still an active member of the league.

SAGOA is only 1 of 2 states in Australia to use full time officials and rarely has had to call on GASA to help provide club officials. Hopefully this will continue with some new officials joining and they can also have a long and prosperous career as an official in Gridiron here in SA. They could well be on their way to 500 games like Darryl is tonight.

When you decide to retire from the game come and watch from the best seat in the house and become an official on the field. If you have made plans to retire then give SAGOA an email on secretary@sagoa.info

Grant Martin

SAGOA Coordinator of Officials

Again thanks to all those who have truly supported the officials over the past years.

Grant Martin

Proposed Rules Changes NCAA 2008

2008-02-15T22:22:00.002+10:30

NCAA News Release

NCAA Football Rules Committee Proposes Rules to Enhance Student-Athlete Safety and Encourage Consistent Pace of Play

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Contact(s)

Ty Halpin
Associate Director for Playing Rules Administration
317/917-6136

INDIANAPOLIS --- The NCAA Football Rules Committee proposed changes intended to enhance and more strictly enforce rules related to student-athlete safety. The committee, which met February 11-13, addressed helmet contact, players that target a defenseless opponent, horse collar tackling, and enhanced rules dealing with dangerous chop blocks. Additionally, after a year of consideration, the committee proposed a 40/25 second play clock system to encourage a consistent pace of play. All rules proposals will be sent for membership comment and considered by the Playing Rules Oversight Panel before taking effect.

“A main charge of the rules committee is to enhance the safety of our student-athletes,” said Michael Clark, chair of the committee and head coach at Bridgewater (Virginia) College. “In recent years, the committee has attempted to address head-down contact and dangerous helmet contact in general. The committee is directing game officials to strictly penalize head-down contact as well as players that target defenseless opponents.”

The committee has proposed adjusted wording to curb the incidences of dangerous helmet-related contact. In this change, the committee is giving game officials better guidance to penalize these hits.

“The committee is giving our game officials more tools to penalize potentially dangerous contact,” said Rogers Redding, coordinator of officials at the Southeastern Conference and secretary-editor of the committee starting March 1. “Specifically, the committee is addressing players that use the crown of their helmet and players that target defenseless opponents when making contact above the shoulders.”

A proposal relating to the chop block rule clarifies this area and will assist in officials and coaches in the understanding of this foul.

“Previously, this rule had many factors that officials had to consider,” said Redding. “We have eliminated many of the conditions which made this difficult to officiate while retaining the illegality of the dangerous aspects of this foul.”

Another safety proposal deals with a dangerous tackle – commonly referred to as a “horse collar.” Any player will now be prohibited from grabbing the inside back collar of the shoulder pads or jersey, or the inside collar of the side of the shoulder pads or jersey, and immediately pulling the runner down.

Two other major proposals deal with the pace of play. The rules committee passed a 40/25 second play clock system in an effort to standardize the pace of play. Unless the game is stopped for administrative reasons (e.g., change of possession, injury, etc.), the offensive team will have 40 seconds to snap the ball after it is declared dead.

Additionally, the committee made a change in the timing of the game after a play in which a runner goes out of bounds. Except in the last two minutes of each half, the game clock will start on a signal from the referee, rather than on the snap.

“This is a part of the continuing efforts to maintain a reasonable length of games and create a consistent pace of play at all levels,” said Clark.

The committee also made the following proposals:

In the rules relating to instant replay, plays where a fumble leads to an immediate recovery may be reviewed.
In replay rules, a coach that challenges a play and is successful will retain the right to challenge one more time for a maximum of two.
When a kickoff goes out of bounds, the receiving team may accept the ball at the 40-yard line instead of the 35.
The incidental five-yard face mask foul was removed. All face mask fouls (pulling, twisting or turning) will be a 15-yard penalty.
A yardage penalty for sideline control was instituted.

500 Games

2008-02-14T06:55:00.003+10:30

While people say that officials/umpires should be seen and not heard there are some milestones that should be shouted from the rooftop for all to hear and celebrate no matter how well liked or disliked these people are.

This weekend 16th February 2008 Daryl Argent will be celebrating his 500th game. This is a huge milestone in that he has been a part of 60% of GASA games since the beginning. He is certainly rare as he has not missed a season since the beginning. He was even at the very first meeting to help organise gridiron in South Australia. There are some of us who were a part of the first season but have gone and come back after a short break or working elsewhere.

So this weekend come and celebrate Daryl's 500th game and support the game for the last minor round before the finals.

Grant Martin

Just how many times do we need to say these things?

2008-02-10T20:29:00.000+10:30

The same points are reminded here again for the safety of participants of this game.
1. Sideline warnings - it is becoming apparent that one team is having a number of sideline warnings for coaches standing in the area between the sideline and the sideline numbers that mark the coaches/players box area. After posting on here a very serious injury that occurred to an assistant coach who has not worked his job or a game since he sustained the injury we still have coaching staff in the wrong area. This is a serious matter that must be addressed by the club.
Just to clarify that the penalty will always be on the head coach even if he is not the one standing in the wrong spot. That it will be 2 warnings, 5 yards for the third and 15 for the fourth and subsequent infraction or whatever the Referee deems necessary to get the head coach to understand that it is his responsibility to have all team personnel behind the orange numbers on the sideline. You shouldn't need clarification half way through a game.

2. Use of helmet - it DOESN"T matter if your hands touch an opponent first and then you use your helmet illegally. It is a safety issue for you and your opponent. So why do players persist in arguing about this? Whipping your head back and then forward to make contact with your helmet is a deliberate act to punish your opponent and falls under the category of a flagrant foul.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/flagrant
Flagrant fouls also draw an ejection.

Grant Martin

Some good to go with the bad!

2008-02-04T21:38:00.000+10:30

First up, let me echo Grant's comment about the "it is not our job to teach him the rules" comment. In playing, coaching and officiating I don't think I have heard a more ridiculous statement come out of the mouth of even the most uneducated fan - let alone a senior, experienced player.

I would like to however take the chance to give some public acknowledgement to particular captains that are very straightforward to deal with (this is not an exhaustive list by any means, just the ones that stand out to me the most):

Chiefs: #30, #70
Eagles: #44
Oilers: #87
Razorbacks: #6
Spartans: #5

More than once in the last couple of weeks have each of these guys acted just like a captain should and pulled their players into line - well done, and keep it up.

I also have to make a particular comment to the couple of players that asked about the spearing post last week: no, I'm not going to complain if you want to talk about a post - but probably in the middle of a game isn't the best of times to do it!

Regards,

Simon

Haha you guys are so funny! What's the point?

2008-02-04T18:03:00.000+10:30

Oh my god you guys can be so funny on the field that it makes no sense at all. Some of the comments I heard on the weekend would be better published in a book for entertainment for people to read.

2 comments I heard that should be commented on go as follows.
In game 1 a player commits a PF close to the end of the game. A captain replies to an official that the player is a rookie. (Is this to mean that it somehow diminishes his responsibilities?) The captain is told that it is the teams job to ensure the rookie knows what to do with a particular rule. The captain replies "But it is not our job to teach him the rules!"
So now with cooler heads prevailing just whose job is it to teach the player the rules? Surely not the officials on the field? You want us calling your tactics on the field as well?

The second comment comes from a scrambling QB who gets hit from pillar to post. He continues to run play after play. Well done to him for taking it up to the other teams. What surprises me is that from the sideline a coaching staff member calls out to protect the QB. Well once he begins to run he is no longer a QB but now a ball carrier RB. The QB no longer has any protection dealing with a passer. If the QB clearly slides at the end of a play to show he is giving up then he will have protection provided to him as a defenseless player. But while he stands up and takes the hits right down to the ground to end the play by rule he is a ball carrier. The thing is the people on the sideline were told the correct advice about this and then argued about it and totally disregarded the official's advice. So why try and teach you this?

