Instructions: When you have a question for Don, email it directly to me (please make sure you state that it is a question for Don) and I will post it to my page. During the week, Don will be checking out my page and when he sees that he has a question, he will email me his answer and I will post it to my page. It's as simple as that.
If you want Don to speak at your function, email him at Don Shanks and he will get back with you.
12/20/97 From Don Shanks - I need to clarify one thing on the play for illegal touching. If the player (#78) throw the ball backward, it could be considered a backward pass. Once the defense takes possession the ball becomes dead. The defense cannot advance a backward pass. If the officials considered the throwing to the ground a fumble, then the defense could advance the ball. But, on either play the defense retains possession. Thanks.
12/19/97 From Don Shanks - I had some fans ask about a play that happened in an NFL game this past weekend.
Play: The quarterback under pressure throws a pass to an ineligible player ( #78), who not only touches the ball, but catches it. Then realizing that he caught the ball, he throws the ball down (backward) and a defensive player picks it up. At that time an official blows his whistle killing the play. Of course they go ahead and penalize the offense for illegal touching. Five yards and a loss of down.
NCAA: Even though it was illegal touching , because #78 caught the ball and then threw it on the ground (backward), the ball should have remained alive. When the defense took possession, they should have been able to advance the ball. 1st and 10 going the other way. The defense would have refused the penalty for illegal touching.
I would think this would be the same in the NFL.
12/11/97 Question from Andy - Let me go back to the low point in the Egg Bowl game for a minute. About an hour before the kick-off there was a fight on the field between the opposing players. I recently saw that the SEC is looking into the matter. Here is the question:
At what point do the official's take control of the game? At what point do you surrender control? (The fight could have occurred after the game was officially over.)
Can the official's penalize a team for flagarant personal fouls that occur before (or after) the game? How can the league possibly take action if the game had not yet begun (or had ended)? I feel, before (or after) game incidents such as these, should be a institutional matter rather than a league matter.
I really enjoyed reading the questions and your answers this season. I learned a lot. I appreciate your explanations, and your time. Have a great holiday season.
12/08/97 Question from Charles - During the Auburn-Tennessee Championship game, both Tennessee and Auburn were penalized for 12 men on the field. BOTH penalties occurred on Offense and the Penalty was called BEFORE the play was started.
I noticed during the MSU-Ole Miss ballgame, that Ole Miss' Defensive team had 12 players on the field. The penalty occurred with about 35 seconds remaining on the 4th quarter clock. MSU had the ball and the play was allowed to take place.
My question is "why did the official not call the penalty prior to starting the play?" The time lost off the clock was around 15-20 seconds.
12/10/97 Answer from Don Shanks - Rule 3-5, Article 2b. An incoming legal substitute must enter the field of play directly from his team area. A player who is replaced must immediately leave the field of play. If the substitute player delays (stays in the huddle more than 3 seconds ) leaving the huddle the referee can call a penalty for a substitution infraction. He throws his flag and stops play. This is done because in the past some teams have used that incoming and outgoing player to confuse the defense.
On defense you have a different situation , because the defense has until the snap to get 11 men on the field. You don't have a penalty until the snap. So, you will always have a live ball foul for 12 men on the field.
You could have the same situation on the offense where you had 12 men on the field at the snap, but they were not trying to deceive the defense. Remember, your question dealing with the calls in the Tenn.-Auburn game had to do with the incoming and outgoing substitute going to and from the huddle.
Thanks for your question.
12/02/97 Question from Pickens - If a pass is thrown and is touched by an offensive receiver but he does not catch it, can another offensive receiver legally catch the ball if no one else touches the ball in the interim?
12/03/97 Answer from Don Shanks - As long as a receiver is eligible by rule to receive a pass, the ball can be touched by any number of players before it is caught.
11/29/97 Answer from Don Shanks - Excessive celebration: Any delayed , excessive or prolonged act by which a player attempts to focus attention upon himself. I did not see the end of the game so I can't respond about the excessive celebration. The prayer-like position is "not" considered celebration.
