Post by RuningOutOfOptions on Nov 2, 2017 12:12:59 GMT -6
What I mean to say it that it's sounds a lot like it could have been one of the calls that were not the best, because that seems to be the most likely situation. Odd to call it a good call without knowing who threw the flag and where they were positioned, it can be compared to the QB throwing into coverage with the receiver ending up with the ball somehow. Might be the right result, but for the wrong reason.
I've had sideline officials throwing flags for holding in the back field, umpire throwing flags for late hit out of bounds and even a white cap throw pass interference about 20 yards down field (beautiful throw with the flag though) this season, where the officials during the play left their assignment and thereby leaving part of the playing field unsupervised, which is a problem.
As far a who should call what fouls on a field there is a general mechanic of "not fishing in someone else's pond." This usually means that we are not going to throw a flag for a foul for something that is not in our zone. However, there are some things that we will throw flags outside our zone. Usually this related to a safety foul. For example, you mention an umpire throwing a flag for a late hit out of bounds. As an umpire on a play going out of bounds I will be heading towards that area to help retrieve the ball and to clean up while the flank official is getting the spot and moving the players back onto the field. As I am moving towards the sideline I may have a much better view of the foul. Also since this is a safety foul, I am going to throw it.
A flank may throw a flag on a holding call because their responsibility on a running play is to watch the blocks occurring in front of the point of attack while the R is watching the ball carrier. As for the R throwing a flag of DPI, I can't explain that.
So, the ump going to sideline can do so, but first after the whistle is blown and all contact within his/her "zone" has seized. To throw a flag for a late hit he has to turn and give up on the mechanic, or else it should not be late hit but "unnecessary roughness" after the play.
And I'm sorry, what the R threw the flag for was within the tackle box, which I should have mentioned. Once again, giving up on his/her mechanic.
I have a lot of respect for the officials, but I also expect of them to follow the rules and their function. Just like I expect the coaches to follow their assignments (I have chewed out a DL coach for looking at DB a play instead of his DL and try to coach the DB) I expect the same from the officials.