So what is the point in teaching people the rules of the game if we continue to have our comments disregarded and rules interpretations from the blog not passed on to participants of the game? I would say none. So why waste the time of typing this up to improve the standard of play on the field and continue a game in a speedy manner so that we do not have to stop and answer queries on rulings? I would say a waste of time for both anyhow.

I sent out notes to coaching staff in 2004/05 season and put in articles to the Crunchtime. Nothing changed. I stopped sending out notes for the next few years but returned to write ups for 2007/08. SAGOA has used modern technology this season to inform all tech savvy participants of GASA about rulings and interpretations. What has changed? Nothing.

I thank the captains who have worked out they need to control some of their players when making comments and I thank the captains who have worked out how to approach an official in a smart and respectful manner. These teams will have a much lower penalty yardage for sportsmanship and their games have been the best to officiate and concentrate on knowing the captains are in there stopping and preventing players continually verbally challenging the official's call.

If this trend continues I can see a few more ejections for flagrant fouls and players even accumulating 2 or more USC penalties before the season breaks into the finals series. As to the player of one team threatening to punch other opposition players after a game he is lucky not to have been ejected on the spot and only asked to sit out a few plays. Such behaviour should never occur on the field and captains must stamp out such behaviour when they hear it on the field.

I wonder if this message reaches the personnel that need to know and read and understand? Probably not. But hey you can lead a horse to water but you can't make them drink. I make no apologies in saying this the way it needs to be and calling a spade a spade.

Grant Martin
SAGOA Training Officer

The use of the helmet & spearing

2008-01-25T23:33:00.000+10:30

Probably the most argued about rulings this year have been the illegal use of the helmet / spearing calls. I draw your attention to the relevant sections of the 2007 NCAA rulebook that discuss this:

Points of Emphasis (Page 8, regarding the Football Code)

It is noted that the Code emphasizes the following unethical practices: “Using the helmet as a weapon. The helmet is for protection of the player...” and “players and coaches should emphasize the elimination of spearing.”

Points of Emphasis (Page 10)

Intentional helmet-to-helmet contact is never legal, nor is any other blow directed toward an opponent’s head. Flagrant offenders shall be disqualified.
Additionally, the committee altered Rules 9-1-2-l and n slightly to encourage officials to penalize head-down contact and leading with the crown of the helmet when tackling.

Football Code (Page 13, regarding Coaching Ethics)

The following are unethical practices:
...
b. Using the football helmet as a weapon. The helmet is for the protection of the player.

Rule 2-24-1: Spearing (Page FR-52)

Spearing is the use of the helmet (including the face mask) in an attempt to punish an opponent.

Rule 9-1-2-l, m & n (Page FR-118)

l. No player shall use his helmet (including the face mask) to butt or ram an opponent in an attempt to punish him (A.R. 9-1-2-XVI).

m. There shall be no spearing (A.R. 9-1-2-XVII).

n. No player shall strike a runner with the crown or the top of his helmet in an attempt to punish him.

One of the major drives in the past few years at both high-school and NCAA level, has been to remove the use of the helmet as a weapon and this desire is very clearly stated in the Points of Emphasis above. The actions of particular concern are those in which the crown of the helmet is involved as an impact point (i.e. collisions where a player drops his head). These place the highest strain on the spine and have a greatly increased risk of serious injury for both players involved.

Let me state quite clearly that I have never come across a coach of any renown who teaches players to use their helmet in such a manner. I have never read an article or book, watched a video, nor seen any other instructional material of any sort that advocates "head down" tackling, blocking or ball carrying.

Yet almost without fail on a weekly basis I hear complaints such as:

"But my hands touched him first!"
"But I wrapped him up!"
"But he got lower than I expected!"
"But I'm carrying the ball!"

None of these are relevant in the slightest. If you are observed making contact with another player with the helmet crown as a direct point of contact (you have "dropped your head"), you will be penalised for a personal foul. As with any such fouls, if it is deemed to be flagrant, you will be ejected.

The use of any other part of the helmet (generally the facemask) in a head-butting or ram movement is specifically outlawed as given above. This however occurs much less often in the local league at least, and is rarely argued about.

As always, I welcome any comments people may have.

Regards,

Simon

Helmet to Helmet

2008-01-21T14:02:00.000+10:30

A while back I mentioned I had a PowerPoint presentation for avoiding the use of the helmet during a tackle. I have been on the search for a while now to find a video to help clubs learn and teach how to use the correct tackling technique. Please view the following You Tube videos as a resource.

Video 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkBAiK7WEFA

Video 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l87K6PoLD60

Please view and discuss but I would say that SAGOA has been pretty vigilant in this area but still some tidy up to do in continued enforcement for safety of people.

Grant Martin

Disputed Calls

2008-01-20T15:29:00.000+10:30

During the course of this season a number of times officials have made decisions only to have players, assistant coaches and coaches call out or come up to an official to tell him something different or to justify their actions or to tell us our job.

Back in September 2007 Simon wrote about 'The Role of the Captain.' While this cut down on the number of people coming up to officials questioning something it has not cut back on the 'disputed call' factor.

Page 14 of the 2007 NCAA Rule Book states:
'Talking to Officials - When an official imposes a penalty or makes a decision, he simply is doing his duty as he sees it. He is on the field to uphold the integrity of the game of football, and his decisions are final and conclusive and should be accepted by players and coaches.'

I have bold the part 'as he sees it' as this appears to be the most contentious issue among many players and some coaching staff. It is the way an official judges the action he sees before him. While a player may appear over a goal line once a pile of players get off him it is when the whistle blew for forward progress that places the ball short of the goal line. Any amount of finger pointing and telling the official look where the ball is will make no change to a decision. Only another official will be able to sway some opinion of 'are you sure?'

I applaud the club who has worked out ways to approach officials in a non-confrontational manner, I applaud the captains who approach us with 'may I ask a question?' It is seeking clarification for something rather than telling us we missed something or called something wrong. Participants of the game must think clearly of who their audience is before approaching and speaking to someone and how this may then be interpreted by the person or people listening. Calling out something that can be heard by everyone makes the audience everyone and if the comment challenges a call then it will be penalised accordingly.

In reality watching D1 NCAA Football games may put the wrong slant on what truly is sportsmanship in the NCAA Rule Book. For example while those more 'professional leagues' allow personnel into the 2 yard zone closer to the sideline the end result can be chaos. Everyone standing on the sideline knows that the area should be clear for officials, yet these people shown clearly flout that rule and then complain when something happens. Sportsmanship and respect are interwoven throughout the rules in how to play the game legally. Participants in the game make a choice of how to approach a person or problem no matter how heated the contest has become.

I and other officials have been surrounded by players on some occassions challenging close calls. This is not good for the safety of the official nor for the image of the game nor following and understanding 'The Football Code' at the front of the NCAA Football Rule Book.

Remember we all have our roles to play in the game 'Players play the game, coaches coach the players, officials officiate and spectators cheer for their team.' It is hard enough doing one of these well let alone having people trying to do 2 or more of them at the same time.

Grant Martin

Sorry Not Here

2008-01-16T21:07:00.000+10:30

Well I have been away for a week so no updates from SAGOA but during this month our web site and blog spot have hit all new time highs, so thanks for the support.
On the SAGOA web site we actually ran out of bandwidth for the month in 10 days so had to upgrade to a new package.
Although only a small number of people answer the polls there is a feeling that education of the rules in our league is something that must be continually done. Should this be left to the clubs themselves or should the league involve SAGOA in some way?
This would be worthy of a question and answer time at a GASA meeting so it would be interesting to see which club brings this discussion up as a worthy suggestion.
Anyhow all the best for this coming weekend of games.

Grant Martin

GASA Clock

2007-12-29T08:35:00.000+10:30

I have been writing about this issue since October 2004 and it is also published under the SAGOA resources web page, has been there now for over a year. Why does this still bring issues of misunderstanding? Really when we hear comments about coaches, captains and QB telling us how to run the clock many a time it is 99% wrong.

