2009 KSHSAA FOOTBALL
Announcement/News

Again during the course of the 2009 Football season, I will use this forum as a way to share various football interpretations, announcements, updates with KSHSAA member school football coaches and registered football officials.  We will have a new announcement for the week up Monday of each week.  Please check this site weekly for the most recent updates and news.

11/2/2009
During the week of October 26 I received a copy of a newsletter item prepared by Frank Smysor.  The content and the message Frank prepared struck a chord in me and seemed so appropriate to the importance of participating in interscholastic activities that I asked Frank if I could use it as part of this week’s KSHSAA weekly announcements.  While Frank’s message was focused upon the basis and reasons for interscholastic sports, it also has a meaning for officials and why their job on “game day” is also important in the development of the kids playing.   He was kind enough to grant me permission to use it. 

From the desk of Frank Smysor:
“A Season of Frustration, A Season of Great Growth: I am willing to bet that most coaches and administrators are like most “normal” people.  They dislike losing – they dislike authority figures (read, officials) – they dislike losing (did I mention that before?) - they like winning – they really dislike losing – they really, really, dislike officials...you get the idea. Way too often we (they) forget that school activities are to be co-curricular in nature – that is to say that the lessons learned on the football field – self discipline, for example are far more important than wins and losses. And. what they learn in activities can be transferred to other parts of their lives.

What is learned when a coach spews venomous language at one of his players – another coach – or officials?  What is to be learned when officials are “black-balled” because of their “win-loss” record with a team?  Who keeps track of that statistic?

The point of all of this is: Life isn't always fair and the only thing officials have to rely upon is that they officiate as fairly as possible.  Take whatever opportunity you can to get better. But, always remember that the one thing that matters most is that activities are great for kids to learn the lessons of life! As normal people, we don't “lose 'em all,” and we certainly don't “win 'em all!”  Schools need to retain coaches who teach those lessons – administrators need to look at the kids coaches produce as well as “wins and losses!”    Officials, remember, the most important people in the stadium are the kids! Or, as General Electric ads used to say – with a slight variation: “Kids are our most important product!”  Or, “productive, fair-minded kids are our most important products!” The sooner kids, coaches, parents, and administrators learn this valuable lesson, the more we can honestly say that activities are truly “co-curricular,” and a far cry from “extra curricular!”

The importance of the above statement is that there is no reason that can be defended for having sports in schools unless kids learn valuable life lessons from their participation.  Kids can learn things from playing games at recess – co-curricular activities teach values such as cooperation – team work – and self discipline.  Those are the reasons for having co-curricular activities in our schools – learning lessons beyond wins and losses!”

THANKS FRANK FOR REMINDING US OF WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO!

CONCLUSION OF THE 2009 SEASON AND POSTING OF PLAYOFF BRACKETS – Again I wanted to remind officials and coaches of how to access updated playoff brackets.
 
We will be posting on the KSHSAA football page the brackets for the playoffs.  To access the brackets you will need to go to the KSHSAA web site (www.kshsaa.org).  Once you have accessed the web site hover over the tab “Activities” located on the top of the page.  Click on “Athletic” when it comes up and this will take you to a second page which displays a list of the athletic activities the KSHSAA administers.  Click on “Football” from that list and this will take you to the KSHSAA football home page.  One of the boxes on the football home page is “2009-2010 State Football information” – click on that box.  That will link you to a page from which you will be able to access additional information for each football classification, including the playoff brackets for each football classification.  Following each round of play, the brackets will be updated so that people will be able to follow the teams through the playoffs.  Also contained on the brackets will be location and game times for playoff games.

10/26/2009
IS IT FOOTBALL? OR ACTING? – If you happened to have watched the Florida State v. North Carolina college football game on Thursday, October 22 you no doubt saw the play UNC ran that raised the question –it is football or acting?.  Remember – UNC is lined up in an offensive formation, the QB turns and walks toward the sideline indicating both verbally and by his actions that there was some confusion on the play they were to run.  While the QB is walking away (thus he is now in motion) the center snaps the ball directly to the back and off they go!  There are a number of similar types of plays that can be seen on the internet and at least once or twice a year and something similar to this type of play will pop-up on a national television program.

Just in case there’s an innovative coach that starts thinking “Man that’s a great play and one that we need to add!”  Let me leave no doubt as to the legality of such a play in interscholastic football played under NFHS rules - AT THE JUNIOR HIGH - HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL SUCH A PLAY WOULD BE ILLEGAL!  Several years ago a very similar type of play was brought to the attention of the NFHS football rules committee.  At that time the committee and the NFHS addressed that and similar football plays in the NFHS football casebook.  9.9.1 Situation B provides an example of what the NFHS has deemed to be an unfair act rather than football.  As noted in the situation, A lines up for an apparent field goal attempt.  The holder (A1) yells out “Where’s the tee?”  Kicker (A2) responds “I’ll get it!” and starts toward the sideline.  Ball is snapped to A2 who throws a pass to A1 who by now is moving toward the sideline and A1 advances for an apparent touchdown.   RULING:  Unsportsmanlike conduct, ball should be declared dead and foul enforces as a dead-ball foul.  But the essence of the play and subsequent ruling is the comment which follows – “COMMENT:  Football has been and always will be a game of deception and trickery involving multiple shifts, unusual formations and creative plays.  However, actions or verbiage designed to confuse the defense into believing there is a problem and a snap isn’t imminent is beyond the scope of sportsmanship and is illegal.”  To me such plays are based on the “acting” ability of the players rather than football skills.  It’s not football, it is acting and the appropriate venue for such is in the auditorium and not on the football field.

