Zebra
Somewhere in, NJ
Male, 62
I've officiated football for over 30 years, now in my 26th on the college level. I've worked NCAA playoffs at the Division II and III level. In addition, I've coached at the scholastic level and have been an educator for over 35 years. I have no interest whatsoever in being an NFL official! Ever!
No. Although I undrstand your idea. On a kickoff, only the kicker may (technically) be in front of the restrainig line. Especially with "soccer sdtyle" kickers, they often approach from the side. In this case, the generally accepted practice is to pretty much call a do over, which is what they did. No kick, no play.
Share Answer: 
Technically, you can decline any penalty. Running into is a five yard penalty. I've seen that often. If you don't get a first down with five yards and it was a great punt, flip the field and decline the penalty.
Share Answer: 
That's a statistical issue, which officials don't really deal with. My personal understanding is that sacks are rushing attempts.
Share Answer: 
First thought: why? You have heated benches and, believe me. it's hard enough leaving them to go on the field if it's cold. There is nothing in the NCAA rule book prohibiting it. But I'm imagining Bud Grant, the old-time coach of the Vikings, spinning in his grave. When the Vikings played outdoors, he didn't allow heated benches. Dugouts or soccer type enclosures? It just ain't football.
Share Answer: 
Veterinarian
Who are the bigger hypochondriacs: dog owners or cat owners?
Chef
Is it true that the "specials" are usually the stuff that's been sitting around awhile?
Farmer
Do friends with office jobs look down on what you do?
I can't answer definitively for the NFL, but in college the answer would be no. In college there is a momentum rule (and a fellow official says he's pretty sure it exists in the NFL, too). It's to prevenrt cheap safeties on good efensive plays like the one you describe. Inside the five, if a player intercepts or receives a punt, then goes into the end zone where he is downed, the ball would come out to the spot of the interception/kick reception. That's why you see officials toss a bean bag at that spot. It would be the defense's ball - in this case Seattle - 1/10 at the 2.
Share Answer: 
You had a yes answer until you threw in that last line. I'm going to deal with NCAA rules. Rule 1-4-2-e reads: Two players playing the same position may not wear the same number during the game. [Italics added] The obvious reason is deception and unsportsmanlike activity. You could, in theory, have a #80 playing WR and also have an 80 at defensive end. To take it one step further, if you do have two 80's, for example, they cannot be in the gane at the same time.
Share Answer: 
I have to tell you, the play situations that come up here are so strange. I just don't see this stuff. Anyway, if it's first down - the team is going under center fior the first time - you change it. If the QB says somnething and the officials respond. But if the center picks up the ball to show the ref, you have a foul on the offense.
College rules: Legally snapping the ball (a snap) is handing or passing it
backward from its position on the ground with a quick and continuous motion
of the hand or hands, the ball actually leaving the hand or hands in this motion
(Rule 4-1-4).
b. The snap starts when the ball is moved legally and ends when the ball leaves
the snapper’s hands (A.R. 7-1-5-I-II).
In addition:
Rule 7, ARTICLE 3. Each of the following is a dead-ball foul. Officials should
blow the whistle and not allow the play to continue. After the ball is ready for
play and before it is snapped:
a. Snapper. The snapper:
2. May not lift the ball, move it beyond the neutral zone or simulate the
start of a play
From my perspective, the play you describe should not happen. If it does, it's a foul. And if all else fails, use Rule 9-2-3-d: An obviously unfair act not specifically covered by the rules occurs during the game since the action is intended to deceive and abuse the rules of the game.
Share Answer: 
-OR-
Login with Facebook (max 20 characters - letters, numbers, and underscores only. Note that your username is private, and you have the option to choose an alias when asking questions or hosting a Q&A.)
(A valid e-mail address is required. Your e-mail will not be shared with anyone.)
(min 5 characters)
By checking this box, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to Jobstr.com’s Terms and Privacy Policy.
-OR-
Register with Facebook(Don't worry: you'll be able to choose an alias when asking questions or hosting a Q&A.)
Browse Jobs
Host a Q&A
Search
Submit Your Question
Host a Q&A
Last 7