Out of 72 quarters of football this year I can think of only 3 timing errors, these were when a false start was blown late twice and the play got underway or a substitution infraction called late allowing a play to continue and then brought back once the officials double checked on numbers and the situation. With so few quarters having timing errors less than 5% of the season then the clock has run correctly for 95% of the time, but changes made accordingly for 100% accuracy.

The clock is a modified rule for SA in which people still do not understand yet SAGOA have run this style of clock under the modified rule since about inception, 1986. (I could be wrong on the year but it has been around for a very long time.)

Below is the updated excerpt for the 2007/08 season: (Some parts have been bolded and italicised for emphasis from the original article.)

Timing

GASA Clock 2006/07 Season (also 2007/08)

GASA run what is called a fast clock for all games. We do not run exactly to NCAA Rules, except inside 2 minutes of the second and fourth quarters.

What does this mean for teams who wish to control the clock better?

The Referees are putting the ball into play 10 to 15 seconds after the previous play finishes. This may extend out further on hot days to 20 seconds. This means a play every 40-45 seconds.

The game clock continues to run at all times except:

Incomplete pass
Change of possession – interception, fumble recovery by Team B, and kick plays.
Play ends up out of bounds
Officials time out
Injury time out
Team time out
First Downs to move the chains

If the game clock is stopped when does it start?

The game clock will always start with the ready for play by the Referee, except inside the 2-minute warning.

Inside the 2 minutes the game clock will start depending on how it was stopped, according to NCAA Rules 2005 (and now 2007 NCAA Rules). Generally if the teams stopped it first then it will start on the snap. If the Officials stopped it then it will start on the ready for play by the Referee.

As usual there are exceptions. If the Officials stop the clock to move the chains for a first down then a team calls a time out, the next time the game clock starts will be on the snap.

The teams time out override the Officials stopping the clock. The same on a first down and a player going out of bounds. The player going out of bounds overrides the officials stopping of a clock for the first down, so therefore the game clock will start on the snap.

If an Official is unsure about a first down he will signal to stop the clock so that the Referee can check. As soon as it is determined that it is short the Officials will signal for the game clock to start again.

A tip to manage the clock better.

If inbounds and there is an obvious first down do you need to call a time out? The clock has stopped already for the Officials to move the chains. It will take a while to get the chains moved (20 to 30 seconds depending on the distance to cover by the chain crew.) Generally though as soon as the down marker is placed where the new set of downs begin the ready for play whistle will sound and the game and play clock will begin. The game clock will start on the ready and not the snap. Your intentions may be to have the game clock start on the snap because of the time out. If you want to discuss a play you might have time while the chains set up and not have to call a time out.

Modified from Week 10 2004 SAGOA Articles to Head Coaches.

There are a number of timing changes in the 2006 NCAA Rulebook that do not fit our circumstances. Also these changes may come under more scrutiny before the next season. (disregard this comment for season 2007 onwards.)

Anyhow I hope this can clear this up once and for all so that all coaches, players and captains understand this vital rule in a close game. I also hope that the coaches group can put these modified rules together as SAGOA should not be informing these sorts of issues midway through a season, nor should be the ones communicating this to coaches. SAGOA is only to enforce the rules on the field but should not be taking the responsibility to teaching the rules to participants, unless coaches, captains and other senior players are willing to attend a meeting to get a better understanding. There is no point in me conducting a meeting with just one small group of people as my experience tells me that the message does not filter down to the people that matter, THE PLAYERS.

Happy New Year and best of luck for your last few games. It has been very close with almost another draw happening and a few upsets still to happen along the way. It will be interesting to see just who checks on the blog for updated information ready for part 2 of the season.

Grant Martin

Sideline 2 - Severe brain injury to Assistant Coach

2007-12-24T22:45:00.000+10:30

Just a reminder that 6 feet from the sidelines belong to the officials and them only. I have read a very sad article where an assistant coach was standing in the restricted area and an official collided with him. The assistant came off second best and has not worked a game, nor his job, for the past 2 years because of a brain injury. His insurance company is now suing the officials for $10 million for not enforcing the 6 foot rule.
SAGOA actually started moving the orange numbers further off the sideline a few weeks ago for our safety and those standing on the sideline. This leaves one side under the stand very cramped but a necessary evil.
Coming into the second half of the season officials will be trained to allow only one coaching staff member into the restricted area between plays. This can include an assistant or head coach but it is only one person. That players only substitute through the zone.
If an official reminds you once he must then inform the Referee the second time he reminds you about the sideline enforcement. If the sideline officials run into a player or coach during a play it will be an automatic 15 yard penalty and possibly an ejection, depending on the intent or number of warnings given about staying back.
On the flip side if the sideline official does not also heed warnings from the Training Officer or Referee and keep moving the sideline personnel back they may miss future games or require retraining for the position and begin to enforce the rule about the 6 feet safety zone.
This may seem a petty rule but I was LJ a few weeks ago and backed up into an assistant coach in the 6 foot area, I heard a sorry but that was to late. I had warned the sideline once already. I flagged a warning on a head coach standing inside the chains on a previous game and that also is not a place to stand safely.
If you have cheerleaders please ask them to go to the extreme ends of the field but well back from the sideline so that large squads like the Eagles and Razorbacks still have room to move on the home sideline. The Referee may suspend a game until the sideline is deemed safe.
I thank you for your cooperation in future games and hope we do not have any severe collisions that require medical attention in the future.

Grant Martin

Numbers 50 to 79 - Start of Game

2007-12-23T10:32:00.000+10:30

During a season it may become difficult for teams to put the correct player numbers in the ineligible positions. This is a clear breach of the rules as there must be at least 5 players numbered 50 to 79 on the LOS. SAGOA has allowed at times 1 player to wear an eligible number in an ineligible position but over the past few weeks having 3 or 4 eligible numbers in ineligible positions makes it very hard for officials to determine for ineligibles down field. If you have injured linemen being replaced by previous eligible numbered players then please use the spare jersey so that your team is playing within the rules. (Rule 1 Section 4 Article 2b)

After the Christmas/New Years break the officials will be penalising this from the start of the game if teams start the game playing eligible numbers in ineligible positions. If injuries occur during the game then it is courteous to let the officials know that this has happened so that we can adjudicate the game according to the rules on ineligible players by position.

Please check that your team matches this rule at the beginning of a game and let the officials know if it changes during the game.

Grant Martin

The Official Missed That?

2007-12-23T09:21:00.000+10:30

Comments are made many a time towards officials and in reports that certain calls were missed. Sometimes they are and sometimes they are not worthy of a call by the judgment of the official.

Some calls are missed just by having players standing in the line of vision of an official. An official may hear something happen but not have the actual vision of what occurred.

There has been much discussion about holding calls and officials not seeing it. As with other NCAA officials in the USA we have a set of standards and philosophies to work to when looking at holding calls. One of these is looking at the POA (Point of Attack.) This is critical as we could call holding on every play yet 90% of these wouldn't be affecting the play in the direction of the ball carrier. One player mentioned that he was held so badly that he couldn't chase the ball carrier yet the hold was 10 yards away. How could that actually affect the play? The only way it could is if the ball carrier cut back and created a POA closer to where the holding was occurring.

Another may be where a ball carrier runs past an opponent and the opponent turns to chase the ball carrier but is legged and held by his lower leg. His team mates tackle the ball carrier a yard or 2 further on. Technically a hold but it had no affect on the play as the POA had already passed the would be tackler. He had his opportunity to bring the ball carrier to the ground but missed it. Just because he is then held after the fact should not bring him a 'freebie' 10 yard penalty because he missed a tackle and then was held.

Another situation may be right at the POA where a hold occurs inside the frame of the body holding the jersey of the opponent. The opponent holds his arms out to show he is being held 'Aussie Rules' style. By this very action the player has shown he has given up and is no longer fighting to get to the ball carrier. In fact by this time he is probably being pushed back and his opponent has won his position on the field allowing the ball carrier to pass right by him. This can occur in crucial plays and end up allowing the ball carrier to score a touchdown.