CONCLUSION OF THE 2009 SEASON AND POSTING OF PLAYOFF BRACKETS – With only one week left in the 2009 season, it’s time to look toward the playoffs.  We will be posting on the KSHSAA football page the brackets for the playoffs.  If there are no unforeseen issues or challenges the 4A, 3A, 2-1A and both of the 8-man brackets will go up Friday, October 30.  The playoff brackets for 6A and 5A will go up on Saturday, October 31.  To access the brackets you will need to go to the KSHSAA web site (www.kshsaa.org).  Once you have accessed the web site hover over the tab “Activities” located on the top of the page.  Click on “Athletic” when it comes up and this will take you to a second page which displays a list of the athletic activities the KSHSAA administers.  Click on “Football” from that list and this will take you to the KSHSAA football home page.  One of the boxes on the football home page is “2009-2010 State Football information” – click on that box.  That will link you to a page from which you will be able to access additional information for each football classification, including the playoff brackets for each football classification.  Following each round of play, the brackets will be updated so that people will be able to follow the teams through the playoffs.  Also contained on the brackets will be location and game times for playoff games.

10/19/2009
REMINDERS –Marginal points in district round of games – Just a quick reminder as we enter the “2nd half” of the season (i.e., district games) – In 8-man games the maximum number of “marginal points” that a school team may have is +21 (for a win) or -21 (for a loss).  In 11-man, the maximum for “marginal points” is 13.  If a district game goes into OT, regardless of the final score, the maximum marginal points is 1 (KSHSAA football manual 2.H.1 and 2.H.3).  One of the constant worries I have is that if a team scored on the last play of a game, officials and/or coaches will not conduct the PAT (even though it may not affect the final outcome of the game) it could be a significant factor in determining marginal points if that PAT would affect the marginal point calculation and also affect qualification when marginal points are used to break ties in district won-loss records.

The following play situations pertain to a decision that would need to made during KSHSAA District football games as to whether or not it would be necessary to have a PAT following a score?  To help in making a determination, you may want to refer to the “13/21-point Tie-breaker” section 2.H of the KSHSAA Football Manual.  There are no fouls that would negate the scores in the following situations.  (NOTE THAT ANSWERS MIGHT VARY IF THE GAME WAS 8-MAN WHERE THE DIFFERENTIAL WOULD GO BELOW 21 AS A RESULT OF THE PAT)

1. Score is A – 20, B – 0 with 7 seconds remaining in the game.  B has the ball.  B successfully snaps the ball before time expires.  On this play, B1’s pass to B2 is complete in the end zone making the score A – 20, B – 6.  Does B have to right to try or is the game over at this point?
   
   YES, B would have the right to try.  Even though the score differential was 14 at this point, B could be successful in a two-point try which would make the differential 12.  Even if B lined up or decided to go for a one point try, the officials must provide them an opportunity for the try.  The officials should not tell B they must go for the two point try.  The only thing the officials should tell either coach is that since the differential might fall below the 13 point maximum, a try is in order.
   
   
2. At the end of regulation, the score was tied A – 7, B – 7.  B gets the ball in the overtime first and scores a field goal.  On fourth down in A’s series, A scores a touchdown.  Score at that point is A – 13, B – 10.  Does A have the right to try or is the game over at this point?
   
   NO,  since this game went into overtime, the most either team gets for winning the game is +1 point and the most the team that loses in overtime can lose is –1 point, it does not make any difference what the final score is.  If the final score was 15 – 7, the team that won still gets only +1 and the team that loses gets only –1.
   
   
3. Score is A – 7, B – 10 with less than 10 seconds to play in the fourth quarter.  A has the ball and they score on the last play of regulation as time expires.  Score at that point is A – 13, B – 10.  Does  A have the right to try or is the game over at this point?
   
   YES, since the point differential at this point is 3, A has the right to try the PAT so that they could achieve a 4 or 5 point differential.
   
   
4. Score is A – 3, B – 24.  B has the ball as time winds down in the fourth period.  On the last play of the game, A1 picks up a fumble by B1 and runs the ball in for a touchdown.  Score at this point is A – 9, B – 24.  Does A have the right to try or is the game over at this point?
   
   IN 11- MAN the answer is NO,  since the point differential at this point is 15, even with a successful two point PAT, the differential would remain at 13 which is the maximum a team can earn or lose, the opportunity for the PAT is not afforded.  IN 8- MAN the answer is YES.  The key to remember is that if the point differential for a game that ends in regulation can fall below or above 13 (for 11-man) or 21 (for 8-man) as a result of a successful PAT, that is when the right for the try is provided.
   
   
5. Score is tied 6 – 6 as fourth quarter expires.  First overtime, neither team scores.  Second overtime, A has ball first and scores a touchdown but fails in a two-point try.  B also scores a touchdown but fails in a one-point try.  Third overtime, B scores a field goal.  On third down of A’s possession, A scores a touchdown.  Score at this point is A – 18, B – 15.  Does A have the right to try or is the game over at this point?
   
   NO, again since this was a game that in regulation ended in a tie, the maximum points either team could earn or lose by winning/losing is 1.  Therefore, whether the point differential was 3 or 5, A only gets +1 and B gets –1.  The try is not provided to A.
   
   
6. Score is A – 6, B – 12.  B scores a touchdown on an interception return of a pass by A as the fourth quarter expires.  Score is now A – 6, B – 18.  Does B have the right to try or is the game over at this point?
   
   
YES, here’s one that will enliven the crowd.  Since the point differential is now at 12, a successful PAT by B would give them a +13 differential (whether it was a one-point or two-point PAT) and would give A either a –12 ( if PAT fails) or - 13 (if PAT is successful), the try must be afforded to B.  (This is one of those situations that can “catch” any good crew of officials  if they don’t stop and think it through.)