11/11/97 Question from Mike - Is there a way that fans can complain about poor officiating to the SEC office? I know that officiating is a tough job (having officiated HS basketball in KY for 10 years), but there seems to be an inordinate amount of bad calls. The call on Avery's diving into the endzone with two Bama defenders in pursuit seems extreme. Also the reversing of the "illegal block in the back" in the Ole Miss/Ark. game when OM had punted to Ark. The Ref had originally marked it off against Ark., placing it at the Ark. 11, then after some discussion placed the ball at the Ark. 31. That was so blatant that that he had everyone wondering if the guys were even watching the game. How can the PUNTING team be called for blocking in the back at the point of the return? I saw the play at the game and then again on tape when I returned home and the guys just blew it. These are not all the calls by far, but seem to be the most questionable in some of the games that I've seen.
11/14/97 Answer from Don Shanks - Rule2-3,Article 4,a. A block in the back is contact against an opponent occurring when the force of the initial contact is from behind and above the waist (exception: Against the runner).
A block in the back is a block in the back! It doesn’t matter if the block is by the offense or defense or by the kicking or receiving team.
The Southeastern Conference office is located at 2201 Civic Center Blvd. Birmingham, AL 35203-1103. Bobby Gaston is the Coordinator of Football Officials.
11/02/97 Question from Scott - Could you please define the touchback rule in regards to the punting team "downing" a ball dead near the goal line. More especially, does a player from the punting team become ineligible to down a punt if, at any time, he enters endzone? This assumes the ball never enters the endzone.
11/03/97 Answer from Don Shanks - Rule 6-1/kicks, Article 2 thru 11. No inbound player of the kicking team shall touch a scrimmage kick that has crossed the neutral zone before it touches an opponent. Such illegal touching is a violation that, when the ball becomes dead, gives the receiving team the privilege of taking the ball at the spot of the violation. Illegal touching in Team A’s end zone is ignored.
If a team A player bats a scrimmage kick in team B’s end zone and it was untouched beyond the neutral zone by team B, it is a violation. Team B may elect a touchback when the ball is declared dead.
The "ball" is the key! If the ball breaks the plane of the goal line it is in the end zone. The player can be in the end zone while trying to keep the ball out. If a kicking team player takes possession of the ball, the ball becomes dead at that point. Even if his momentum carries him into the end zone.
TO ALL: Sometimes it is hard to cover all the situations of a rule in one statement. Many times it takes you asking another question that leads to another question and so on. So if you are still uncertain about a ruling you ask me, then ask again.
10/31/97 Question from Jay - Is it ever legal to block in the back?
Folks, please reread this. I made a change on it I shouldn't have.
11/03/97 Answer from Don Shanks - The basic answer is no! Rule 2-3/Definitions, Article 4. A block in the back is contact against an opponent occurring when the force of the initial contact is from behind and above the waist. Exception: Against the runner. Also, when offensive players are on the line of scrimmage at the snap within a rectangular area centered on the middle lineman of the offensive formation (5 yds by 3 yds ) may legally clip in the rectangular area. When a player turns his back to a potential blocker who has committed himself in intent and direction or movement. This is why an official has to see the whole block. There are times when the block is legal and then the player being blocked turns his back and the blocker maintains contact.
When a player attempts to reach a runner or legally attempts to recover or catch a fumble, a muff, a backward pass, a kick or a touched forward pass, he may push an opponent at or below the waist.
10/30/97 Question from David - In July, my wife attended the Brad Scott Ladies Football Camp at USC. In one of the discussions by an SEC Official on rule changes, she understood him to say that in a certain situation (She didn't remember if it was a punt or kickoff) the returner was given a clearance of 5 yards from defenders instead of the 2 yards that I am aware of. I can find no reference to a rule of this nature and it has been a subject of debate when we watch the games with friends. Is there such a rule or similar one?
10/31/97 Answer from Don Shanks - Rule 6-3/kicks,section 4, article 1.
No player of the kicking team may be within two yards of a player of the receiving team positioned to catch a free or scrimmage kick.
The only thing I can think of where your wife may have heard of something other than two yards is if a person explained it as six feet. Of course two yards equals six feet!!! Thanks for your question.
10/21/97 Question from David - During several games I have seen this year, receivers seem to be "blocking" defensive backs and linebackers downfield on passing plays before/while the ball is in the air. Please explain when a "pick play" is legal or illegal.
10/25/97 Answer from Don Shanks:
First, No Team A (offense ) player can block a Team B (defense) player beyond the neutral zone when a legal pass crosses the neutral zone. If a legal pass does not cross the neutral zone(screen pass) then Team A players may block down field.