In these situations are the players being held challenging an officials judgment which is final? I appreciate that players wish to bring situations to the attention of the officials and many of you do this in a polite manner such as 'Sir please watch the holding.' But if the official says that he saw the hold and it had no bearing on the play then the reasons may be that you just weren't at the POA and it had no bearing on the play whatsoever or you actually gave into the hold and no longer fought for your position on the field.

I hope that brings some understanding about how the official judges the call for holding.

Grant Martin

No posts

2007-12-12T18:58:00.000+10:30

Sorry guys there are no posts this week as I was not at the games last weekend and then had an urgent family matter to deal with.

Grant Martin

Safety

2007-12-02T21:30:00.000+10:30

Well when it rains it can pour Safety for some teams. A very rare event indeed but two of them this season.
The latest being a scrimmage kick formation with the kicker standing close to the end goal line. In last weekends case the kicker took possession and while in possession of the ball stepped on the end line making him out of bounds. On the line is out and so the play is immediately stopped. 2 points to the defending team.

Grant Martin

Celebrations 2

2007-12-02T06:24:00.000+10:30

Last week I wrote about a player diving into the EZ and not getting a flag for USC. While each case will be taken on its merits and how opponent players perceive the action a line will be drawn about what is appropriate or not by the officials.
Celebrations are a team effort and individuals should not be bringing attention solely to themselves. I have seen players follow up a play that scores by running after them to celebrate, sometimes up to 30 or 40 yards.
When you score a touchdown you need to be respectful to your opponent. Jumping onto a fence brings undue attention and is not respectful to your opponents. It is also celebration that is excessive, unduly delays a game and running away from an official who may require the ball for the next play.
The play that scored a TD on the weekend exceeded the ruling and went beyond the more 'liberal' interpretations that GASA has allowed for this year.
I quote from the blog, http://sagridironofficials.blogspot.com/2007/09/sportsmanship.html that "..... acts that are genuine celebration within a team environment would be acceptable but those that brought attention on an individual may at times be unacceptable."
It was unfortunate that when this occurred the player concerned had accumulated his second USC penalty and was ejected from the game. Please ensure this doesn't happen to one of your team mates in future and get over and celebrate as a team. Ensure that as you celebrate that you have respect for your opponents.
The line has been drawn in the sand of what is acceptable and unacceptable and we hope that you keep in mind the need for respect of others and the positive image of the game as a whole.
The incident for another USC penalty on the same team came about because of further challenging an official's call. What brought me to continue this part of the blog was that "we were told that ......" was said to the Referee. Again it probably highlights the need for people to be checking the blog a few times a week and going back over the previous messages. The information you are looking for is probably hidden away somewhere. In this case the information is dated back to September 16th 2007.
Again while some people plead not knowing about our interpretations I would say that SAGOA handles itself well in communicating to clubs and the gridiron community using this blog site. Well done to the club that has a link to this very site to keep abreast of situations and interpretations. Again if you have any queries please feel free to comment and discuss what is written so that we can have a better and stronger league for the future.

Grant Martin

Sideline

2007-11-30T16:38:00.000+10:30

While we have had some very experienced officials keeping a good 2-yard break between the sideline and coaches box this has not been happening with the newer officials. While we encourage them to ask you to take a few steps back from the sideline the actual measurement we deal with is 2 yards. This is an Occupational Health and Safety issue and really giving teams 1 reminder each week is enough. This is our zone to work in without fear of running into any person standing close to the sideline.

Both sides are marked with a white line and while a play is going all sideline personnel must be behind the white line. Between plays coaches may enter between the sidelines to talk to players but he must not enter onto the field of play without permission from the Referee. Substitutes coming on and off the field can also enter through the 2-yard area but must be behind the white line when the play is running.

At worse if an official contacts someone standing on the sideline the team will be penalised 15 yards for illegal interference in a play. The potential for injury to an official is far greater causing significant injury and possibly career ending. Please ensure you stay off the sideline paying particular attention when teams are passing the ball, punting the ball or on kick-offs as the official’s attention is on fast moving players going through his zone.

Grant Martin

Celebrations

2007-11-27T20:17:00.000+10:30

A question was raised about a player diving into the EZ on a score. While technically a foul the league has requested through player comments that we relax in someway players celebrating good achievements. While we do not condone the player diving into the EZ it was in an act of celebration, which everyone wants to see, and that no opponent reacted to the players action. This was a good indication that no opponent felt disrespected by the scoring players actions.
While this time there was no flag the judgment of the official on the spot depending on reactions of players will determine if an USC penalty has occurred.
A couple of other examples of celebrating without drawing a flag is to raise your hand in the air pointing to the sky or to give a loud 'yell' in acknowledgment of a good play, eg a sack, but the player is not to be facing and directing his actions towards his opponent on the field or sideline. Towards the crowd or team mates would be deemed acceptable. It is also acceptable to get other team mates into a celebration after a score but on sacks it may not be acceptable to have a large group near a QB celebrating a few metres away.
One type of celebration that will not be tolerated on a score or interception is when a ball is held out taunting an opponent or it is thrown towards an opponent baiting them into a response. This will draw a penalty flag on every occasion.
In summary it is ok to celebrate your achievements as long as it is done in a respectful manner in which your opponents will view. SAGOA will continue to monitor the slight relaxing of the rule but the rules listed in Rule 9 have not been modified by GASA at this stage. Rather the Board has taken on a responsibility to acknowledge our game is different to the actual college games in USA and that celebrations are a way to entertain the crowd and allow players to enjoy the game.
Before next season we may put forward to GASA a modified Rule 9 on celebrations to allow the suggested scenarios above.

Grant Martin

Line of Scimmage Eligible players

2007-11-27T19:38:00.000+10:30

When it really matters in the heat of battle offensive players must know where they stand to be eligible to go down for a pass. Over the past 4 years SAGOA has worked diligently with players and coaches to ensure that this procedure is not one where a player fouls so that a formation is as legal as possible. Officials in SAGOA are trained to help the wideouts as much as possible to get the play underway, but they are not there to ensure that players are lined up in the correct positions to be eligible downfield.
A good marking point for a wideout who is off the LOS is to mark 2 yards off the LOS. This will put him clearly in the backfield if that is where he needs to be. If he is just inside that 2 yards the official may give him a chatting 2 as a reminder to be clearly on or off the LOS. Anything in between does not match the rule of clearly on or off the LOS. Only the QB is allowed to be in no mans land under the centre.
From our document on philosophies "Officials will work to keep offensive linemen legal and will call only when obvious or where repeated warnings are ignored. "

This occurred in the second game at a crucial time when players need to take extra care in their alignment.

Another area to watch is numbering of players. The rules clearly state numbers 50 to 79 cannot become eligible by position. These numbers are ineligible at all times.