QUICK REVIEW – Question on QB in shot gun/pistol formation – The question has arisen re: this scenario – A lines up in a shot gun/pistol formation (the QB is NOT under the snapper).  After all players are set, A1 goes in motion.  QB A2 then lifts a foot/leg indicating to the snapper that the ball is to be snapped.  Does the action by A2 constitute two men in motion?  ANSWER – I checked on this with the NFHS last season.  The interpretation given at that time (and I find to reason to believe it has changed) is that A2’s action is not considered or interpreted as motion PROVIDED (and this is important) that A2’s action is not a quick motion but rather a slow/deliberate act which would not simulate action at the snap.  A2 should not be moving toward the LOS as he lifts his foot/leg.  OFFICIALS – Good rule of thumb – cover items in your pre-game meeting with the coaches that you observe during the teams warm-ups that may need clarification – preventive officiating.

10/12/2009
OFFICIALS – Submit applications for post-season game assignments – If any official has not yet submitted their application for possible post-season game assignments, DO SO TODAY!  While the due date for the applications was October 2, we will still accept applications.  The quickest way for officials to submit the application is to online application form.  This will permit you to fill out the form from your computer and send it to us electronically.  The other method is to print off the form, fill it out and then fax or mail it to the KSHSAA.

WEEK 6 GAMES will mark the end of the “non-district” schedule for the schools in many classes.  Coaches correctly remind their team that with week 7 games, the “second” season now begins – i.e., district games.  In the 8-Man classes they have already started their district round of games.  With the district games beginning in most classes with week 7 games, there is a renewed enthusiasm within the teams and the coaches.  Officials should also gain a renewed “focus” as they prepare for these games.  Increase in enthusiasm sometimes translates is observed in higher “intensity”.  For both officials and coaches, it is important to keep that “intensity” channeled into appropriate and sportsmanlike actions.  Far too often when we get into this part of the season, that intensity comes out in ways that go contrary to modeling  good sportsmanlike actions/ behaviors.  Be enthused – Be intense – don’t let that come forth in unsportsmanlike ways!

Officials – recognizing that this is the “second season” for schools in many classes, approach each game as a “playoff game” because it really is!  Gear up and renew your focus on “getting it right” on each and every play!

NFHS – 7-5-2d EXCEPTION – Sometimes we need to be reminded of rules that have been around for several years!  In order for the QB to legally conserve time by intentionally throwing the ball forward to the ground immediately after receiving a direct hand-to-hand snap the QB has to be “under the snapper.”  I was reminded of this rule based on a communication I received recently – the question was essentially “Can the QB spike (meaning intentionally throw the ground forward to the ground to stop the clock) from the shot-gun formation?”  If the QB is in a shotgun formation, they are not receiving a direct hand-to-hand snap and the exception in 7-5-2d does not apply.  The pass then is an illegal forward pass and would be penalized as such.  Just a reminder!

10/5/2009
Due to the number of calls into the office and my observations at the football games I’ve attended there are two items I need to address with both coaches and officials.  Coaches – I would ask that you share my comments about Lightning policy with your school administrators. 
GUIDELINES ON HANDLING CONTESTS DURING LIGHTNING DISTURBANCES – We all are aware of the increased number of football games this year that have been affected by delays as a result of lightning.  My guess is that the same situation has occurred with respect to soccer games.  At the face-to-face football rules meeting and during the online rules meeting, we reviewed the NFHS guidelines on handling contests when lightning is observed by officials during the game.  I will not go through the entire explanation as to how the NFHS arrived at these guidelines but I feel a quick review is necessary.

NFHS RULE 1-2-3g, 9-8-3 – Enforcement of the NFHS rule provisions –I would like to recognize one set of coaches that I have observed that I believe is trying diligently to comply with the rule – that is Randall Zimmerman and the Junction City HS coaches.  Thanks Coach for your efforts to adhere to and be in compliance with the rule!  You’ve shown that the rule does not affect the abilities of the coaches to effectively communicate with team!
After now four weeks into the season I must share concerns that I have relevant to the enforcement of this rule.   I want to be as clear as I can on this point – THIS IS A RULE, AND MY EXPECTATION IS THAT ALL OFFICIALS WILL ENFORCE THE RULE!  This is no different than any other playing rule; if it is violated penalties should be imposed.  I’ve seen too many situations over the last four weeks that clearly indicate to me that some officials just cannot fail to see coaches in this restricted area during live ball play UNLESS they are purposely choosing to ignore the rule!  Whether the official is making that decision because they don’t like the rule or they don’t want to alienate members of the coaching staff by enforcement of the rule or they don’t want the “hassle” of having to deal with coaches/team members/team attendants or any other rationalization they may have, the rule cannot be ignored!  When an official is standing next to a coach WHO IS NOT JUST IN THE RESTRICTED ZONE BUT IS STANDING ON THE FIELD WHEN THE BALL IS SNAPPED OR KICKED, that official is clearly not enforcing the rule – and I’ve personally observed that situation too many times. 

9/28/2009
NFHS FOOTBALL RULES POWERPOINT CLARIFICATION – The NFHS office sent out a clarification for the graphics on one of this year’s slides.  The slide was the one re: rule 3-3-4b5.  This rule provides that a period will NOT be extended by an untimed down if during the last timed down of the period there was a foul by either team and the penalty was accepted for a) unsportsmanlike fouls, b) non-player fouls, c) fouls that specify the loss of down, d) fouls that are enforced on the subsequent kickoff (as per rule 8-2-2, 8-2-3, 8-2-4) or e) fouls for which enforcement by rule result in a safety.  While the script and explanation provided in both the KSHSAA online meeting and at the face-to-face rules meetings was correct, the slide showed that the free kick following the safety would be from the 10-yard line.  The graphic should have indicated that free kick would still be from the 20-yard line.  There is not yardage enforcement in this situation.  The penalty for the foul as presented in the slide was the safety.  For those who would like to review this you can access the online meeting information – there is a link to the online meeting on the KSHSAA football home page.  Please note that it will be the KSHSAA policy to put the online meetings on each of the KSHSAA sport specific home pages once the deadline for the online meetings for credit has passed.
APPROACHING THE MID-POINT OF THE 2009 REGULAR SEASON – Transitioning from week four to week five of the regular season we will have passed the mid-point of this season.  Just a couple of things to remind officials of:

9/21/2009
ERROR IN RULES APPLICATION – LAST WEEK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS – It is good that at least some are checking these weekly announcements.  A couple of folks caught a clear ERROR on my part in the final sentence.  If you remember the situation, it was re: an ineligible player touching/catching a ball.  I mistakenly said that if the ineligible touched /caught the ball beyond the LOS, it would have been pass interference.  I then referenced Casebook situation 7.5.13 A.  It is clearly by the situation ILLEGAL TOUCHING whether the ineligible was in, behind or beyond the LOS.  When this was brought to my attention on Monday by some officials I had the web announcement changed.  For those who checked the web earlier than the correction was made, I offer you my apologies.  (This is a good example of why it is good for the umpire and/or the calling official to huddle with the referee to make sure more minds are involved in sorthing out the penalty options.)

VIDEO AND TECHNOLOGY – Just a quick reminder re: NFHS rule 1-6-1.  With the advancements in computer technology and video/filming/picture taking devices, it is not possible to provide a detailed list of all the kinds of video/filming technology that is not permitted for use by coaches/athletes during games.  The NFHS rule cited simply provides that “Communication devices, other than audio recorder, Local Area Network (LAN) phones and/or headsets, including but not limited to cellular phones, still photograph(s), film, analog or digital video(s) and/or Internet depictions, shall not be used for coaching purposes during the game or between periods”. (I added the emphasis)  I am told there are software programs when coupled with video and computer technology out there that can provide coaches the ability to review plays almost instantly after they happen on the field.  Such technologies and the application of that technology is not permitted under the NFHS rules during the game (including between the periods).  I can state that the NFHS football rules committee has discussed the possibility of removing this rule from the current rules.  However there still are a number of members of the committee who are fearful that wealthier schools would benefit from the removal of the prohibition to the disadvantage of less affluent schools.  The “haves” will have more and the “have-nots” will be the ones disadvantaged by a removal of this prohibition.  Bottom line – by rule you can use an audio recorder, LAN phones and/or headsets that would permit wireless verbal communication between coaches in the press box to coaches on the sideline and that’s it.  Schools could still of course video tape their games but coaches/players could not review the tapes/pictures until after the game is concluded.

PLAYER EQUIPMENT -   I also received an email from an official pertaining to the increasing number of players he had seen wearing illegal equipment (specifically gloves and clear or all white mouthpieces).  Of course they were not allowing the substitutes enter the game if they were not properly equipped.  He just needed a little guidance on how they might address this with coaches.  Following is my response to the official.

9/14/2009
Scrimmage kicks – formations and numbering exception – This week’s announcement/updates was the result of an email sent to me following the first week’s games from an official.  He was seeking some more clarification on one of the rule changes/clarifications addressed at the face-to-face meetings and included in the online meeting.  The specific rules concerned the changes/clarifications in the numbering exception for interior linemen when A is in a scrimmage kick formation.  From the email sent to me it appears that some review of the basic/fundamental NFHS rules re: how the NFHS numbering exception for interior linemen applies would be helpful.

FIRST – don’t overlook or forget the fact that the numbering rules and exceptions for interior linemen apply only to 11-man football.   In 8-man football there are no specific rules re: jersey numbers for  “linemen” or “backs/ends/receivers”.  In 8-man football any of the players can wear any legal numbered jersey.  There is no specific rule (as there is in 11-man) re: the number of interior linemen who must be wearing jersey’s numbered 50-79.  With respect to eligibility as a receiver, in 8-man eligibility is determined only by the position the player assumes in the formation.  In 11-man football, eligibility as a receiver is determined by BOTH the player’s position in the formation and the number of the jersey they wear.
 
SECOND – Regardless of the formation in 11-man football, in order for a player to be eligible as a receiver they MUST be eligible BOTH BY POSITION AND NUMBERING.  Don’t confuse the numbering exception in rule 7-2-5 (that we discussed this year in depth) which addresses jersey number requirement for “interior linemen” with pass eligibility rules in 11-man football, i.e., don’t mistakenly assume that the numbering exception for interior linemen provided by rule also extends to pass eligibility.  In 11-man player #50 may be lined up in the backfield or as the end on the line of scrimmage, but because of their jersey number (50) they ARE NOT an eligible receiver (unless of course a passed ball is touched by B).  This is true whether regardless of the down or whether A is in a scrimmage kick formation or any other formation.

THIRD – the numbering exception in 7-2-5b applies only to interior linemen (those players occupying positions between the ends on the LOS).  The provisions in the exceptions provided in 7-2-5b permits in certain scrimmage kick formations and on certain downs, team A interior linemen to be legally in a uniform that is not numbered 50-79.  BUT THIS EXCEPTION ONLY APPLIES TO THE INTERIOR LINEMEN NUMBERING REQUIREMENT – it does not change the requirement that eligible receivers must be numbered 1-49 or 80-99. 
I’ve discussed and provided some a play situation dealing with the numbering exception for interior linemen in a previous week’s announcements/updates (see week 8-31).  Here’s another one:

SITUATION:  Following a TD team A lines up for a kick try in a scrimmage kick formation.  Linemen are numbered #85 (end) , #75, #65, #32, #44, #66 are lined up so that they are 10 yards to the side of the snapper (#55).  All of these players are fulfilling the requirements of 2-37-9 (they are linemen).  Backs are numbered 40, 22, 14 (in the position of a holder by rule 2-14-2a) and 60 (who is the position of a kicker in 2-14-2a).  The kicker and holder are in a position behind the snapper.  (The formation is sometimes referred to as the “swinging gate”.)  Is this a legal formation?  Is it permissible for #32 and #44 to be lined up as interior linemen? Yes – because it is a kick try and A is in a scrimmage kick formation as defined in 2-14-2, the exception (#2) permitted in 7-2-5b applies.  Is #55 an eligible receiver since they are lined up as the end on the LOS?  No – because of his jersey number, he is not an eligible receiver.  Are #32 and #44 eligible receivers?  No – because of their position as interior linemen on the LOS they are not eligible receivers.