What you see today with a lot of the better passing teams is what we call a down the line screen pass. This is where Team A will send a receiver in motion or bring him back toward the ball and throw a short look-in pass. The pass is caught just behind the neutral zone. Linemen and other receivers can go down field and block. What happen sometimes is that the pass will cross the line of scrimmage before being caught. This makes the player downfield illegal to block.
PICK PLAY: This is where an offensive receiver goes downfield and tries to pick-off a defensive back or linebacker who is covering another offensive receiver. This is illegal contact and is offensive pass interference. Remember it is a receiver responsibility to avoid contact with the defense.
If an offensive receiver has stopped ( not moving) and is set to receive a pass and a defensive player who is covering another receiver runs into him, this is a legal play.
10/16/97 Question from Andy - You have provided a lot of insight about officiating (qualifications, team work, etc.) There are a lot of officials (about 8 to 10 or so) working the side lines. What are their jobs? Are they trying to break into on-field officiating? Are they guys who can no longer meet the physical requirements, but still love officiating the game in some capacity? I really appreciate you taking the time to answer these questions.
10/18/97 Answer from Don Shanks:
These guys you see on the sideline are called the "chain crew". They are a very valuable part of our crew. It would be difficult for us to maintain and keep a smooth game on the field if not for their help on the sidelines. They are local officials who work in high school or Community colleges in the area. They volunteer their time to help us , plus it gives them one of the best seats in the house . Their duties are as follows: Two men will hold the chain stakes that are 10 yards in length. A third man will handle the down box. These men are under the direction of the linesman. We usually have another member on that side of the field (opposite the press box ) who keeps the foul chart. This is to record the number of penalties and players who committed the fouls.
There is also an alternate down box on the press box side of the field. This box does not have any numbers on it and is used only to mark the line of scrimmage.
The last member of the crew will keep the 25 second clock. He is under the direction of the field judge. He moves up and down the field with the clock operator.
10/14/97 Question from Tony - During the MSU-NLU game and the USM-ECU game a penalty was called for having the inside man covered therefore making him an ineligible receiver. Could you please explain this?
10/16/97 Answer from Don Shanks:
To have a legal formation the offense has to have at least 7 men on the line of scrimmage at the snap, of which 5 are numbered 50 -79. The two other players on the line are usually called a tight end or wide receiver and are numbered 1-49 or 80-99. To be eligible to go down field they have to be the end man on their side of the line. If there is another player lined-up outside them and on the line of scrimmage, then they are no longer the end man on the line and therefore become ineligible by position. This happens usually when a team shifts a lot and a player forgets if he is a split end or a flanker.
EXAMPLE: Tight end (#80) is lined-up on the line of scrimmage with no other player outside of him on the line of scrimmage. Franker (#1) is also split to the same side of the field as tight end (#80), but is positioned "off" the line of scrimmage . This formation makes both receivers eligible.
EXAMPLE: Same formation as above. Before the snap, the flanker (#1) steps forward to position himself on the line of scrimmage. When he does this, the tight end (#80) is no longer at the end of the line and therefore is ineligible to go downfield if a pass is thrown.
If no pass is thrown and it is a running play it makes no difference where these players are lined-up as long as there are 7 men on the line at the snap.
10/01/97 Question from Michael - Last week South Carolina scored a touchdown and then was called for player celebration. They were penalized 15 yards on the extra point. The person I was sitting next to said this was an "Optional penalty"? He said Sherrill could elect to take the penalty on the extra point or on the kick off. What's the rule on this?
10/04/97 Answer from Don Shanks:
RULE 10/2g PENALTY ENFORCEMENT
1. Personal-foul penalties for fouls by opponents of the scoring team during a down that ends in a touchdown may be penalized on the try.
2. Defensive pass interference fouls on the try from the three-yard line are penalized one-half the distance to the goal line or, if the try is successful, the penalty is declined.
3. When a foul occurs after a touchdown and before the ball is ready for play on the try or there was a live-ball foul penalized as a dead-ball foul on the touchdown play, enforcement is on the try.
4. Live-ball fouls during field goal plays will be penalized by rule. To accept points on a successful field goal, Team A must decline Team B live-ball Fouls.
