Legal Action

Cross Bones

All-Conference
Aug 19, 2001
52,877
3,952
113
David Haugh from the Chicago Tribune:

"Fenwick's appeal cited a 2008 case in which the Mississippi High School Activities Association reinstated a team into the playoffs three days after a similar enforcement of an incorrect call on the final play of regulation allowed a team to score an apparent game-winning touchdown. Also in 2008, the IHSA established precedent by overturning results of the Illinois wrestling tournament three days after Edwardsville celebrated beating Granite City by ½ of a point. A recount revealed Granite City actually won 217 ½-217 and the IHSA – after initially clinging to a rule that says results must be corrected within 30 minutes of the end of a tournament – rightly reversed the outcome.

In that case, the Edwardsville coach detected the scoring error himself and contacted the Granite City coach in a display of the type of sportsmanship we all want to define youth sports. Likewise, Plainfield North officials have an opportunity to make a bold, principled statement on behalf of honesty and fairness by forfeiting a game the IHSA agrees it lost in regulation."
If the Fenwick coaches rightfully award Plainfield the TD on the blown call I will agree with you.
 
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BallHog85

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Nov 21, 2016
39
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Right, but that doesnt matter. A mistake during the game cost PFN a TD. Why not up arms about that?

To settle this, it doesn't matter that the player re-established himself. By the letter of the rule, he cannot be the first person to touch the ball. You're arguing a moot point because you don't know the rule. Now, whether he was pushed out by the defense is another argument, and is a judgment call, not a mistaken application of the rule.

If the ref had said he was pushed out, then I would accept that. The tape shows he was not, but I can swallow that.

I'm also concerned about some of the other lapses by this officiating crew. The extra point video is d*mning not because I think it was a missed PAT (I don't). Moreso concerned that the ref barely looked up on a fairly close kick. Also was annoyed when they didn't throw a flag on the illegal touching, but just conferenced instead. And finally, the refs didn't indicate PFN had scored a TD in overtime until well after they had placed the ball for the PAT. The ref then raised his arms before shrugging and making a WTF gesture to the box. Meanwhile all the fans had no idea if the RB had actually scored a TD because no one ever signaled. It may have been obvious from that side of the field, but from the stands and to the press box, it wasn't at all clear with the with sideline being close and the number of bodies.

The point isn't that I disagree with the calls I just listed. They were all most likely the correct judgment calls. But they didn't follow proper procedure, and that's just additional evidence that they didn't know the letter of the rules and they should treat the job with a higher level of respect. I'm sure they're very nice people who think they are dedicated to the game, but their actions are in direct conflict with their intent.

And before anyone bloviates at me about becoming a ref, I've been a player and I've been a coach. Will be looking to get back into coaching when my boys get a little older because that's how I choose to keep involved in the game. My eyesight is not the greatest, so I don't think I would be doing a service. And before anyone calls me out on that being an excuse, I'm not criticizing the refs for their judgment calls. I'm criticizing them for their lack of knowledge about the game.
 

RockSoup

All-Conference
Oct 1, 2009
3,192
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No, none are actually "judgment calls" they either happen or they dont. For expediency purposes we dont review all of them or any of them in some matters. But if we are attempting to change what was deemed the outcome of a game via legal means then I would rightfully bring up every instance where the refs may have applied a rule incorrectly.

#allcallsmatter

Incorrect. At the base of all sports we have a rule book. On top of that we have officials who make calls to the best of their ability.

How they assess holding or pass interference is unique to the individual and without robots and sensors all over the player uniforms, we all live with the judgements of these officials on how they envision the rules. There is training to get the best calls made and you get some called your way and you get some that go the other way.

But the base that provides the structure for the game is the rule book that both teams play under. A TD is worth 6pts, a game can't end on a defensive penalty, 12 minutes per quarter for all 4 quarters, clock stops in HS after a first down until the ball is spotted, and the rules regarding the allowance of untimed downs of which intentional grounding is not one.

Now I've come to understand that I've wasted my time typing this because you are either trolling or because you are really that challenged to understand this very big, very clear, extremely simple concept. But I do write this for those that may not know what the big fuss is about 'bad calls' and finally see the difference.
 

Cross Bones

All-Conference
Aug 19, 2001
52,877
3,952
113
It's like trying to explain calculus to a fungo bat.
What youre not understanding is that youre wishing to draw the line where you deem it should be, where it is important to you for one reason or another. My point is we can draw that line anywhere based upon anyone's POV. Thus the ONLY correct answer is what the IHSA did and let the refs call stand. Once we start overturning calls in court we have opened pandora's box.

Personally the holding call in the '98 semis vs Providence should be overturned.

Im sure you can think of some.
 