9/7/2009
TEAM - what constitutes a team when it comes to application of the NFHS rules re: the mandatory warm-up

It is not the team if only the four captains are the ones who report out to the field by the end of half-time, or if only the kicker and receivers have returned by the conclusion of the halftime – IF I give any specific “number” or “percentage” of the team members on the field by the end of the half then I’m afraid I’ve opened up a whole new problem for both officials and coaches.  As a former official I did not “count” the players on each team and did not count the players as they returned to the field at the end of halftime.  I used what I judged to be some common sense approach to this – if I felt/judged that if any of the team members were not back on the field by the end of the halftime, it was only a very few of the team that was not back, then I felt the team was back and that the rule was complied with.  I don’t believe it is practical to say 100% must be back at the end of halftime because there is always the potential that some team members might be late returning for legitimate reasons (injury, illness, re-taping, etc.) BUT that team has fulfilled the requirement if all but a few of the team was on the field by the end of halftime.

I recommend that during the pre-game as part of the discussions between the officials and the coaches as to how notification of the time remaining the halftime will be handled, etc. that the officials point out that sending out only the captains does not comply with the intent of the rule.  If further clarification is needed then the officials can provide it at that time.

8 WAYS TO BECOME AN EXCELLENT OFFICIAL – In the Fall 2009 officials quarterly is an excellent article with this title.  I recommend that all officials read this article and put into practice each of the 8 components:  1) LOOK PROFESSIONAL – the importance of perception – dressing and carrying yourself in a professional manner cannot be underrated; 2) ACT PROFESSINAL – maintaining your composure at all times is critical to perceptions – you are in the public view at all times; 3) COMMUNICATION – effective communication with all parties – coaches, contestants, school administration and other officials; 4) BE IN POSITION – hustle to be in proper position; 5) BE CONSISTENT – this is critical – don’t get “talked” into a call or a “make-up” call – whether it’s the first minute of the first game or the last minute – maintain consistency; 6) KNOW THE NFHS RULES – study, read, discuss, ask questions, never stop learning; 7) BE HUMBLE – don’t take an “attitude” or “chip on your shoulder” into any game, be confident but not arrogant, if you do make a mistake, own up to it and learn from it; AND 8) SIGNALS – signals are the primary communication took, use precise and correct ones!

8/31/2009
My apologies for the length of this week’s update – with the start of practice, intra-squad scrimmages and area supervisor’s clinics, the number of questions coming to the office has increased significantly.

NFHS Rule 7-2-1 – Application/Interpretation – Following weekend scrimmages a question arose re: application of 7-2-1.  This is the rule that requires “after the ball is marked ready for play, each player of A who participated in the previous down and each substitute for A must have been, momentarily, between the 9-yard (for 11-man and 7-yard for 8-man) marks, before the snap.”  The question came from the coach of the scrimmaging school.  He was told by the officials working the scrimmage that the A players had to remain inside the 9-yard marks following the down until the team lined up for the next down.  The rule does not require this.  Players going out of the game, incoming substitutes, players returning from deep pass patterns, etc., could not comply with such an interpretation or requirement.  The rule requires what it requires – that all players or substitutes for players must  be at least momentarily inside the 9-yard (or 7-yard for 8-man) marks sometime AFTER the ball is marked ready for play and BEFORE the ball is snapped.  There is no requirement that they have to remain inside the marks until the ball is marked ready for play.  Once the referee marks the ball ready-for-play with his visual signal and whistle and before the ball is snapped, all offensive players and substitutes for players must be momentarily inside these marks.

On a related note, officials should not prolong nor delay the ready-for-play signal because teams are substituting,  etc.  Nor should they hurry the ready-for-play just because the offensive team is running a hurry-up or 2-minute offense.  As noted in the NFHS Officials Manual, three seconds should be used as a general guideline as the maximum time required for marking the ball ready-for-play (obviously, securing the ball following long incomplete passes or any long play may extend that).  The officials should keep the game moving (neither delaying the ready-for-play, nor forcing theready-for-play) by their mechanics through the game.

ERROR IN VERBAL SCRIPT FOR ONLINE MEETING – There was a noticeable error in my verbal comments during the online rules meeting for football.  It occurred in the review of the NFHS rules re: offensive formations for 11-man.  The error was that I stated in 11-man football the offensive team must have 7 players numbered 50-79 on the line of scrimmage!   NOW THAT’S A MAJOR ERROR!!  The written script was correct, but I failed to read/say what I had written!  No excuses – a mistake.

NFHS RECOMMENDATIONS RE: SUSPENSION OF PLAY WHEN THERE IS LIGHTNING/THUNDER IN THE AREA:  As was mentioned both during the online rules meeting and at the face-to-face meetings, based on recommendations from their Sports Medicine Advisory Committee the NFHS has modified their recommendations re: the suspension of play when there is severe weather in the area of a game site.  The NFHS recommendation can be found on the KSHSAA web site (NFHS Updated Lightning Recommendations), on page 97 of the 2009 NFHS Football rules book and on pages 19-22 of the NFHS Sports Medicine Handbook (3rd Edition).

The major change in the NFHS recommended policy is the statement that “When thunder is heard, or a cloud-to-ground lightning bolt is seen, the thunderstorm is close enough to strike your location with lightning.  Suspend play and take shelter immediately.”   Previous NFHS recommendations included a time factor for flash-to-bang (from the time you see the lightning to when you hear the thunder) which was the recommendation as to when to suspend play.  More recent data/information provided to the NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee prompted the change in policy.