This is a rule change from last year. MSU had to accept the penalty on the try. It should have been a try from the 18 yard line. There are only a few penalties that will carry over to the succeeding kickoff. This was done in case a game ended in a tie. The theory is to have both teams going into overtime even.
EXAMPLE: Last year in the Georgia-Auburn game. Auburn had a defensive pass interference call on a TD that was also the last play of the game.Tie Game-Overtime. The penalty was carried over to the overtime. Auburn had first possession and started first and ten on the 40 yard line. This year they would start first and ten on the 25 yard line. Big difference!!
09/27/97 Question from Michael - Can an official override another official's pass interference call and if so, what does the official have to prove?
09/30/97 Answer from Don Shanks:
Yes! One official can override another official's call. Believe it or not
it happens a good bit. But, there are times that one official has a better
look at a play than another who may be closer. That is why we work in crews,
so you are working with the same officials every week. You get to know them
better and how they work on the field . But, if you are going to do this you
have to be sure that you have the correct call. This is why the SEC
officials work hard on mechanics. We try to have the officials in position
to see the play. You can't believe how fast and quick these kids are today.
There are some really great athletes in the SEC. This is why all the crews
in the SEC try to work as a team on the field. We try to keep everything
boxed in so as to have more than one set of eyes on a play.
When you've got 22 players flying around the field, sometimes you get
spread thin. Believe me, there is no official that wants to miss a call or
make a call that is not there!!
09/24/97 Question from Scott - Don, we've been having a discussion lately about what qualifications are required be an official in the SEC, and what games they can or can't officiate (i.e., their alma mater.) Could you clarify those items for us?
09/30/97 Answer from Don Shanks:
APPROVAL CRITERIA: The criteria for approval of new officials shall be: One must have four years each of high school and college officiating experience and be able to demonstrate knowledge of NCAA football rules and mechanics of officiating as approved by the College Commissioners Association.
A completed personnel questionnaire must be in the Commissioner’s office by December 1 in order to be considered for the next year’s Eligible List. The Coordinator of Officials may furnish each committee member with the name and biographical information on each individual prior to the meeting.
It is the responsibility of the SEC Football Officiating Committee (Coordinator of Football Officials and Technical Advisors) to approve the list of officials who shall comprise the eligible list for the next season.
As you can imagine there are alot of applicants trying to get into the SEC. I would say there are probably about 150 to 250 on file! The more college experience you have the better your chances. Many of the guys we will use in Spring and Fall(two-a-days) scrimmages so they can be around other SEC officials and coaches. Those officials that make a positive impression usually show-up on the reserve list. These are officials who can work as an alternate official(clock operator) or TV Liaison. This gives them experience being around an SEC game site and all the preparation that goes into getting ready to work a game.
STARCH LIST: There is a starch list that we officials fill-out each year , so we do not have a conflict with a school or a coach. You can not work for a school that you attended or for a coach that you played with or for. The Coaches do not have a starch list. The schedules are made by the Coordinator of Officials with the approval of the Commissioner.
Hope this answers some of your questions about officials.
09/16/97 Question from P.E. - There were several penalties called during recent games that I currently do not agree with. Do the referees go through a grading process from game to game? Is there someone in the SEC office we can voice our opinion to? Usually I think it is just my loyalty to State that blinds me to how well the game is being called, but my local paper here in the Carolinas even made a comment about the calls during the LSU - State game.
09/19/97 Answer from Don Shanks:
In The 1997 Southeastern Conference Commissioner’s Regulations for Football Officiating under Article V-Evaluation.
Section 1- Coaches. The week following any football game, the institution’s Head Football Coach shall rate the work of each football official assigned to that game on the supplied rating Cards and mail to the Coordinator of Officials.
Section 2- Video Tape Grades. The Coordinator of Officials will review all full SEC crew game tapes and evaluate the performance of each official.
Section 3- Technical Advisors. Whenever possible a qualified technical advisor shall be assigned to a game. At the conclusion of the game, the technical advisor will submit an evaluation of each official to the Coordinator of Officials.
Section 4- Season Evaluations.. At the end of the football season, the Coordinator of Officials shall be responsible for utilizing all of the information available to evaluate each official on the eligible list.
The Southeastern Conference Office is located in Birmingham, AL. 2201 Civic Center Blvd. Phone is 205-458-3031.
