I have to say, I think we are playing semantics here anyway. I see intentional grounding throws all the time that aren't called when everyone knows the QB had no intent of completing the pass. Sure, by definition, there was a receiver in the area, but you can tell by the coverage and the trajectory of the pass that there was never an intent to complete that pass. Good no calls on the part of the officials, but nonetheless a real penalty.

 

Now, on the flip side, I have seen games in other areas where officials have made the Intentional Grounding calls on the above plays and the fans go crazy because they are used to the "no call".

It would be interesting if someone did a study on this to see if there is a safety aspect. Is it safer to allow the QB to end the play with the NFL type rule. It would seem contact would be lessened between 250-lbs linemen and a 180-lbs QB if the QB is allowed to throw it away after going on the run. Also, QBs on the run will head toward the sideline and there can be a lot of action right at the sideline. Not just the QB and defensemen but also those on the side lines. Again, if the QB is allowed to throw it way like in the NFL this action and potential contact would be reduced.

 

Like a lot of rules maybe the insurance companies will make a call.

It would be interesting if someone did a study on this to see if there is a safety aspect. Is it safer to allow the QB to end the play with the NFL type rule. It would seem contact would be lessened between 250-lbs linemen and a 180-lbs QB if the QB is allowed to throw it away after going on the run. Also, QBs on the run will head toward the sideline and there can be a lot of action right at the sideline. Not just the QB and defensemen but also those on the side lines. Again, if the QB is allowed to throw it way like in the NFL this action and potential contact would be reduced.

 

Like a lot of rules maybe the insurance companies will make a call.

 

Good point as well. I am always up for making the game safer. I have seen some nasty things near the sidelines over the years.......

The NFL was put in place to protect the QB. I don't think we need that rule in high school.

I'm jumping on your bandwagon. I like the defensive standpoint, but I think anytime you stop a completion, the defense won.

 

Here's my take, I like the version of the rule that allows a throw-a-way that has to cross the line of scrimmage, has to be a forward pass and the QB has to be out of the pocket. I think that allows for a good football play by the QB and allows the defense to get the win. If a QB can't find a receiver after being flushed from the pocket, the defense did a good job. And, anytime the defense gets a loss of down without a yard being gained is good for the defense.

 

One other point about some of the high school rules that are different in the NFL (like grounding, pass interference and the old 5 yard facemask rule, which no longer exists) is that these rules are worded to take a lot of the subjectivity out of the interpretation. Either you "did" or "didn't" commit the penalty...there are no other circumstances or factors to consider such as position on the field, catchability, etc. Makes the game easier to officiate. I'm not sure that's why the rules are the way they are, but it is an end result of how the rules are written.

One other point about some of the high school rules that are different in the NFL (like grounding, pass interference and the old 5 yard facemask rule, which no longer exists) is that these rules are worded to take a lot of the subjectivity out of the interpretation. Either you "did" or "didn't" commit the penalty...there are no other circumstances or factors to consider such as position on the field, catchability, etc. Makes the game easier to officiate. I'm not sure that's why the rules are the way they are, but it is an end result of how the rules are written.

I agree. We can also add the encroachment penalty to that group. In the NFL, you can "get back" in time to not be flagged, in the high school, once the plain is broken, the penalty exists.

 

Although, I love hearing the fans in the stands yelling, "he got back in time". Always makes me laugh.

I agree. We can also add the encroachment penalty to that group. In the NFL, you can "get back" in time to not be flagged, in the high school, once the plain is broken, the penalty exists.

 

Although, I love hearing the fans in the stands yelling, "he got back in time". Always makes me laugh.

 

I get chuckles out of that too. As a coach, I hear other coaches complaining about these call as well, which never ceases to amaze me.

The NFL was put in place to protect the QB. I don't think we need that rule in high school.

 

How different?

Ok guys, I get it.........you are coming from a defensive standpoint and I from a QB standpoint. Fair enough. We can agree to disagree. RJS, aren't all sports for entertainment? I thought they were??

You ever watch synchronized swimming? No entertainment value there.

How different?

 

The NFL has huge amounts invested in their QB's. The players hitting QB's in the NFL are huge and fast and it is a big injury risk when they are going full speed at a QB looking downfield. I don't think high school QB's need that protection. Often times the high school QB is bigger and faster than the player trying to sack him. The NFL wants to promote the passing game and points scored. In high school, the defenses need the help more than the offenses.

The NFL has huge amounts invested in their QB's. The players hitting QB's in the NFL are huge and fast and it is a big injury risk when they are going full speed at a QB looking downfield. I don't think high school QB's need that protection. Often times the high school QB is bigger and faster than the player trying to sack him. The NFL wants to promote the passing game and points scored. In high school, the defenses need the help more than the offenses.

 

And just where do you think these huge and fast players in the NFL come from?? These guys are freaks in high school and can do lots of damage to a high school QB. The NFL wants to promote safety and HS should follow and allow a HS QB to throw the ball away.

And just where do you think these huge and fast players in the NFL come from?? These guys are freaks in high school and can do lots of damage to a high school QB. The NFL wants to promote safety and HS should follow and allow a HS QB to throw the ball away.

 

Please RE ... that is about as big a stretch as can be made. High school athletes vs. the NFL athletes? There is a world of difference. And in the NFL the QB is king. All the money flowing through an NFL game is tied to what those QB's do. It isn't about safety. It is about keeping those QB's on the field. 90% of the high school defensive players trying to sack a QB couldn't catch him in a foot race. 280 lb defensive linemen can outrun half the QB's in the NFL. Most of the high school QB's are running the ball on purpose every game. How many NFL teams want their QB running the ball? There just is no comparison.

Please RE ... that is about as big a stretch as can be made. High school athletes vs. the NFL athletes? There is a world of difference. And in the NFL the QB is king. All the money flowing through an NFL game is tied to what those QB's do. It isn't about safety. It is about keeping those QB's on the field. 90% of the high school defensive players trying to sack a QB couldn't catch him in a foot race. 280 lb defensive linemen can outrun half the QB's in the NFL. Most of the high school QB's are running the ball on purpose every game. How many NFL teams want their QB running the ball? There just is no comparison.

 

Not a stretch at all. Have you seen Clowney's HS highlights? I think we've beat this one to death. I think HS QB's should be able to make a smart play and throw it away and you don't. Numerous reasons why. It's all good.

Why not be like Texas and Mass and just adopt modified NCAA rules? College does have the out of the pocket and throw it away rule (which does drive me nuts but I could live with it). It would cut down on some of rule craziness we see. So many people (fans and coaches) do not realize there are 3 different rule sets at least. FED, NCAA and NFL and it causes some issues.

Not a stretch at all. Have you seen Clowney's HS highlights? I think we've beat this one to death. I think HS QB's should be able to make a smart play and throw it away and you don't. Numerous reasons why. It's all good.

 

I agree. We will disagree here. And I also disagree with using one player like Clowney to justify the high school rule being the same as the NFL. That just isn't the norm or even close to it in high school. But neither of us are changing our view and that's ok.