While some would prefer more detailed “guidelines” to be used by officials and school administrators, it is neither prudent nor practical for the KSHSAA to independently develop guidelines other than those recommendations coming from the NFHS.  As we all know, in some parts of Kansas one can see a considerable distance.  Whenever cloud-to-ground lightning is observed, officials and administrators should communicate with each other as to when play will be suspended.  The safety of all persons participating in or attending interscholastic activities should be of primary concern to the officials and on-site school administrators.  If school personnel have lightning detectors, these devices can also assist officials and school personnel in making decisions re: suspension of play.

FROM THE ARCHIVES – Questions re: warm-up following halftime – The following information comes from the “archived” interpretations posted on the KSHSAA football page and hopefully, provides some guidance to officials as far as applying the NFHS rules that require teams to be on the field for the mandatory warm-up period.

Mandatory three (3) minute warm-up – The question has arisen “when has a team met the requirements of being on the field” for the mandatory three (3) minutes for warming up prior to the second half kick-off.  The NFHS rules book does not provide a detailed explanation of “warm-up” nor do they specify what is meant by “on the field”.  Clarification has been requested regarding the last point, i.e., what is the basis for determining if the team is “on the field” for the mandatory warm-up time?

I would consider the team is “on the field” when the squad/team is inside the track area (assuming there is a track around the football field) when the half-time has ended.  If the team is leaving the locker room and making their way to the field, if they are in “sight” of the officials but not yet inside the track, I don’t believe they have met the spirit of, nor the intent of the rule.  At some point a determination has to be made that the team is “on the field”.  The track does help serve that purpose.

OFFICIALS – NOTIFICATION OF COACHES OF REMAINING HALFTIME – At the request of one of our school administrators who also happens to be an official, I’m bringing this to the attention of officials and coaches.  OFFICIALS – check with the host school administration prior to the pregame meeting with the coaches re: the notification process of coaches of time remaining in the halftime intermission.  At some sites and in some situations, the host school administrators may not want to or be able to have someone escorting officials through the spectators to go to the team locker rooms so that the officials can notify the coaches of time remaining in the halftime.   In those situations, the host school may not want officials notifying the teams of time remaining in the halftime and would prefer to have someone else make that contact with the teams.  BOTTOM LINE – when you as officials meet with the host school administration, ask about this and find out what the host school would prefer with respect to notifying the teams of the time remaining in halftime.

SITUATION:  4th down and 8 -Team A lines up in a scrimmage kick formation and has players on the LOS as interior linemen under the numbering exception (i.e., there are interior linemen not numbered 50-79).  Team A then shifts out of the scrimmage kick formation (the formation does comply with 2-14-2a or b).  The ball is snapped and Team A runs a running play.  RULING:  Illegal numbering at the snap.  COMMENT:  The intent of the numbering exceptions for the offensive team when they set or shift INTO a scrimmage kick formation was to provide an opportunity for Team A to have one or more interior linemen in the game legally because Team A intended to execute a scrimmage kick.  The intent of the rule was not to allow the same opportunity for Team A to use players in the game under the numbering exception when the shift OUT OF scrimmage kick formations.

SITUATION:  3rd down and 12.  Team A lines up in a scrimmage kick formation as defined in 2-14-2a.  Team A has the following seven players reading from end to end - #81, #70, #60, #35 (snapper), #55, #65, #72 on the line of scrimmage.  RULING:  Legal numbering/formation.  Team A is in compliance with NFHS rule (11-man) 7-2-5

SITUATION:  During the second period the head coach of Team A is penalized under the provisions of 9-8-1d (indicating objections to an official’s decision) and penalized 15-yards.  During the 3rd period, Team A coaches are observed in the restricted zone while the ball is live.  RULING:  Team A would receive a team warning for coaches/substitutes in the restricted are when the ball is live.  COMMENT:  The unsportsmanlike foul is not coupled with a violation of the restricted zone provision of the rule to alter the penalty sequence under rule 9-8-3.