09/16/97 Question from Andy - Don, I learned something at the end of the 3rd quarter of the LSU-MSU game -- the quarter cannot end on a defensive foul. For years I thought this rule applied only to the half and the end of the game. I was under the impression that after a penalty at the end of the quarter the yardage was marked off, and then the teams changed ends of the field. How long has this rule been in effect?
09/19/97 Answer from Don Shanks:
Extension of Periods:
Article 3. A period shall be extended until a down (other than a try ), free from live-ball fouls not penalized as dead-ball fouls, has been played when:
a. A penalty is accepted for a live-ball foul not penalized as a dead-ball foul that occurs during a down in which time expires.
b. An inadvertent whistle is sounded during a down in which time expires.
c. Offsetting fouls occur during a down in which time expires.
This rule was changed a couple of years ago.
09/13/97 Question from Dave - Why isn't the holder on placement kicks considered down when he receives the snap and places the ball for the kicker to kick? If his knee is down why isn't the ball declared dead at that spot?
09/19/97 Answer from Don Shanks:
This is one of the exceptions to the rule. The holder of a field goal or try
may have his knee on the ground if there is a player in position for a kick.
As long as the kicker is in that position, then the holder can come-up off
the ground and run or pass.
09/09/97 Question from John - If a punt inadvertently hits a player on the punting team, it seem that it is always marked at the point where it makes first contact, regardless of how far it rolls afterwards. On the other hand, if players on the punting team try to stop the ball before it rolls into the endzone and fail to keep it from going in, it seems that a touchback is always the result. What is the rule? Does intent enter into where the ball will be marked?
09/13/97 Answer from Don Shanks:
PUNTS
Rule 6-1-Section 3, article 2.a.
No inbound player of the kicking team shall touch a scrimmage kick that has crossed the neutral zone before it touches an opponent. Such illegal touching is a violation that, when the ball becomes dead, gives the receiving team the privilege of taking the ball at the spot of the violation.
Article 11. If a team A player bats a scrimmage kick in team B’s end zone and it was untouched beyond the neutral zone by team B, it is a violation. Team B may elect a touchback when the ball is declared dead.
VIOLATION- Touchback.
After a scrimmage kick crosses the neutral zone any touching by team A we call first touching and put a bean bag on the spot. The ball is still live and team B can advance the ball. But. this gives team B a choice when the ball becomes dead of taking the play or the spot where the ball was first touched by team A.
Same situation when the ball breaks the plane of the end zone and is batted back into the field of play. The ball remains alive and can be advanced by team B. Again team B has a choice of taking the touch back and the ball on the 20 yard line or the result of the play.
09/08/97 Question from Chris - Could you please explain the illegal substitution rule or any related rules. Saturday in the Kentucky-Mississippi State game, State was penalized for a player participating in the huddle for longer than 3 seconds and then exiting the playing field, while Kentucky would substitute after the huddle at the line of scrimmage. Is this due to 12 players participating in the huddle? Thanks for your time.
09/13/97 Answer from Don Shanks:
SUBSTITUTIONS
Rule3-4-Section 5, article 2b: An incoming legal substitute must enter the field of play directly from his team area, and a substitute, player or replaced player leaving must depart at the sideline nearest his team area and proceed to his team area. A player who is replaced must immediately leave the field of play, including the end zones.
d. One or more substitutes of the scrimmage-kicking team shall not delay for purposes of confusing the receiving team.
PENALTY: If the ball is dead. Five yards from the succeeding spot ;otherwise, five yards from the previous spot.
What you have is some offensive teams will send a substitute into the game and the replaced player will delay leaving the field trying to confuse the defensive team. The officials are very aware of this and will flag it !!
09/07/97 Question from Rick - Jumbotrons in stadium seem to be the latest rage. Baseball prohibits showing replays of controversial plays on their Jumbotrons. Does college football or the SEC have a similar rule? How do officials feel about showing controversial replays live in the stadium?
09/13/97 Answer from Don Shanks:
A few years ago when teams would play in stadiums that has this type of big screen TV (Superdome) they were asked by the SEC not to show replays of controversial calls. But, I do not think this was a stated policy of the SEC. I know the officials have never had a problem with this. I called the conference office to find out if they have put out any information on this for the future. If I get something I will pass it along.
