Where should the line be drawn on celebration penalties? See the link for 2 specific examples of very tough results for what appear to be minor infractions.

 

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-31751_162-57337906-10391697/2-high-school-stars-denied-glory-refs-to-blame/

As the article stated the rules were enforced so the question is obviously should the rules be changed? Logic says yes but how do you word them to make it clear as to what's acceptable (riaising the arm like the qb did) vs what's not acceptable? Not so easy.

What a complete joke on both parts. I know rules are rules but I have seen worse on other levels of play. Let the kids be kids!

" In Boston, the referee was simply enforcing a sportsmanship rule that prohibits players from celebratory or taunting behavior while scoring a touchdown"

 

The Boston kid put his hand up at the 20 yard line, and it was down by the 15 yard line, he had a saftey (while not close) in pursuit from that side. He could have been calling for a block. (I know he wasnt, just stating another view of it)

 

this one seems silly and he wasnt around the endzone yet when the infraction happend. Wonder what they would have called if he would have fallen down at the 10 yard line????

 

 

The kid from Texas is just as bad of a call. crazy

How would you write the rule?

As the article stated the rules were enforced so the question is obviously should the rules be changed? Logic says yes but how do you word them to make it clear as to what's acceptable (riaising the arm like the qb did) vs what's not acceptable? Not so easy.

 

The way I would define it would be in the definitions of celebration versus taunting. If something is done without it being directed at the opposition, it probably should be allowed. Now, if you're specifically looking at another player (from the opposing team) while your doing it, or their bench, or their fans...then let the flags fly.

The way I would define it would be in the definitions of celebration versus taunting. If something is done without it being directed at the opposition, it probably should be allowed. Now, if you're specifically looking at another player (from the opposing team) while your doing it, or their bench, or their fans...then let the flags fly.

 

So would you allow the player to thump his chest while heading to the endzone?

The rule will always be subjective. I dont see either of these as taughting of any kind, celebratory, maybe. As I stated previous in the case of the Boston kid, he has a saftey in pursuit from that side, how do you say without question that he wasnt signaling for a block call.

 

I think the bigger issue with that call is that he was still 20 yards from the endzone. Had he fallen down and not scored, would they have picked up the flag. (cant call excessive celebration on a TD when no TD is scored right?)

The rule will always be subjective. I dont see either of these as taughting of any kind, celebratory, maybe. As I stated previous in the case of the Boston kid, he has a saftey in pursuit from that side, how do you say without question that he wasnt signaling for a block call.

 

I think the bigger issue with that call is that he was still 20 yards from the endzone. Had he fallen down and not scored, would they have picked up the flag. (cant call excessive celebration on a TD when no TD is scored right?)

 

On the first one the flag was thrown as soon as he raised his hand. I'm not a football official but I doubt the penalty only applies to plays that result in a TD.

Let me ask this then. QB throws a pass and reciever runs down field to score, while the reciever is running down field to score, qb raises his hands in the TD signal, should he be flaged for it?

It's obviously subjective - purely a judgment call for the ref. I'm pretty sure Seidl did exactly what the Boston kid did on his second runback vs. LexCath, but no flag was thrown.

Let me ask this then. QB throws a pass and reciever runs down field to score, while the reciever is running down field to score, qb raises his hands in the TD signal, should he be flaged for it?

 

Fair question.

Let me ask this then. QB throws a pass and reciever runs down field to score, while the reciever is running down field to score, qb raises his hands in the TD signal, should he be flaged for it?

 

I would say in a very strict interpretation of the rule, yes. But again, it's a judgment call. I wouldn't call it if I were the ref, but that's my judgment.

So would you allow the player to thump his chest while heading to the endzone?

 

If I have to make a choice between elminating everything (which is apparently what they're trying to do), or having the possibility of an isolated incident go unpunished...I'd go ahead and allow it. AS LONG AS it's not directed at the opposition. Then it's a different story.

 

For instance, if a guy scores and turns to his teammates in the end zone and thumps his chest...he's getting them pumped up. No problem with that. But, if he scores and turns toward the oppostion's bench (or stands) and does it...then he's trying to show off. Flag him.

If I have to make a choice between elminating everything (which is apparently what they're trying to do), or having the possibility of an isolated incident go unpunished...I'd go ahead and allow it. AS LONG AS it's not directed at the opposition. Then it's a different story.

 

For instance, if a guy scores and turns to his teammates in the end zone and thumps his chest...he's getting them pumped up. No problem with that. But, if he scores and turns toward the oppostion's bench (or stands) and does it...then he's trying to show off. Flag him.

 

What if he's running towards a teammate thumping his chest and a defender or two is standing right by the teammate?