Utkman

Guys, all of these rules involving fouls on scoring plays changed in 2010 and were modified again in 2011. These fouls can carryover - it happens all the time. Straight out of the 2011 rule book: ART. 2 . . . If an opponent of the scoring team commits a foul (other than unsportsmanlike conduct on a nonplayer foul) during a down in which a touchdown is scored and there was not a change in possession during the down, A may accept the results of the play and choose enforcement of the penalty: a. On the try, or b. On the subsequent kickoff. ART. 3 . . . If an opponent of the scoring team commits a foul (other than unsportsmanslike conduct on a nonplayer foul) during a down in which a touchPage 65 2011 NFHS Football Rules Rule 8-3 down is scored and there was a change of possession during the down, and such foul occurs after the change of possession, the scoring team may accept the results of the play and choose enforcement of the penalty: a. On the try, or b. On the subsequent kickoff. ART. 4 . . . If either team commits an unsportsmanlike conduct or a nonplayer foul during a down in which a touchdown is scored, the opponent may accept the results of the play and choose enforcement of the penalty: a. On the try, or b. On the subsequent kickoff. ART. 5. . . If after a down in which a touchdown is scored, 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 accept the penalty and choose enforcement of the penalty: a. On the try, or b. On the subsequent kickoff.

Any live-ball foul committed by either team on a TD-scoring play can be carried over, whether it is a personal foul, pass interference, participation, etc. Dead-ball fouls that occur prior ti the ready-for play on the PAT may also be carried over to the kickoff.

(rolls eyes)

As a fan of no team, I'm in a position to know that the state supervisors of officitaing will review the film. There will be no "after the fact" penalties assessed to the player (which there never would be, this is not the NFL). The only thing that can be appealed is the coach's ejection and suspension - which I don't think anyone will argue that was earned. When reviewed at regular speed from a different angle, it was clear the defensive player made contact first to the body, which caused the quarterback's head to jerk back. While it is understandable for fans to debate whether the hit was "high", to argue it was late is rediculous. Again, I'm not siding with either group, just know that this stuff is reviewed by qualified people other than the amatuer officials in the stands and on message boards. On another note, to call a child (which they still are, even in high school) a cowardly punk is absolutely unfounded and classless. Unfortunately, it is representitive of what we see from a large percentage of fans across the state each week. There is not a person in this discussion whose life is in any real way impacted by the outcome of any high school athletic event. Teams win and teams lose. Life goes on.

Yes - a good official will never let get it to the 15 yard variety. If we count 12 on offense or defense, kill it before the snap and mark off the 5 yard penalty for substitution.

I can't speak for all of my Chatt officials, but I was at that Sequacthie Jamboree (1st Qtr) and if I heard the chain crew saying anything to anyone I would have told them not to - that is my job. As for the media, I have no problem with them being there, but as I explained in my first response this rule was needed for all non-player personnel. Personally, I really only get anal about "violaters" downfield from me. For example, if we are at the 15 going in, I don't really care so much about a photog standing at the 20 with a foot over the line. It is from the 15 to the goalline where I need to move that I am concerned with. As for the chains, moving them back is fantastic. I can't tell you how many times in the past I would step back on the stakes while watching the play because they were right on top of me. If executed properly as mentioned above, the crew should be just as accurate although two yards off the sideline.

I can tell you that while I understand the media's concerns, as an official I am totally in favor in this. In Chattanooga it has gotten to the point where every person with a digital camera wants to take pictures from the sideline at some schools. As a linesman, I can't be worrying about who I am stepping on from the 25 to the goal line while also trying to manage my chain crew. I don't think two yards off the sideline is unreasonable. In college stadiums, there is a two-yard "no-man" belt, then the coaches box, and then the team box/restraining line. Without the two-yard "no-man" belt in high school the sideline just gets too cramped.

Everyone can debate whether the officials handled these situations correctly, but the "home cooking" theory is no good in the playoffs. As an official, I can tell you that the officiating crew would have been from some other area. I am in the Chattanooga association and we traveled to Knoxville or Nashville for games. That crew in SC would have been from an area that was neither Nashville or Chattanooga (Boyd's officials). Without knowing I would guess Knoxville.