09/03/97 Question from Tom - Don how about sharing what your game week schedule is like from Thursday until you return home. Most of us have no idea what it is like.
09/04/97 Answer from Don Shanks:
Officials usually talk to their crew members in the early part of the week about the previous game. We usually have a film of the game that we review . If we do not have our game, then I normally look at other SEC games that I recorded. The SEC conference makes our reservations at the hotel . We make our own travel arrangements ( fly or drive ) depending on the distance of the school we are working. We have to be at the game site the night before the game. This means Friday night for most of us. We try to meet and have supper together and talk about last week or about the teams that we are going to work.
Saturday morning we usually have an early breakfast . Our pre-game meeting starts four hours before kick-off. When I get some time I will go through our game day mechanics, which shows the preparation the officials go through just to get ready to officiate a game.
09/03/97 Question from Lee - It appeared to me from the stands, that there were several plays that were clearly not down when State players recovered fumbles, but, the official called the play down. Of course, being so far away from the field and not being able to hear the whistle, I was at a disadvantage, but, to me, it looked like there were some very quick whistles when State players recovered the ball. I'd like to know if this was an SEC crew or split crew?
09/05/97 Answer from Don Shanks:
The crew was a Conference USA crew.
09/04/97 Answer from Don Shanks:
Rule 4 Section 1 Article 2 a. A live ball becomes a dead ball as provided in the rules or when an official sounds his whistle (even though inadvertently ) or otherwise signals the ball dead.
1. When the ball is in player possession, then the team in possession may elect to put the ball in play where declared dead or replay the down.
Comments: This is one reason why most officials do not have a whistle in their mouth during a live play. It is better to have an slow whistle than a quick one.
09/01/97 Questions from Louis and Andy - First can you explain the unsportsmanlike conduct penalty?
(Andy's comments about the personal foul non-call) I want to give you two specific examples from the Memphis game. Both
happened in the fourth quarter. In the first example, the referee blew
the play dead. Chris Reeves then shoved Robert Isaac to the ground 25
yards behind the line of scrimmage. There was no foul called. The
referee was right on top of the action. He then marked the ball at the
forward progress line. A few plays later Cedric Miller intercepted a
pass at the 36. John Jennings, (I think was the player), was penalized
for a late hit. It appeared more of a frustration play. I had no
problem with the Personal Foul call. My problem is with the "no call"
call. Please explain the unnecessary roughness foul rules.
(Louis's comments about the same personal foul non-call) With approximately 10:30 left in the MSU-Memphis game, a play occurred in
which Robert Isaac was stuffed at the line of scrimmage by four Memphis
defenders. While the whistle blew, the defenders pushed Isaac back about
twenty yards. As the whistles continued to sound, a defender
body-slammed Isaac to the turf just a few feet away from two officials.
Is there a particular reason why this was not considered a personal foul?
(Andy's second question) A second question has to do with the bands. I noticed both bands played when the quarterback is under center and running a play. When can the band play? When can they not play?
09/04/97 Answer from Don Shanks:
RULE 9: Conduct of Player and Others subject to Rules.
Article 2. No person subject to the rules shall commit a personal foul before the game, during the game or between the periods. Any act prohibited hereunder or any other act of unnecessary roughness is a personal foul. Intentionally throwing a player to the ground after a dead ball is unnecessary roughness. PENALTY: 15 yards from the basic spot and a first down for team B fouls if the first down is not in conflict with other rules. Flagrant offenders shall be disqualified.
Section 2b. Other prohibited acts include: 5. Persons subject to the rules, including bands, shall not create any noise that prohibits a team from hearing its signals Penalty: 15 yards from the succeeding spot. Penalize as a dead-ball foul.
The Southeastern Conference Commissioner’s regulations prohibits me from making statements about any plays or events that take place in a SEC game. To get an answer about why or why not a "call" was made you would have to contact the Commissioner’s office in Birmingham.
08/17/97 Question From Luke - Four years ago, it seemed that just about every team in the country was running the "fumblerooski" (center picks up "fumbled ball" from QB and runs with it). MSU tried it against Alabama and was called for a penalty. What makes it legal or illegal and why do you think it isn't used anymore?
Answer From Don Shanks - Planned Loose Ball Rule:
RULE: 7-1-7: Planned Loose Ball - A team A player may not advance a planned loose ball in the vicinity of the snapper.