8/24/2009
STILL MORE ON THE HORSE-COLLAR TACKLE – One of our officials asked a great question that needs to be addressed so that all officials and coaches have the same answer and interpretation of the new horse-collar tackle rule.  The question is basically “Is there a difference in interpretation or application of the horse-collar tackle to a “runner” or to a “ball carrier”?  The answer is “NO”.  NFHS rule 9-4-3k stipulates that no player or nonplayer shall “Grab the inside back or side collar of the shoulder pads or jersey of the runner (emphasis added) and subsequently pull the runner to the ground (Horse-collar tackle)”.  Rule 2-32-13 defines a runner as “a player who is in possession of a live ball or is simulating possession of a live ball”.  Therefore it is possible for a defensive player to be penalized for a horse-collar tackle if they tackle an offensive player who is simulating possession of a live ball and is not, in fact, the player with the ball (i.e., the ball carrier).  In the rules meetings and on the online rules meeting, the explanation provided may leave the impression that only a horse-collar tackle on the ball carrier is a violation of the rule.  I apologize for creating that impression – the rule makes it clearly a violation to bring either the ball carrier or a player who is simulating possession of a live ball to the ground with a horse-collar tackle. 
8-2-4 CLARIFICATION – Another item that needs to also be addressed is application of 8-2-4 in a situation in which the “scoring” team commits a foul after a touchdown-scoring play and prior to the initial ready-for-play signal for the try.  8-2-4 provides that “if after a touchdown-scoring play and prior to the initial ready-for-play signal for the try, either team commits any foul for which the basic spot is the succeeding spot, the offended team may have the penalty enforced from the succeeding spot or may choose to have the penalty enforced on the subsequent kickoff”.  While rare, it is possible that the scoring team might commit the foul following the down in which a touchdown is scored and prior to the ready-for-play on the try.  If it would occur, then the non-scoring team would have the option to have the penalty enforced either on the try or the ensuing kickoff (assuming that there is one)! 
SITUTATION:  A1 scores a touchdown during a penalty free down.  Following the score, A2 is flagged for baiting acts toward their opponent.  RULING:  Since the foul by A2 occurred prior to the referee marking the ball ready for play for the try and after the score, the defensive team may elect to have the penalty assessed either on the try (as the succeeding spot) or on the ensuing kickoff (assuming there is an ensuing kickoff).  (8-2-4)
Reminder – if the basic spot for penalty enforcement is thesucceeding spot and if there was a foul that occurred on the last play of a game that was tied or was a dead ball foul after time expired, then an overtime period could begin on a yard line other than the 10-yard line.  It is still a first and goal situation and NOT A FIRST AND 10 situation.  However, if a foul occurs which has as one of the options to have the penalty enforced on the “subsequent kickoff” and there is NO subsequent kickoff (such as during overtime), then that option is not available to the offended team.
FROM THE ARCHIVES – since one of this year’s points of emphasis is in regards to blocking and illegal blocking, I decided to pull off one of the items from a previous year’s announcements dealing with interpretation of NFHS rules applicable to blocking contact and the player being blocked making contact with the blocker.   For reference to help visualize the situation, A is the player who is initiating the block, B is the player that A is intending to block.  In the situation, either A or B is NOT a lineman, or the contact is outside the free blocking zone –the assumption is that in this play situation this is NOT lineman blocking lineman in the free blocking zone.  Assumption is that for one or more reasons, A’s contact has to be above B’s waist.
SITUATION:  A is moving toward B into a position to block B.  B put his hands out and makes initial contact with A.  When B’s hands make contact with A, a) B’s hands are at or above B’s waist or b) B’s hands are below B’s waist.  In both a) and b), after contact is made by B with his hands on A, A continues with his movement and makes contact with B’s body below B’s waist.  RULING:  In a) if B maintains hand contact with A, the block by A on B is legal.  In b) even if B maintains contact with A, if the resulting contact by A is below B’s waist, the contact by A is illegal.  COMMENT:  The key in determining if A’s contact with B after B has made contact with his hands on A is the location of B’s hands in relation to B’s waist.  The NFHS interpretation of the rule is that B is still vulnerable in trying to defend his lower body (i.e., below B’s waist) from contact which is below his waist when B’s initial contact with A is below B’s waist.  The fact that B has made hand contact with A does not open any subsequent contact with B below B’s waist to being legal contact.  Also, it must be pointed out that A would have to continue his action after being contacted by B’s hands and make contact with B’s body BELOW B’s waist (i.e., thighs or legs) in order for a foul to occur.  It would not be a foul if A’s only contact with B was with B’s hands.  Nor would it be a violation, if A’s subsequent contact with B’s body was at or above B’s waist.  A reminder to all officials, just as in the case with blocks in the back or clipping, officials need to see the “whole” action in order to administer the rule correctly.  If the official only sees the end action (i.e., contact by A on B’s body below the waist), then they might incorrectly be applying the rule.   

It is my interpretation that in trying to determine if A’s subsequent contact below B’s waist is within the rules (after the initial contact is with B’s hands) officials need to note where did B’s hand(s) make contact with A.  If A has already initiated the action to block B and B seeing this, places his hands out and B’s contact with A is on A’s back, I believe that A’s subsequent initial contact on B below B’s waist is not legal.  The fact that B has made contact with A does not equate to all subsequent contact with B below B’s waist is legal.  The fact that the only place that B can make contact with A is on A’s back indicates to me that A’s charge/point of attack is intended to be below B’s waist and B’s reaction to protect himself by putting his hands on B does not mean that A’s subsequent contact with B is legal.

SCRIMMAGE KICK FORMATIONS AND 7-2-5 – Great question/situation came up in one of the Area Supervisor’s meetings as they were discussing the scrimmage kick formations and when the numbering exceptions for linemen apply.

SITUATION:  3rd down and long.  Team A lines up with eight (8) players on their line of scrimmage as follows:  #81 and #82 are lined up as the ends.  The interior linemen are numbered 50, 60, 70, 35, 61, 71.  Player #35 is lined up on the LOS and is in a position to snap the ball.  Team A is in a scrimmage kick formation as defined in 2-14-2b (since A has 8 players on the LOS there are only 3 backs).  Is this a legal formation?  Can #35 be the snapper? 

8/17/2009
Horse-collar tackle – clarification/correction – rule 9-4-3k:
During the KSHSAA face-to-face rules meetings I was asked whether the horse-collar tackle rule applied when the ball carrier was wearing a “collar roll” or additional pad to help protect the head/neck.  I was able to reach the NFHS office for their interpretation of the rule as it applied to that question.  My initial response to that question was “no it did not apply”.  However, I have visited with the NFHS football liaison and find that my initial response was INCORRECT.  It is the interpretation of the NFHS re: application of 9-4-3k to a ball carrier wearing a neck or collar roll or additional pad is that from their review of a number of such pads, they attach directly to the shoulder pads.  Since they are attached to the shoulder pads, when a tackler grabs and pulls on the side or back of these neck rolls/pads, they are effectively pulling on the shoulder pads.  Therefore, I need to correct my initial response and provide to coaches and officials a different response which is consistent with the NFHS interpretation.  If the tackler grabs on the back or side of the ball carrier’s shoulder pads or neck attachments to the shoulder pads and pulls on those pads bringing the ball carrier to the ground, such action is a foul under 9-4-3k.

