Rules+: Referees Earning Our Stripes

Not all 15-yard penalties are created equal, with the consequences for unsportsmanlike conduct possible extending beyond a single game, unlike in the case of a personal foul. This episode contrasts the fraternal twins of UNR vs. UNS.

In this episode I share several Approved Rulings and play scenario examples from the Rogers Redding Study Guide to consider differences between an illegal touch and illegally touching a loose ball.

As I continue working my way through the Sibling Rules Project, I discuss the similarities and differences between pre-snap requirements for the offense and the defense.

This episode completes the discussion of the similarities and differences between forward and backward passes by considering 5 remaining elements of comparison.

The Rule Siblings Project continues as I uncover a few interesting wrinkles and perhaps surprises in comparing provisions for forward passes as compared to backward passes.

See what the ruling on last week's cliffhanger play should be as a segue into considering the unforeseen implications of confusing an illegal kick with the act of illegally kicking a loose ball.

Two terms fundamental to determining possession, penalty enforcement, and eligibility to advance a loose ball are fumble vs. muff. This episode explores the wider implications for American football in general of the differences between this pair of rules siblings.

The differences between kickoffs and a free kick after a safety are obvious: a kickoff is from the 40 and a free kick after a safety is from the 20 and is almost always a punt. But what purpose does having these differences serve? Join veteran referee Michael Barrett as he offers his speculation about why.

Continuing the project to compare pairs of rules siblings, Michael Barrett investigates the parallels and inconsistencies between scrimmage kick plays and forward pass plays in whether--or how--the ball crossing the neutral zone matters.

Turning my focus to scrimmage kicks, I consider at length the similarities and often subtle differences between a field goal attempt and a punt. It's easy to overlook the differences because the rule book introduces them as exceptions to otherwise fundamental principles concerning ball possession and penalty enforcement.