PENALTY: Five yards from the previous spot and loss of down.
COMMENTS: As I recall, when Mississippi State ran the play it was a legal play but something else resulted in the play being called back. At the end of the season the NCAA changed the rule by adding rule 7-1-7. As a side note, prior to rule 7-1-7, when a team was going to run the Planned Loose Ball play (or as you call it, the "fumblerooski" play), they had to notify the referee of their intentions.
0815/97 - How about a little "pop quiz" for all of you football buffs.
1. When does the clock start on a free kick (Kick off)?
a. When the kicker first touches the ball.
b. When a receiver touches the ball in play.
c. When an official winds the clock.
c. None of the above.
Answer: a
2. When a runner fumbles the football forward and it goes out of bounds, where do you spot the ball?
a. The spot is where it goes out of bounds.
b. The spot is where the official blows his whistle.
c. The spot is where the ball is first fumbled.
d. None of the above.
Answer: c
3. In the above question, when does the clock start?
a. On the next snap.
b. The clock does not stop.
c. When the referee marks the ball ready for play.
d. None of the above.
Answer: c
Gene: The reason most of you probably answered these questions wrong (I sure did) is because they are new or fairly new rules. The first rule was made to help speed up the game; as was the third one. The second one was made for obvious reasons; to stop players from intentionally fumbling a ball out-of-bounds in hope of making a first down.
06/24/97 Question from Michael - Last year there was a lot of controversy surrounding the player celebration rule. Has this rule been addressed lately by the NCAA? Also, could you describe what exactly a player must do to be called for celebrating and what the penalty is?
Answer from Don Shanks - Celebration rule:
RULE: 9-2-1: Prohibits the use of language, gestures or acts that provoke ill will or are demeaning to the game. Prohibits players and substitutes from inciting an opponent .
RULE: 9-2-1-a-l-(d): Prohibits a player from any delayed, excessive or prolonged act which attempts to focus attention upon himself. Spontaneous versus planned or choreographed would be a descriptive term that keeps excitement of college football in good taste.
PENALTY: 15 yards succeeding spot. Penalize as a dead ball foul. Flagrant offenders shall be disqualified.
COMMENTS: First let me say that most of the schools in the SEC use officials during "two a day" practices, scrimmages and game situations. We meet with coaches and players to talk about what we’re looking for and what will be called. The players know before the season starts that this rule will be enforced. So, when you see a player penalized for celebrating, just remember that the player knows what he is doing!!.
"PREVENTED OFFICIATING": You hear this term used often. Throughout the game I’m constantly talking to the players . One, to remind them that I’m there and two, don’t do anything dumb that is going to hurt your team. SEC Officials work hard at trying to prevent unnecessary penalties.
06/24/97 Question from another Michael - I have been officiating high school baseball for about four or five years in Mississippi and have been asked to consider high school football. Are there any clinics or schools in Mississippi for football officiating? I would also like to know how I may get into officiating baseball at the college level and maybe even in the SEC. Please let me know if you have any suggestions for me.
Answer from Don Shanks - Officiating football and baseball.
The State of Mississippi is divided up into districts for high schools. In each of these districts is an officials association. You can contact any high school coach in your area and he can tell you the name and phone number of the district secretary. You need to contact him and tell him that you are interested in joining the association as a football official. They have a clinic about this time of year that you would have to attend . There the rules are discussed and they have a test that must be passed to be certified. This is how you get started. From there it takes time; plus developing your skills as an official has a lot to do with your ability and dedication. At an later date I’ll discuss what it takes to become an official in the SEC. Good luck!
06/23/97 Comments by Don Shanks: This is the first time in many years that we don't have any major rule changes for the upcoming year. One of the changes that fans in the SEC will notice is the officials will have letters on their shirts so as to identify them. R - referee, U - umpire, H - linesman, S - Side judge, F - field judge, and B - back judge.
We have our summer clinic coming up in July. Most of the guys have already started their running program. We all have to run a mile and a half in a certain time based on our age. An evaluation committee, which is made up of athletic trainers and team physicians, has to clear each official for game duty.
I'm looking forward to hearing from you during the SEC football season. Don't hesitate emailing Gene with any questions you might have. I'll do my best to answer them.