PAC 12 Football Officials Are In Good Hands

Story by L.T.Willis





Left to right PAC 12 Football Consultant Mike Pereira, T.G.Sports L.T.Willis
and PAC 12 Football Coordinator/Assignor Tony Corrente
Photo by Nick Hamilton.

Media Day for the PAC 12 was awesome for those who attended. The first day a special clinic was held by PAC 12 football assignor Tony Corrente and PAC 12 football consultant Mike Pereira. One of the new rules was Article 6. There shall be no blocking below the waist (Rule 2-3-2) (A.R.9-1-6-I-VII. There are exceptions:1.Against the runner 2.Before change of possession on scrimmage downs that do not include kicks. Blocking below the waist is allowed as followed: A Players on the offensive team who at the snap

are 1. On the line of scrimmage more than seven yards from the middle lineman of the offensive formation.

2. In the backfield with any part of the body outside the tackle box: or 3. In motion: may block below the waist only along north-south line (Rule 2-12-9) or toward the sideline adjacent to them at the snap. B Players of the offensive team who at the snap are completely inside the tackle box or on the line of scrimmage inside the seven-yard limit may block below the waist. C. Players of the defensive team who at the snap are inside the blocking zone extended to the sideline may block below the waist inside the area until the blocking zone disintegrates ( Rule 2-3-6-b) except against a team player in position to receive a backward pass.

Players of the defensive team may block below the waist until the ball has gone more than five yards beyond the neutral zone. They also may not block below the waist against an eligible team receiver beyond the neutral zone unless attempting to get to the ball or the ball carrier.  Now lets talk about the replay official that is in the booth. Having the same the replay equipment that is used in college and pro football gave us a taste of what a replay official have to deal with during a game.

About  four people were ask to  take part and volunteer as replay officials. We would look a several games and then after the ruling on the field, should the call stand or be reverse. Now keep in mind two things some games have more cameras pending on what network is covering the game, and the the replay is not to put down any officials but just to get the play right. Being a basketball official for more than 20 years and a fan of football i have found a new respect for football officials. The replay official has to let the referee know

not only if a catch was good or not,or if a player was inbounds and had control of the ball, but has to also let him know where to spot the ball and how much time should be on the clock. For now on show football officials much love during a game.