RELATED QUESTION:
On a related question re: the horse-collar tackle and the portion of the shoulder pads that the tackler may grab – the question is “Does the horse-collar tackle apply if the tackler is able to grab the part of the shoulder pads that are the “flaps””?  As I understand the part of the pads this question refers to, it is those part of the shoulder pads that are attached to the body of the shoulder pads by a strap of some sort.  They may cover the shoulder area of the pads or the deltoid portion of the arm.  In checking with the NFHS it is there interpretation that grabbing those portions of the pads WOULD NOT be considered a horse-collar tackle (unless the tackler also included the collar of the jersey in their hold).

Rule 9-4-6 question – interpretation and application re: the snapper in a scrimmage-kick formation:

The question has arisen re: application of NFHS rule 9-4-6 (roughing the snapper when the offensive team is in a scrimmage-kick formation.  Inadvertently in the re-write of 2-14-2a and b (defining a scrimmage kick formation) the NFHS rules committee has created a “gap” in protection for the snapper between the two different scrimmage kick formations.  By rule (9-4-6) the snapper in a scrimmage kick formation is protected from a direct charge until they have regained their balance or moves to participate in the play.  The issue that now arises is the result of the two different types of scrimmage kick formations.   2-14-2a defines a scrimmage kick that we normally see in field goal attempt – in that formation the holder is positioned a minimum of 7 yards behind the LOS.  2-14-2b defines a scrimmage kick formation that we normally see in the punting situation – the player who is in a position to receive the snap is 10 yards or more behind the LOS.  In either of these formations, the snapper is protected from a direct charge.  The gap is in the protection for the snapper in the situation in which the player who is to receive the snap when in the punting formation is lined up initially less than 10 yards behind the LOS.  As a member of the NFHS rules committee I don’t believe the committee intended to create the situation that in one type of scrimmage kick formation (2-14-2a) the snapper is protected when the player to receive the snap is 7 yards behind the LOS while in another scrimmage kick formation (2-14-2b) the snapper does not have the same protection just because the player to receive the snap lined up less than 10 yards behind the LOS.

When the offensive team lines up in a scrimmage kick formation (as defined in 2-14-2b) with a player lined up 7 or more yards behind the LOS and in position to receive the snap, then the snapper should still be protected from the direct charge just as they would be when the offensive team lines up in scrimmage kick formation as defined in 2-14-2a.

8/10/2009
A question regarding the interpretation/application of the new horse-collar tackle arose during the football rules meeting at Olathe-South.  The question was prompted by a ruling in the NFHS Football casebook (page 72-73 - 9.4.3 SITUATION L) and the same situation in the Rules by Topic (9.4.3 SITUATION L page 176).  The question was specific to scenario (d) in the situation.  This was the scenario in which B1 grabbed A1’s jersey collar from behind and rides A1 for several yards before A1 falls forward.  The ruling is that this action would not result in application of the horse-collar tackle and was therefore legal.  The question was “Then if the ball carrier is pulled forward as a result of the horse-collar tackle, it is legal?”   In response to the question, I said “No, it is my understanding that whether the ball carrier is pulled to the ground forward, backward or sideways, if the tackler grabbed the inside back or side collar of the jersey or shoulder pads and then pulls the ball carrier to the ground, it was illegal, regardless of whether they were pulled forward or backward or sideways.” 

In checking with the NFHS to clarify the situation and ruling it was pointed out that in the scenario (d) of the situation, it does not indicate that the ball carrier was pulled to the ground as a result of the action of B1.  No reference in the scenario indicated that B1 pulled on the jersey bringing A1 to the ground.  In the other scenarios contained in this situation, it is clearly stated that B1 pulled on A1’s jersey collar or inside of the shoulder pad.  Rule 9-4-3k is very clear in that for the tackler’s action to be illegal, the ball carrier must be pulled to the ground through the application of the horse-collar tackle – there is no reference in the rule as to “direction” the ball carrier is pulled.

There are a number of scenarios that I could envision in which the ball carrier could be pulled “forward” by a tackler who grabbed the side (or conceivably even the back) of the ball carrier’s inside shoulder pads and pulled on the ball carrier to the ground.  The keys as to whether the B1’s action is a violation are: 1) where the ball carrier was grabbed by the tackler, 2) did the tackler “pull” on the ball carrier via the holding act and 3) did the action by the tackler bring the ball carrier go to the ground. 

8/3/2009
2009 NFHS Football publications – changes/clarifications – (Underlining shows change/addition, strikethrough shows item deleted)

Page 21 of Football Casebook – *3.3.4 SITUATION D:  In the middle of a period, Team A throws a pass which is intercepted by B1.  B1 advances to the 8-yard line 3-yard line where he:…

Page 32 of Football Casebook – 4.2.2 SITUATION J:  RULING: In (a) play continues and it is a first down for A after enforcement of the face mask foul.  In (b),…

Pages 76-77 of Football Casebook – 9.5.2 SITUATION:  Unsportsmanlike conduct foul in (a), (b) and (c), the touchdown counts and A will be penalized 15 yard on the try or on the subsequent kickoff.  In (d), B1’s contact foul will be penalized on the try at the 1½ yard line or on the subsequent kickoff.  If deemed flagrant,…

Page 80 of Football Casebook – 9.7.2 SITUATION B:  K1’s punt is coming down over R’s 10-yard line and: (a) R3 is in position to catch the ball; or (b) no R player is in position to catch the ball, when K2 bats attempts to bat the ball toward his own goal line while it is in flight, but the batted ball subsequently goes into R’s end zone.  RULING:…

Page 86 of Football Casebook - *10.2.2 SITUATION B:  …COMMENT:  Whenever both teams foul during a change of possession down and the team in final possession gets the ball free of a foul (with “CLEAN HANDS”), they have the opportunity to retain possession.  The fact that their opponent’s foul occurred after the change of possession has no bearing on the enforcement.  However, when B, the “clean hands” team, retains possession by declining the opponent’s foul, the penalty for B’s foul may must be enforced. (94-1 Penalty; 10-2-1b)

The following situation will help clarify application of new rule 9-4-3k