This May Be One of the Most Difficult Calls in High School Football!

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1. The Judgment on the Play: Catch and Fumble vs. Incomplete Pass
Introduction of the play scenario (try play, but focus not on the try element)
The challenge of using slow motion in replay reviews
Initial participant reactions and reasoning (incomplete vs. catch/fumble)
Importance of making a judgment based on real-time action rather than replay

2. Officials’ Mechanics and Positioning Challenges
The role of line of scrimmage officials near the goal line
The difficulty for line officials to see catch/no catch due to field positioning and player traffic
Additional challenges presented by quarterback action drawing referee’s attention
Possibility of the referee or umpire having an angle to help on the call
Limitations of umpire involvement, dependent on positioning and player movement

3. Definition and Philosophy of a Catch
Exploration of the rulebook's vagueness (NFHS and general high school levels)
The difference between 'control' and 'possession'
Possibility to momentarily control the ball without establishing possession
The need for a football move, or demonstrable evidence of “owning” the ball

4. Visual and Philosophical Aids to Making the Call
Bill LeMonnier’s ‘owning vs. borrowing’ analogy for understanding possession
The importance of using clear, intentional language when describing outcomes (catch, drop, fumble, incomplete)
Establishing criteria such as control, possession, and demonstration (e.g., "show me the ball") to make the correct call

5. The Need for Crew Consistency
The necessity for all officials on a crew to apply the same standard on catch/fumble/incomplete situations
The consequences of inconsistent officiating across different parts of the field or different points in the game
Importance of striving for consistency at an association and conference level, not just within an individual crew

#football #highschoolfootball #officiating #rules #catchornocatch #referee #NFHS #fumble #sportseducation #incompletepass

00:00 Confusing Play Call Dilemma
03:57 Decision in Traffic
07:10 Precise Language in Football Rules