Week 4 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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 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