Author Topic: Refs spotting the ball  (Read 819 times)

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snowkylegc

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Refs spotting the ball
« on: November 08, 2017, 08:51:45 am »
Is it the policy of the refs to spot the ball on the nearest whole yard line, or should they place it exactly where it was down even if it's between yard marks, or is it just personal preference of the ref of that particular game?  I've noticed almost always they place it where the nose is always on a yard mark (and i can understand why, it makes it easier to determine first downs).  The problem is, last night in a playoff game, we stopped the other team about a half yard short on a 4th down play (the ref on our side even placed his foot on the half yard mark, but the other ref placed the ball up to the next full yard line and signaled first down, no measurement or anything (even though the chains were about 3 inches on the opposite side of the yard mark than the ball was). 

On another note, after the other team scored late to put the game away, the extra point was no good, but the ref signaled it good and gave them the points.  This wasn't really an issue as it didn't affect the outcome this game, but should still probably be addressed.  Afterwards, we questioned him on how he could miss such an obvious call, he turned and said something to the effect of "i had to get the over/under" (jokingly, i assume, but extremely unprofessional at a youth football game).  A simple "i'm sorry, i just missed it" would have been more appropriate.

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Director of Officials

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Re: Refs spotting the ball
« Reply #1 on: November 08, 2017, 09:16:43 am »
The only time we usually put it on a line on purpose is after a kickoff for change of possession.  They should not be doing that when a first down is in question. 

The other note you are talking about - the only job of the official under the goal in a 4 man (or 3 man) crew is to tell the referee whether the ball went under or over the goal post.  That is what the official meant when he said he had the over/under.  The referee (back by the kicker) decides whether it went through the uprights or not. 

snowkylegc

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Re: Refs spotting the ball
« Reply #2 on: November 08, 2017, 09:29:47 am »
The only time we usually put it on a line on purpose is after a kickoff for change of possession.  They should not be doing that when a first down is in question. 

The other note you are talking about - the only job of the official under the goal in a 4 man (or 3 man) crew is to tell the referee whether the ball went under or over the goal post.  That is what the official meant when he said he had the over/under.  The referee (back by the kicker) decides whether it went through the uprights or not.
ok, that would make sense on the over/under comment, but when he said it, one of our sideline members said "don't be talking about gambling in front of the kids, that's not cool", and the ref just smiled and shrugged his shoulders then went about his business.  If that is what he meant when he made the comment (that he is determining if it went over the bar or under), he should have clarified what he meant to us when he realized we took his comment the wrong way, then there wouldn't be an issue (plus, i don't even think he was the official under the goal post, but i could be wrong about that).  I'll take your word though and give him the benefit of the doubt that that is what he meant and leave it at that.  Thanks.

Ball_Hawk

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Re: Refs spotting the ball
« Reply #3 on: November 08, 2017, 10:41:28 am »
the ball marker quesiton is a good one.. they have been moving it to the closest down marker all year at all of our games.  i just assumed it was how the rules stated.. i don't believe it has ever effected the outcome of the games but i run the chains alot so its something i noticed often

snowkylegc

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Re: Refs spotting the ball
« Reply #4 on: November 08, 2017, 10:51:32 am »
the ball marker quesiton is a good one.. they have been moving it to the closest down marker all year at all of our games.  i just assumed it was how the rules stated.. i don't believe it has ever effected the outcome of the games but i run the chains alot so its something i noticed often
i don't have a problem with it as it pertains to where they place it after a clear first down, or even on 2nd and 3rd down plays between the chains that aren't close to getting a first down.  But in our game, it COULD have been a major turning point in the game, the difference in a 6-6 tie game going into half (which is what happened), or having a 6-0 lead (and even possibly a 14-0 point lead if we would have scored on what should have been a turnover on downs).  Even the other team (and their fans) thought it was short and started to switch offensive personnel for defensive, and we're getting ready to toss them our game ball when they say first down. Not saying it affected the outcome as i'm not a big believer in one bad call determining the outcome, especially one in the first half, but it certainly changed the momentum at that particular point.
« Last Edit: November 08, 2017, 10:56:54 am by snowkylegc »