Grant Martin

Week 5 GASA Games

2007-11-25T21:07:00.000+10:30

Well what a very exciting week of games. Multiple ejections and a 1 point win in the second game.
Ok so what really happened at half time?
A fight broke out with 12secs left in the first half. Lots of yelling going on and people hearing that the game was cancelled.
As of this year GASA has adopted a policy that games can be suspended for up to an hour before being cancelled. This allows time to resume games if conditions improve. The officials need to take the option of first suspending a game. So sorry to those who left after 20 or 30 mins of waiting and missed a good game of football still with both sides scoring well in the second half.
There was no doubt that what happened was a fight between players. Under NCAA rules striking or attempting to strike an opponent in a non-football manner is a fight and an automatic ejection. Also under NCAA rules players leaving the sideline to join in the fight are also ejected by rule. Some players from both sides made it past the officials while a small number were listed as entering the field by one official. Those players did stop and turn back to their sideline and did not pass the official so they dodged a bullet for not being ejected.
If both teams wanted to continue and the officials did not want to continue then the game would have been called after an hour delay and the scores reverted back to 0-0 and a no contest being the result. The points would have been split between both teams as a draw. This would have happened because half time had not yet been reached, 12 secs was left on the clock before half time.
In conclusion we all need to take something from this and learn from it. If you have any comments then please direct them to your club, league or email them to myself so that we keep rumour to a minimum. If you ask something it may well be possible to answer through the blog as someone else may have had the same question to answer.
Have a good week everyone.
Grant Martin

Week 4 GASA Games

2007-11-18T13:20:00.000+10:30

Another set of hard fought games. Well done to all the teams who played. Well done to all the coaches out there this weekend the sideline behaviour was much better than previous weeks and I hope we can continue this on and sustain that level of behaviour to the end of the season. Players were excellent in their conduct and captains maintained a high level of control. There was only a very minor mishap late in the second game that required no further action than was needed at the time by the officials by rule. But remember that players choose the conduct on the field that officials need to manage or enforce by rule. We do not 'kill' the game by being over zealous in the rules but rather participants choose to follow the rules or to act outside the interpretations of the rules. It was made clear in both games by the Referee to the coaches and captains that continued questioning of an official's call would draw a flag. We allow niggling comments between players to a point but continued questioning of an official's call will draw a flag, especially if an official has answered your query first and you continue to comment on it after the explanation.
On issues and rules from the weekend nothing really stands out except the very low number of procedural penalties for false starts and illegal procedures. Well done guys you are making that part of the game work really well.
A reminder that many of the penalty calls will occur around the point of attack. Those penalties away from the point of attack will not draw a flag unless they are a safety issue or a player has been warned to stop something and he hasn't. If you were away from the point of attack you may mention a hold or block happened to you and the official will keep an eye out for it when the play occurs in your direction. Make sure the request is made in a respectful and orderly manner.
A reminder to check out the presentations on why to keep your head up in tackles and the increased vigilance that officials are making on this issue. If an official believes that the illegal use of helmet/spearing is flagrant, especially helmet to helmet, then they also risk being ejected from the game and a report made to GASA.
After I have gone through the game situations I will add to the blog again later this week. Until then please feel free to send through any comments.

Grant Martin

Use of the helmet

2007-11-12T22:28:00.001+10:30

Please follow the links to presentations in their original format of pdf and PowerPoint to do with spearing/Illegal use of the helmet.
www.sagoa.info/resources/readings/spearing_presentation.ppt
12 Mb in size
www.sagoa.info/resources/readings/spearing_notes.pdf

Regards
Grant Martin

Week 3 GASA Games

2007-11-11T20:42:00.000+10:30

Wow a very close second game from Saturday night. Well done to all teams for an entertaining performance this past weekend.
A few things to clarify with this week:
1. Blocked Punt
2. Kick Off untouched into the End Zone
3. Kick Off 25 sec clock
4. Time Outs
5. Block in the Back
6. Assistant Coaches
7. Post game reviews

1. There was a blocked punt in the second game that was then in the end zone. It was recovered by the kicking team behind the LOS which meant they could advance it. The ball carrier was then stopped before getting the ball out of the end zone and a Safety was the correct result on the play.

2. In game 1 a kick off went into the end zone untouched by the receiving team. It landed at about the 25 yard line and bounced over the receivers head. Those kicks which go into the EZ untouched by the receiving team are dead by rule.

3. New rule this year was a 25 sec kick off clock. While the clock went to zero on one of the Spartans kickoffs last weekend there was no undue delay as the player was in his run up to the ball to kick it. While the absolute technical rule was a delay of game at zero this is not always the manner in which we manage the situation and all clubs at some stage have been given this leeway when on offense. If we actually did stop the clock and march off a penalty then we would have delayed the game by a minute or so ourselves. Some people would call this cheating we would rather call it game managing. The intent of the clock is to get people moving rather than standing round huddled up for longer periods than necessary. In managing the game in this way the crew get a pat on the back well done.

4. Time Outs - A time out is for the coach or assistants to address their players. It is not a time to call over the Referee and to give them a 'serve' and 'vent' about game decisions. Even if a coach does this he will only be given his one minute of time out. An official will answer a question where possible and at a reasonable break in the game when the coach is asking in a reasonable manner. The coaches conference or time out does not give anyone the right to challenge judgment of an official's call. Referees have all been directed to make a report on all coaches who use this tactic. Please refer to the rule book on this matter in regards to The Football Code and the Coaches Ethics. Please give the respect that the job deserves and remember we are all here to better the game of Gridiron in SA. We will listen to your questions and answer at an appropriate time in an appropriate manner.

5. A big question on the weekend was about players engaged and turning their back on an opponent. It came during the tight tussle in game 2. While the rule was questioned the judgment of the official was supported by our assessor in the stand where the player disengaged from the original block and then re-engaged again after the player turned his back. This is BIB every time. If the player turned his back while the player was engaged originally then there is no penalty flag.

6. While many coaches show us respect and discuss issues casually sometimes it is the assistant coach that is yelling and over questioning calls. This is distracting and may even cause the official to miss other calls that could have gone in your favour because the assistant distracted the official. The Head Coach has whole responsibility of the sideline and controlling of all assistant coaches, players and ancillary personnel. Let's not continue such actions, they are unsportsmanlike, and leave the discussions to the Head Coach. Again all Referees have been instructed to make game reports on this issue even if no penalty flags have been thrown for such conduct during a game.

7. Over the past few weeks a couple of teams has gone to the extent of providing feedback to the officials after a game. This has helped identify the plays they have concerns with and what the officials called or didn't call.
While we can't go back and answer every question or concern from a game we do review and look at concerns that clubs send us a report in for. Just providing this blog is a review of the game. If we feel a need to comment about a particular play or rule then the place to comment will be on this blog for all to see the topic and its reply.

Have a good week 4 of games and see you all on the field. Let's make this a season to remember for all the right reasons. Now with such a long post and doing it over 2 days I hope I didn't miss any vital technicalities on any of the issues. If you see something that is incorrect please give me a buzz through email or comment on the blog so that it can then be rectified.

Regards
Grant Martin

Illegal Use of Helmet

2007-11-09T16:46:00.000+10:30

Listening into a conversation I overheard that some coaches teach players to put their hands out as part of a tackle and that if the helmet then makes contact after the hands touch the opponent then this exempts them from Spearing or Illegal Use of the Helmet rule. This is incorrect from the NCAA perspective. Use of the helmet is illegal and intent does not have to be proved in its use to attempt to punish an opponent. The best way is to have your head up looking at who you are going to hit or tackle. But the facemask is also illegal in contacting an opponent in an attempt to punish them. The player should not be lining an opponent up to ‘stick him in the numbers’ purely using his head or using a reason that his hands touched first.

There are times though when a ball carrier and opponent will make helmet-to-helmet contact because both have got low in the tackle. This is very hard to officiate to make a judgement on who initiated this contact. Was it the tackler or was it the ball carrier? Should they both be penalised and have offsetting live ball fouls? Who has the duty of care to avoid such contact? Who has right of way in a collision sport such as Gridiron?

The rules definitely allow for ruling on the side of safety and the official will judge in a split second when seeing all the action whether the defence or the offence used the helmet illegally.

Let’s ensure we all use our head in the correct manner and protect our spine while enjoying the best collision sport in SA.

