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.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
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.
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.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Registering for 2008/2009
Use this link http://tinyurl.com/427bqv and choose to register under SAGOA.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Wes Neal
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 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.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Wes Neal
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
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Helmet to Helmet
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
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
Monday, May 12, 2008
Updates 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Congratulations Daryl Argent
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
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
Monday, March 31, 2008
Survey Results
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
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
Monday, March 3, 2008
Survey SAGOA 2008
Please feel free to fill out the survey before the 12th of March 2008.
http://www.zoomerang.com/survey.zgi?p=WEB227HY8L6G6B
Grant Martin
http://www.zoomerang.com/survey.zgi?p=WEB227HY8L6G6B
Grant Martin
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