Definitely up to ref discretion. I’ve seen two OL do the same celebration with each other for the past two years after TDs and it never get called. They were on the road against Scott County this year and it got called. 

I think a nice touchdown catch or a big run deserves a good celebration. That’s just me though a normal touchdown,hand the ball to the ref and keep it moving.

17 hours ago, JIM SEYMOUR # 85 said:

Agree with you "back in the day"

Unfortunately I think there is a lack of uniformity among Officials.

What one crew/Official won't tolerate - others will.

A Shame. 

This is the major issue I see.  The lack of uniformity.  We see it with the knee pad emphasis too which is clearly not an area of emphasis in some locations.  To me the officiating profession appears to be on a slow, downhill slide.  If officials are not going to be uniform and not be consistent, we really don't have much.

3 hours ago, DearToday said:

Definitely up to ref discretion. I’ve seen two OL do the same celebration with each other for the past two years after TDs and it never get called. They were on the road against Scott County this year and it got called. 

Sooner or later a TD celebration penalty is going to cost a team a game when it really matters. 

20 hours ago, 24Rocks said:

I like the maxim "When you get to the end zone act like you've been there before......" but then I'm a bit old school.  

Throwing the ball to the official was good enough for Barry Sanders, it’s good enough for me. 

30 minutes ago, DragonFire said:

Throwing the ball to the official was good enough for Barry Sanders, it’s good enough for me. 

Barry had made it to the end zone a few times…..  

I forget this game is serious business and these kids are business men.

3 hours ago, theguru said:

This is the major issue I see.  The lack of uniformity.  We see it with the knee pad emphasis too which is clearly not an area of emphasis in some locations.  To me the officiating profession appears to be on a slow, downhill slide.  If officials are not going to be uniform and not be consistent, we really don't have much.

Anybody that watched the rules clinic (which is supposed to be anyone that coaches) knows that the knee pad thing is a big deal this year. They showed numerous examples on the video. The head of officials was at the Scott Co vs Cooper Playoff game last year that saw no less than 4 players from each team sent off the field for improper uniform. I believe this point of emphasis is a result of that game being the straw that broke the camels back. 

Just now, CoachMulvi said:

Anybody that watched the rules clinic (which is supposed to be anyone that coaches) knows that the knee pad thing is a big deal this year. They showed numerous examples on the video. The head of officials was at the Scott Co vs Cooper Playoff game last year that saw no less than 4 players from each team sent off the field for improper uniform. I believe this point of emphasis is a result of that game being the straw that broke the camels back. 

Funny you mention Cooper, clearly any officials doing Cooper games are MIA on this rule.

Also please remember, the knee pads are just like the TD celebrations to me.  I don't care what the rule is, but the rule should be uniformly and consistently enforced and it is not in either case. 

28 minutes ago, theguru said:

Funny you mention Cooper, clearly any officials doing Cooper games are MIA on this rule.

Also please remember, the knee pads are just like the TD celebrations to me.  I don't care what the rule is, but the rule should be uniformly and consistently enforced and it is not in either case. 

The knee pad (and all equipment rules) should be easy to enforce. Either you're wearing the equipment (and wearing it correctly) or your not. There is nothing subject to interpretation. Celebrations are different. These are all quite subjective, which is why I'm all for allowing celebrations, or at least tying it to non subjective points (ie, removing the helmet, using props, etc). Make it either you did something or didn't, not tying to a degree of how it was done.

Just now, rjs4470 said:

The knee pad (and all equipment rules) should be easy to enforce. Either you're wearing the equipment (and wearing it correctly) or your not. There is nothing subject to interpretation. Celebrations are different. These are all quite subjective, which is why I'm all for allowing celebrations, or at least tying it to non subjective points (ie, removing the helmet, using props, etc). Make it either you did something or didn't, not tying to a degree of how it was done.

I think the rules need to define what celebrations are allowed or not allowed.  Otherwise it is all an inconsistent mess. 

On the equipment, I agree, but it is not being uniformly enforced. 

I guess I’m from the old school, too. Give to ball to the ref and celebrate briefly with your teammates that helped you get there and get back to work. Nothing rehearsed should be allowed. 

4 hours ago, theguru said:

This is the major issue I see.  The lack of uniformity.  We see it with the knee pad emphasis too which is clearly not an area of emphasis in some locations.  To me the officiating profession appears to be on a slow, downhill slide.  If officials are not going to be uniform and not be consistent, we really don't have much.

Couldn't agree with you more.

It's sad & a shame.

Here's the reality of it all:

1. Core group of Officials are "aging out."
2. Due to the conduct of Coaches / Fans/ Parents - Officials are quitting and walking away. {This group has no idea they are "cutting their own throats" -  Maybe they do and don't care}
3. Younger folk who should be interested and 'coming in' - have no interest [** SEE NO 2 ABOVE]
4. Due to the shortage - folks are probably "working"- who really shouldn't be out there.  The alternative =  NO GAMES

I don’t mind the touchdown celebration to much but some guys celebrate everything they let a guy run 20 yards and they tackle them and they’re up celebrating also if you are getting it handed to you I don’t think you have a reason to celebrate. Just my thoughts.

I did receive this from someone privately, clear as mud I tell ya!!

This is how I told my crew at the beginning of the season how we were to handle TD or any celebrations that took place on the field. First, and foremost, football is an emotional game, and emotions have a tendency to run high. If a kid is celebrating and not using any props, or demonstrating like they do on Sunday's, give it a couple of seconds and tell them to move on. However, if they are taunting an opponent or pointing at the opposition sideline, FLAG IT!!! There is no place for any of that.