Regards

Grant Martin

Sideline

2007-11-05T18:22:00.000+10:30

Another set of fiery games this week that certainly will be spoken about for the coming weeks for good and bad reasons. We can certainly see players playing with passion and putting in some hard yards and hits.
SAGOA used a 7 man crew in both games, even putting Daryl Argent back into Head Linesman where he has done 123 games. He really enjoyed the experience on the sideline but this is not always the case for all officials who do the wing positions of Line Judge and Heads Lineman. While I enjoy these positions as well it is not always possible to put highly experienced officials next to the teams and put rookie official in Referee or Umpire positions. It just isn't practical for brand new Officials.
The thing is old or new there are some restrictions for those on the sidelines on who can or can't speak to an official and of course the language or tone they use towards or about an official. In reality only the Head Coach has authority to speak to an official about a call. In the previous post about Captains and communication the rule book demonstrates that Officials instigate communication with Captains.
This then leaves other players and sideline personnel. There is nothing in the rule book that allows anyone else a chance to challenge a call or to address an official. Therefore Assistant Coaches and other players need to hold comment about calls on the sideline. Some leeway may be given to Head Coaches in how they react and approach Officials about calls but an Assistant Coach does not have that same leeway. Distracting an Official from his job on the field is Unsportsmanlike and should be discouraged by the Head Coach in all circumstances. The wing officials are being trained to ignore everyone on the sideline except for the Head Coach. This can include the Official walking away from the sideline, although you may be calling out for him.
Again the rule book states that when an official has made a decision it is final. It may be frustrating that a player knows what he did was wrong or right but we cannot enter into any dialogue instigated by a player to justify his actions. If another official sees something different in the same play then they may share with the Referee and calling official what they saw. It is then up to the Referee to make a final determination about the penalty. I appreciate some players accepting the decision and then speaking to me saying 'but that's not what I was trying to do.' Sure it is frustrating and I really respect you for toughing it out and speaking about it later rather than making a 'song and dance' about it at the time.

Grant Martin

Game reviewing by Officials

2007-11-03T06:16:00.000+10:30

It occurred to me after an email arrived last week that we were congratulated on the use of the blog spot and for putting up reviews, such as incorrect penalty enforcements, that people may not understand what we do to improve ourselves in the game.
I have been a part of SAGOA on and off since 1992 and post game reviews have always been a part of the process for learning. The past 4 years we have always reviewed games and decisions made. Many of these also don't show up on video to discuss. Much more happens on the field than just watching the play that lasts up to 10 secs.
We don't just take to the field each week for a couple of hours to throw flags but we also put in a great deal of work each week planning for the next set of games.
So yes looking back at our game is just the same as any sporting team so that we can improve on any mistakes made.

Grant Martin

Thanks

2007-10-31T18:34:00.000+10:30

Thanks to all of those who have visited this site over the past month with a large number visiting after the first week of games and some people checking every couple of days. I hope this becomes a valuable tool for all parties to learn from over the season.
While many people still disagree with decisions on the field this is a great spot to follow up those concerns. Please comment or email us at training@sagoa.info with your question.
All the best for week 2 of games, especially for the Spartans with their first appearance this season.

Grant Martin

The role of the captain?

2007-10-23T23:19:00.000+09:30

There have been consistent misunderstandings in the recent past on the role of the onfield captains, in particular with regard to interactions with officials. Going to the rulebook, Rule 1, Section 1, Article 5 says:

Each team shall designate to the referee no more than four players as its field captain(s), and one player at a time shall speak for his team in all dealings with the officials. There shall be no more than four captains from each team at the coin toss.

The first point that comes from this is that multiple players gathered around an official all talking at once is unacceptable. This is unfair to the official but also does the team a disservice in that inconsistent comments can be made due to multiple people being involved.

Secondly, when we're talking about dealings with officials here the implication is that the officials are determining the interaction, not the players/captains. The captains, just like the other players, coaches and all team participants must still comply with Rule 9.2.1 regarding inappropriate language and gestures.

Where the prevalent idea that "I'm a captain so I get to say what I want to the officials" comes from is unknown. Requests from a captain for an official to watch particular opposition actions, when done calmly and reasonably, are generally appropriate. Comments such as "Are you blind?" are not appropriate whether coming from a captain or not!

In The Football Code at the start of the rulebook, there is a section on Talking to Officials which states:

When an official imposes a penalty or makes a decision, he simply is doing his duty as he sees it. He is on the field to uphold the integrity of the game of football, and his decisions are final and conclusive and should be accepted by players and coaches.

I am not aware of a situation where a captain's complaint about a call has ever resulted in the call being overturned. No-one should expect that any official is going to be perfect - we are all only human. There is the procedure of the coaches conference if a head coach wishes to challenge the enforcement of a penalty. Clubs are welcome to submit game reports if they wish to cover things in more detail. These reports may be reproduced in part or full on this blog as we attempt to respond to them in an open and transparent manner.

Rest assured that SAGOA and other officiating groups do review games and our decisions in them. We train to make sure we are in the best position to make the correct call on every play. Much like coaches and players, we are annoyed at ourselves when we get it wrong and work hard to improve our knowledge and abilities for future contests.

Regards
Simon Pollitt

GASA Season Week 1

2007-10-21T06:20:00.000+09:30

Welcome to updates on rules and interpretations and possible corrections on rulings and penalties for GASA Senior games 2007/08. Where people ask for consistency on rulings throughout a season SAGOA always reviews many of its interpretations and passes this information onto clubs via this blog site. Sometimes some interpretations need refining as we wouldn't want to continue with an incorrect ruling just to stay with consistency.
Feedback to this is welcome if you believe something is still incorrect but please state your position and qualification so that we know who we are actually learning from. Even if you are a player, coach or fan your input is most welcome and we will certainly do our best to look into your questions and concerns from GASA games. Please take the time to fill in the poll.
I hope you all enjoyed the games and that you look forward to an entertaining season.

Now while this post is a long one I hope I have covered what I need to and that the information is as correct as possible.

Chop Blocks
Players come up to an official and say that they are being chop blocked. This is legal but then there are aspects that are illegal. Here is the rule about Chop Blocks:
Rule 2-3-3-a, b, c: A chop block is:
a. An obviously delayed block at the thigh or below against an opponent (except the runner)
who is in contact with a teammate of the blocker, is in the act of disengaging from the first
blocker or has just disengaged from the first blocker but is still confronting him. When in
question, the contact is at the thigh or below
b. A high-low, low-high or low-low combination block by two nonadjacent linemen with or
without a delay between contacts occurring in the neutral zone.
c. A high-low, low-high or low-low combination block by any two offensive players with or
without a delay between contacts when the initial contact clearly occurs beyond the neutral zone
Rule 9-1-2-e-1: Offensive linemen at the snap positioned more than seven yards from
the middle lineman of the offensive formation are prohibited from blocking below the
waist toward the original position of the ball in or behind the neutral zone and within 10
yards beyond the neutral zone.
See the link below for a detailed chart on this:
http://www.sagoa.info/training/2007/Chop_block_table.doc
We had in the first game a team mention this type of block a number of times but when viewed by officials before and after the fact the blocks were high/low blocks by adjacent linemen without delay. In viewing the chart from the document this is not a foul.

Kick off
New to NCAA rules is having a 25 secs clock for kick offs. The Referee will blow the ready for play as if it is any other regular play. This means that the kicking team no longer have to wait for a whistle just prior to kickoff. The way this works is that when the umpire hands the ball to the kicker or when the ball is placed at the kicking spot the officials will check off that the field is clear and ready for play. The teams need to make sure they have the correct number of players and be in a position to be ready for a kickoff. If the receiving team is slow in getting organised they too can be penalised for a delay of game. The umpire should stand over the ball until the receiving team is in position ready.
Procedural fouls on a kickoff can be penalised on the end of the run. The officials encourage captains to take this option. In game 1 a captain yelled out his choice to the referee before the referee had the chance to formally ask. It would be better to actually wait for the options from the referee and to look at what best advantages the team and the safety of players. The second kickoff actually travelled further than the first one which went out of bounds, it would be a risky choice if the player who returns the ball then muffs or fumbles the kickoff. A sure choice would be to take the ball out of bounds, add 5 yards from where the ball went out up to the 35 or the 35 yard line which ever is the better option.

