The Field - Sidelines

Rule 9-1-6:

While the ball is in play, coaches, substitutes and authorized attendants in the team area may not be between the sideline and coaching line or on the field of play.

Enforced as a dead ball foul (succeeding spot).
1st - 5 yards
2nd - 5 yards
3rd - 15 yards

In addition, Rule 9-1-5a states:

No substitute, coach, authorized attendant or any person subject to the rules, other than a player or official, may interfere in any way with the ball, a player or an official while the ball is in play.

Enforced as a dead ball foul (succeeding spot) - 15 yards

In the real world, we work with the coaches and ask the same from them. The rules aren't enforced to keep them from doing their job, but rather for everyone's safety. In 2007, the enforcement for the 1st flag was a warning. In 2008, the warning was replaced with a 5 yard penalty for the 1st flag. Flank officials work "off the field" and need the room to do their job and having coaches and players in the restricted zone creates a real safety issue. Picky? Hardly, just ask these officials.
Fort Worth Star Telegram:

By TROY PHILLIPS As if officiating football games in Texas wasn't difficult enough, now comes a case navigating the San Antonio district courts that could have a chilling effect on the men in zebra stripes. On Oct. 27, 2006, a workers' compensation insurance carrier for the San Antonio school district filed a $10 million lawsuit against five officials....

Here's what can happen.



This is not the way to handle sideline control.
If coaches are on the field, throw the flag.

The Field - Limit Lines

When is the last time anyone discussed Limit Lines on a football field? It's an obscure term in the rule book, but when there are serious consequences, it's brought to the forefront. Last season's Marshall vs Houston game is a prime example.

Rule 1-2-3a and b specify limit lines and Rule 1-2-8a and b deals with markers, obstructions, and safety in the playing enclosure. If there is a hazardous obstruction within the limit lines, the referee is responsible for ordering it's removal. If outside the limit lines but within the playing enclosure, the referee notifies game management. Game management has responsibility for determining corrective action.

In the video note the metal carts being stored behind the end line.

Pylons

The NCAA, in 1972, set the number to be used and in 1975 their use became mandatory.
Rule 1-2-6 states:

Soft, flexible four-sided pylons 4 inches by 4 inches with an overall height of 18 inches, which may include a 2-inch space between the bottom of the pylon and the ground, are required. They shall be red or orange in color and placed at the inside corners of the eight intersections of the sidelines with the goal lines and end lines. The pylons marking the intersections of the end lines and inbounds lines extended shall be placed three feet off the end lines.

Pylons on the end lines offer a visual reference for receivers. The two marking the inbound lines or "hash marks" are there as a reference for spotting the ball. Some would say they are not necessary, but not all fields are new artificial turf surfaces with nice white painted inbounds lines. For years the inbounds pylons were on the end line but were moved 3 feet back because receivers were knocking them while running routes in the end zone.
The two pylons on the goal line are critical to the game. They are placed at the intersection of the goal lines extended and the sideline, not only assist in making out of bounds calls, but also help in determining whether a touchback has occurred, and most importantly, whether a touchdown has been scored.

The goal line pylons sit on the sideline, and as such, they are entirely out of bounds. The end zone is entirely inbounds. Therefore, they are out of bounds behind the goal line.



The flank official should have been at the goal line to better make the call

The Ball

or as noted in the rule book (Section 1, Article 1), it's a prolate spheroid.

The rule goes on to describe, in minute detail, the number of panels, laces, color, and number of panels. Since all footballs manufactured for use in the game meet the standards, the real issue is the inflated pressure. Rule 1-3-1g specifies all approved game balls must be inflated to a pressure between 12.5 and 13.5 pounds per square inch. The funny part of pregame duties is the side bet we have within our crew as to how many will be out of spec and what the lowest air pressure will be. So far, the record is 4 lbs! It was so far under inflated you could almost fold it in half. The coach was "shocked" and said it much have a leak.....yeah right. His team hardly ever passes the ball so what better way to make sure his ball carriers have something to hold onto and not fumble. Such are the mind games coaches play and that's OK; it keeps us on our toes.

The Rules

Happy New Year!

This blog will focus on officiating football with the primary focus being NCAA and High School games using NCAA rules. Currently, the only two states that use NCAA rules at the high school level are Texas and Massachusetts. The other 48 operate under Federation rules.

In Texas, UIL exceptions are used to modify NCAA Rules to accomodate the high school game. As I build the blog, I'll post some of the differences between Fed and NCAA rules as they apply to the high school game.

Lots to do....check back if you stumble across the blog