Fouls on Kicks

Let’s sharpen up our enforcement knowledge when it comes to fouls on kicks. Fouls by the kicking team (K) during a free kick may be enforced from the previous spot or the succeeding spot. Fouls by the receiving team (R) during the kick are enforced from the previous spot only. Remember: a free kick out of bounds has four options:

5 yards from the previous spot
 

5 yards from the spot where the ball went out of bounds
 

At the spot the ball went out of bounds
 

25 yards beyond the spot of the kick (only if that spot does not place the ball in the end zone)

Fouls by K during a scrimmage kick down can be enforced with the basic spot as the previous spot or from the succeeding spot. That means even a foul that occurs simultaneously with the snap, such as an illegal formation foul, can be enforced from the succeeding spot if R is next to put the ball in play. Fouls by R are also enforced from the previous spot, unless post-scrimmage kick rules apply. PSK fouls require the foul to be a) during the kick, b) occur beyond the neutral zone, c) require the kick to have gone beyond the neutral zone, and d) that Team R will be the next to put the ball in play. If the answer to all four questions is ‘yes’ then the foul will be enforced from the end of the kick.

Officials on the CFOA mailing list received a great question regarding fouls by K during a kick from Greg Truex yesterday – apply the above to this situation and determine the correct enforcement:

K, 4/4, K-44. K’s short punt crosses the NZ and is grounded at the R-38 and begins to come back toward the LOS. K14 then illegally kicks the ball at the R-40 and it is caught by K21 at the R-34. 

Uniform Messages and Markings
We’ve had instances of players writing on their equipment or placing decals/stickers on visible gear. These markings sometimes include acronyms, messages, or brand names. We are not going to attempt to parse what is or isn’t appropriate or promotional. If a player is displaying a written or graphic message visible to spectators or cameras, it must be removed. This is one aspect of uniform issues that we need to be diligent and consistent on.

Pregame Meetings
By now, most crews are well-acquainted and have a rhythm. That said, I challenge all Referees to refresh your pregame approach this week. Bring in new scenarios you haven’t discussed the last few weeks. Staying sharp is easier when we stay out of autopilot mode.

Personal Fouls & Take-Downs
We talked Tuesday about the importance of addressing unnecessary roughness early. Late hits, takedowns away from the play, body slams, diving on top of players, etc.- these are the kinds of plays that build into something bigger if they aren’t addressed right away. Throw the flag. Talk to the player. Talk to the coach. And if you issue a warning, let the head coach know. Accountability needs to follow the warning.

Helmet Contact & Targeting
Let’s revisit our discussion from the Summer Kickoff Meeting. In NFHS, targeting is defined as taking aim at an opponent’s head or neck area. Helmet-to-helmet contact alone is not necessarily targeting. You must see the full action and judge whether the defender took aim.

If you determine that targeting occurred and the player hit is a runner, you do not have an automatic ejection. You must determine whether the contact was flagrant.

If the player hit is defenseless, and the defender takes aim and delivers a forcible blow to the head or neck, then that does meet the definition of a flagrant foul and should result in ejection.

If any of this is unclear, reach out to me or another instructional staff member to discuss.

Pink Whistles
Starting with tonight’s games, officials may use pink whistles in support of breast cancer awareness. This is completely optional. Crews do not need to match – if you have one and want to wear it, go for it.

Classification Exam

Don’t forget the CFOA Classification Exam is currently Open on the Arbiter. This must be completed by the last Thursday of the season if you want to be eligible to work in the postseason.

Stay focused and take pride in the work we’re doing. Let’s make Week 6 a great one.