Fair Catch and Kick Catch Interference
Last night we had a player call for a fair catch. Not often we have one of those. Fair catch or not the person trying to get to the fall of the ball to make the catch from a kick needs an unimpeded opportunity to catch a kick. If a fair catch is called the player needs every opportunity to complete the catch before the ball hits the ground even if it has bounced off his hands.
We had a fair catch, a player making contact with the receiver, a muff and then the ball bouncing on the ground where the player then ran off with the ball.
There was a flag for kick catch interference and one where he advanced after the muff or the ball striking the ground. At this point as soon as any of the receivers recovered the ball the play should have stopped right then.
The enforcement spot of the kick catch interference should have occurred at the spot of the foul and not where eventually recovered. This is where a coach can call a conference to challenge the enforcement of the penalty.
So one for us to now get right in the future if it ever happens again.

Handing the ball to an official
The officials try hard to keep the balls dry during the game but each time the player drops the ball onto the ground it does get wet and at times soaking wet. If a player does this and it is in the centre of the field the officials can decline a request for a dry ball. They may consider a request close to a sideline but it is not guaranteed. It is up to the team to keep the ball dry. The officials will try to get a dry ball in when rotating balls according to the play situation. The basics of this are if a ball finishes between the numbers then use the same ball. If the ball finishes outside the numbers or out of bounds then a new ball from the ball person will be put into play. A ball that is thrown short but is wet from an incomplete pass may be changed depending on how wet it became. So please ensure your team mates do the right thing leave it on the ground where the play ended or hand it to the nearest official that you can see.

Drink Breaks
Having a drink during a series of downs has been something that the officials have managed on the field with the players, especially hot days. We have observed that the squads are large in size and having a drink will need to be something that the team needs to manage while players can substitute on and off the field. If the squad reduces to a size where players are forced to play both ways the officials will manage it as they have done so on the field previously. There won't be a magic cut off number but rather the officials will monitor it on the day. The Head Coach may wish to bring it up during the pregame conference if the team is getting low on numbers.

Personal Fouls
We had 2 dead ball personal fouls administered at the end of one play. There was some pushing and shoving and stepping into the altercation by both players rather than one or both of them walking away.
The play stood and the penalties administered back to where the play ended. The penalties do not offset but are marched off. When defense commit a personal foul they also give the offense an automatic first down. On the weekend the offense were not given the automatic first down. Again something to call a coaches conference on how to enforce something and if successful no team time out will be charged.

Talking to an Official
We had an unfortunate incident where a player/captain moved towards an official and pointed his finger towards him and yelling at him about missing a penalty on a particular play. Under the football code players/captains and coaches accept certain responsibilities. Players, coaches and captains do not have a right to speak to officials in a manner that intimidates or causes undue stress while officiating on the field of play. SAGOA has a Safe Sports Policy and one of the aims is to provide a safe work environment for officials. Although sports involve heated emotions it is the choice of the participant which behaviours they display on the ground. It is not the fault of the official that made you display a certain behaviour, whether good or bad. I cannot recall any teams coming up and showing jubilation to an official and thanking them for the TD they just scored?

At the beginning of the rule book is the Football Code. A sub section of this is outlined below:
Talking to Officials
When an official imposes a penalty or makes a decision, he simply is doing his duty as he sees it. He is on the field to uphold the integrity of the game of football, and his decisions are final and conclusive and should be accepted by players and coaches.

This was not the only time a player/captain questioned a call but once an official has answered the particular question then the matter is closed and the same question should not be asked a second or third time as his decision is final. In fact the rule book mentions communication between officials and captains for time outs, penalties, options for coin toss and as a communicator between officials and his head coach. Captains do not have the right to come in and question everything and in fact continued opposition to call/no calls may result in unsportsmanlike conduct.

Please remember that SAGOA has 2 new officials this year and that they should have a little more latitude to deciding what is a penalty or not. They have to develop judgment of and decide which rule has been broken in a matter of seconds. This is not an easy task for new officials to do. Coaches were informed of the fact that new officials were in the second game, their positions and captains should have had the information passed onto them.

Please remember what each of our roles are out there on the field and that is coaches coach, players play, officials officiate and spectators get entertained. It is hard enough to do one of these well let alone 2 or more.

Until next post or next game (2 weeks.)

Regards
Grant Martin

SAGOA Web Site

2007-10-16T20:38:00.000+09:30

The SAGOA web site has been updated with the training presentations as at 8.30pm tonight.

Regards
Grant Martin
Coordinator of Officials

Officiating Tips

2007-10-14T21:51:00.000+09:30

Well done to those who showed up Sunday for the final day of training before the first round of matches. I hope you found day 2 just as exciting and informative and helps you ready for the upcoming season which will start with a bang in 1 weeks time.

Please check here and the SAGOA web site each week for updates and let me know through email what your weekly availability is so that I can record this and create balanced crews.

The BLOG will be updated with rules knowledge, interpretations and urgent changes to mechanics that we use while the web site will be used more as an encyclopedia to refer back to.

While we covered rules as a part of the process of the game it is where we are positioned and what we look for that is vital to safety and fair play. Keep asking questions and remember the answers. Keep improving yourself each week and if need be keep a diary of your questions and answers. It won't matter how good you know the rule book from front to back cover it is how you judge the play according to the rules and interpretations from the NCAA Rules Committee and local modifications.

Anyhow keep reading and asking and look forward to next week.

Regards
Grant Martin
SAGOA Training Officer

SAGOA Training 14th October

2007-10-11T18:21:00.000+09:30

Don't forget training is again this Sunday 14th October 2007. Same venue check www.sagoa.info/calendar.htm for any other details.
Bring some running shoes along as we will have about an hours on field training during the day. Can you also bring your own lunch to minimise time between breaks and stay together as a group.

Make sure you register on or before Sunday and fill in your paper rego form to hand to me so that I can deliver them to GASA. If you don't have a credit card please let us know on the day.

We will be training toward 5/6/7 man crews.

Grant Martin
Coordinator of Officials

SA Gridiron Rules Update

2007-09-30T07:56:00.000+09:30

Well the season is very close now.

Update to the rules for the upcoming season:
1. Kickoff - Teams will be kicking off from the 30 yard line this year. There will also be a 25 sec clock when the Ref blows the ready for play. This will start when either the kicker is handed the ball or when the ball is placed at the correct spot for the kickoff, allowing teams sufficient time to gather their thoughts and to have a drink.

All other rule changes from the NCAA are located at:
http://www.sagoa.info/resources/2007/2007NCAARulesChanges.pdf

If you have any queries of which other rules affect GASA games this season then please email training@sagoa.info

Grant Martin

SAGOA Training

2007-09-23T20:26:00.000+09:30

Well a good start to the upcoming season 2007/08. Another well prepared training session that kept people thinking about the role we play in officiating American Football, NCAA. Thanks to Simon and Gordon for taking the reigns to add any further detail to an already jam packed curriculum.
It was great to see new faces and of course the old faces are welcome back at any time.
Reminder to register but if you can't do this we will fix it up at the next SAGOA meeting to be held October 14th, same venue, 10am. This will be about mechanics and rules and have an onfield component rather than just theory. So bring along appropriate footwear for the day.
The web site is getting updated with the training info and as such any information we didn't cover on the day is in the presentation. Where I have used other PowerPoint presentations from elsewhere I have left in tact the presentation as recognition of other peoples work. If there is anything incorrect in any of the work presented please email me so that I can rectify any errors. Please ensure you have a full and correct uniform before week 1, 20th October. Remember we have a couple of new officials so if you have spare bean bags, caps or tops please bring them along.
Due to other commitments in early October I won't be adding to the blog site until the week before the season begins. Good luck to all.

Grant Martin
SAGOA Coordinator of Officials

SAGOA Training

2007-09-20T06:33:00.000+09:30

SAGOA Training is on this Sunday at 10am to 3.30pm.
www.sagoa.info/calendar.htm

Please check the link for location and other details.

Grant Martin
SAGOA Training Officer

Sportsmanship

2007-09-16T08:23:00.000+09:30

Rules Meeting

On the 30th August 2007 SAGOA acted on behalf of GASA to organise a rules committee and explore the issue of sportsmanhip. GASA has spent much money over the past 12 months to improve the marketability of the game in SA. As a member of the league SAGOA has undertaken research across Australian states with comments from other officials, administrators, coaches, players and spectators.
With all of this in mind SAGOA presented GASA with the comments below and some recommendations to follow up. Please read through the whole document below and best of luck for 2007/08.

30^th August 2007

Marion Sport and Community Centre, 7.00pm

Meeting open at 7.30pm

Discussion on attendance being that there was an urgent meeting held on Tuesday night by GASA which in turn could have affected this meeting.

•Unsportsmanlike Acts

•ARTICLE 1. There shall be no unsportsmanlike conduct or any act that interferes with orderly game administration on the part of players, substitutes, coaches, authorized attendants or any other persons subject to the rules, before the game, during the game or between periods.

•a. Specifically prohibited acts and conduct include:

•1. No player, substitute, coach or other person subject to the rules shall use abusive, threatening or obscene language or gestures, or engage in such acts that provoke ill will or are demeaning to an opponent, to game officials or to the image of the game, including but not limited to:

• (a) Pointing the finger(s), hand(s), arm(s) or ball at an opponent, or imitating the slashing of the throat.

•(b) Taunting, baiting or ridiculing an opponent verbally.

•(c) Inciting an opponent or spectators in any other way, such as simulating the firing of a weapon or placing a hand by the ear to request recognition.

•(d) Any delayed, excessive, prolonged or choreographed act by which a player (or players) attempts to focus attention upon himself (or themselves).

•(e) Obviously altering stride as an unopposed runner approaches the opponent’s goal line, or diving into the end zone when unopposed.

•(f) Removal of a player’s helmet before he is in the team area (Exceptions: Team, media or injury timeouts; equipment adjustment; through play; between periods; and during a measurement for a first down).

•(g) Punching one’s own chest or crossing one’s arms in front of the chest while standing over a prone player.

•(h) Going into the stands to interact with spectators, or bowing at the waist after a good play.

. After a score or any other play, the player in possession immediately must return the ball to an official or leave it near the dead-ball spot.

This prohibits:

•(a) Kicking, throwing, spinning or carrying (including off of the field) the ball any distance that requires an official to retrieve it.

•(b) Spiking the ball to the ground [Exception: A forward pass to conserve time (Rule 7-3-2-d)].

•(c) Throwing the ball high into the air.

•(d) Any other unsportsmanlike act or actions that delay the game.

•SECTION 32. Fighting

•ARTICLE 1. Fighting is any attempt by a player, coach or squad member in uniform to strike an opponent in a combative manner unrelated to football.

•Such acts include, but are not limited to:

–a. An attempt to strike an opponent with the arm(s), hand(s), leg(s) or foot (feet), whether or not there is contact.

–b. An unsportsmanlike act toward an opponent that causes any opponent to retaliate by fighting (Rules 9-2-1-a and 9-5-1-a-c).

The purpose of this meeting was to look at ways players could celebrate great plays and scores within the rules set down by the NCAA.

The committee spent much time going over words and how they are to be interpreted and what this would look like in a game situation. All agreed that celebration was an important part of the game but taunting and trash talk was not. It was felt that the Australian culture influenced the way that the game is played in this regard but it is not something that is allowed by rule.

The Australian Gridiron community made a conscious decision choosing NCAA rules when the game was implemented into Australia and as such follow their ideas surrounding the way the game is played. We do though need to acknowledge that Australia is a different place to play this unique game and need to also look at sporting trends through the Australian Sports Commission.

It was accepted by the group that acts that are genuine celebration within a team environment would be acceptable but those that brought attention on an individual may at times be unacceptable. Players running from a sideline to join in a celebration during a game would also be deemed unacceptable, except in cases of close wins or the end of a finals game.

Discussion centred around what is an orderly game. This was defined as having a play run and that the officials are able to reset the ball for the next play within 10 to 15 secs and then blowing in the ready for play 25 sec clock for Offence.

Illegal Delay of the Game

ARTICLE 2. a. The ball shall be declared ready for play consistently throughout the game by the referee when the officials are in position. Consuming more than 25 seconds to put the ball in play after it is declared ready for play is an illegal delay. (page 75, 2007 NCAA Rule Book)

The NCAA is moving towards a 45 sec clock like the NFL and while we don’t necessarily have the 45 secs displayed as such we train the Referees and officials to get the ball in at this regular pace of the game.

In regards of player interaction the rules to sportsmanship are quite specific about how opponents are to treat each other. The nature of the sport is to beat your opponent on the field in a combative nature. Actions that provoke or demean an opponent as a sportsperson are not a part of the game. Though some players may have a good rapport with each other this is not always knowledge to an official. The official is trained to manage this with or without a flag and that is his judgment. While some players may believe that taunting is a part of the game to mentally provoke an opponent and that it is the Australian way to do things we must also see this as a preventative method of officiating before things get out of control and the image of the game is tarnished. While players find this restrictive in managing their passions the game is also about mental toughness as well as managed physical aggression within the rules. The game is about building character and team play, as well as winning.

The rules that have been developed for sportsmanship within the USA are about respecting the game and your opponents.

Participants reaffirmed after much debate that SAGOA is currently officiating the rules correctly in accordance with NCAA policy on interpretations. This comes about after much contact with US officials via email and NCAA newsletters. Sections bolded or underlined were under discussion about interpretation.

SAGOA reaffirms it stance on sportsmanship and that GASA and the clubs help promote the styles of sportsmanship for the image of the game.

Points to ponder?

SAGOA suggests promotion of team celebration of those players on the field and that GASA promotes team celebrations as a means for entertainment for the game.
That any celebration that delays a game, is excessive and brings attention to oneself or is choreographed still be considered for USC behaviour.
That GASA actively support the notion of positive sportsmanship at local league level for teams. Whether this is a voting system of some sort by SAGOA officials or league officials or board members.

Regards

Grant Martin
SAGOA Training Officer

SAGOA Coordinator of Officials

Trick plays

2007-09-10T06:35:00.000+09:30

On the weekend an interesting trick play was shown by a junior team. It was meant to deceive a team by showing 'wrong ball.' There was some discussion as to the legality of a snap by a centre to a person in the backfield. The centre does not need to stand up and turn to hand the ball as discussed as this rule applies to other down linemen. The centre with the ball needs to snap the ball to the person in the backfield in one smooth motion, it need not be between his legs. So to all defences as soon as the centre picks up the ball after setting himself up the play starts and the officials judge whether the snap is legal or not.
Now to the showing of the 'wrong ball.' This is completely illegal and is Unsportsmanlike Conduct. Any interaction with the sideline to put off your opponent is not apart of the sport. It is to deceive and not to beat your opponent in a combative manner according to the rules. It may appear to be a smart play but it is not a fair play. The act of showing or calling a 'wrong ball' or 'wet ball' should be penalised for USC and the officials not the coach should be notified if the ball is wrong or wet, not the coach.
Some Youtube videos are saying this play is legal when in fact it is not according to the above interpretations. Discussion with US officials say the coach also risks ejection from the game for such a prepared play. In fact this may be a warning to coaches and players not to believe that all plays, even those with commentary, shown on these sites is legal.
If you have any trick plays you wished to discuss please email me before a game on the weekend so that the legalities can be checked well before hand.

Grant Martin

Welcome

2007-09-09T20:02:00.000+09:30

Welcome to a new way of informing the players and other people about the way American Football is officiated. This is to complement the existing web site www.sagoa.info where the current rules and training documents have been posted.

This is not a QandA area but rather where information can be transferred to people interested in Gridiron easily. It will be an area to show interesting videos if need be or have links to other web sites, as well as scenarios and followups to concerns or unusual plays seen the previous week.

If you think there needs to be an answer to a particular rule then please first email secretary@sagoa.info or to contact Grant Martin or Simon Pollitt on game day for an idea to post here.

Regards

Grant Martin

SAGOA Coordinator of Officials