BallHog85

Redshirt
Nov 21, 2016
39
17
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What youre not understanding is that youre wishing to draw the line where you deem it should be, where it is important to you for one reason or another. My point is we can draw that line anywhere based upon anyone's POV. Thus the ONLY correct answer is what the IHSA did and let the refs call stand. Once we start overturning calls in court we have opened pandora's box.

Personally the holding call in the '98 semis vs Providence should be overturned.

Im sure you can think of some.

You're doing the exact same thing. Rules are a collection of lines drawn. They all have to be drawn somewhere. That you don't recognize the hypocrisy of your statements is illuminating.
 

bgoss6474

Redshirt
Aug 14, 2011
78
32
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I truly hope if the judge rules in favor of Fenwick that the courts are flooded with people filing suits due to referee errors.

I think you're kidding on this point. But I just wanted to state that a political catastrophe would ensue if everyone flooded the courts about high school referee errors.
 

Cross Bones

All-Conference
Aug 19, 2001
52,877
3,952
113
You're doing the exact same thing. Rules are a collection of lines drawn. They all have to be drawn somewhere. That you don't recognize the hypocrisy of your statements is illuminating.
Im saying no reviews. You seem to be saying, "only this one review that is special to me. Anyone else who gets screwed can kick rocks."

I hope you can see which is better.
 

mchsalumni

All-Conference
Sep 24, 2008
5,702
3,531
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What youre not understanding is that youre wishing to draw the line where you deem it should be, where it is important to you for one reason or another. My point is we can draw that line anywhere based upon anyone's POV. Thus the ONLY correct answer is what the IHSA did and let the refs call stand. Once we start overturning calls in court we have opened pandora's box.

Personally the holding call in the '98 semis vs Providence should be overturned.

Im sure you can think of some.

Again, calculus, fungo bat.

And it's not important to me, at all. I have no ties to either school, and if you're asking me what the outcome should be, PFN should get the nod. It's this weird thing where you can hold opposing thoughts in your head without crapping your pants. Difficult for many.
 
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NaperFan

Redshirt
Jul 17, 2007
4
1
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Again, calculus, fungo bat.

And it's not important to me, at all. I have no ties to either school, and if you're asking me what the outcome should be, PFN should get the nod. It's this weird thing where you can hold opposing thoughts in your head without crapping your pants. Difficult for many.

Does anyone know if Fenwick is still practicing? (Or does the IHSA have a by-law that prohibits practices after the last official game?)
 

mchsalumni

All-Conference
Sep 24, 2008
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Does anyone know if Fenwick is still practicing? (Or does the IHSA have a by-law that prohibits practices after the last official game?)

I have no idea if they are practicing, but any team under IHSA bylaws can practice until championship Saturday.
 

Cross Bones

All-Conference
Aug 19, 2001
52,877
3,952
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Again, calculus, fungo bat.

And it's not important to me, at all. I have no ties to either school, and if you're asking me what the outcome should be, PFN should get the nod. It's this weird thing where you can hold opposing thoughts in your head without crapping your pants. Difficult for many.
You'd have to show you know calculus. Can't just claim to, have to demonstrate it.

Why don't we start with algebra? Why do you think PFN should get the nod?
 

mchsalumni

All-Conference
Sep 24, 2008
5,702
3,531
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You'd have to show you know calculus. Can't just claim to, have to demonstrate it.

Why don't we start with algebra? Why do you think PFN should get the nod?

I can explain both, but this will require payment of 5-7 beers.

PFN should get the nod because sometimes bad things happen and you have to live with the consequences, whether brought on by yourself or someone else. To change it 4-5 days later is more about the disrespect it would show ESL.
 

ref2

Junior
Oct 23, 2001
1,178
383
0
To settle this, it doesn't matter that the player re-established himself. By the letter of the rule, he cannot be the first person to touch the ball. You're arguing a moot point because you don't know the rule. Now, whether he was pushed out by the defense is another argument, and is a judgment call, not a mistaken application of the rule.

If the ref had said he was pushed out, then I would accept that. The tape shows he was not, but I can swallow that.

I'm also concerned about some of the other lapses by this officiating crew. The extra point video is d*mning not because I think it was a missed PAT (I don't). Moreso concerned that the ref barely looked up on a fairly close kick. Also was annoyed when they didn't throw a flag on the illegal touching, but just conferenced instead. And finally, the refs didn't indicate PFN had scored a TD in overtime until well after they had placed the ball for the PAT. The ref then raised his arms before shrugging and making a WTF gesture to the box. Meanwhile all the fans had no idea if the RB had actually scored a TD because no one ever signaled. It may have been obvious from that side of the field, but from the stands and to the press box, it wasn't at all clear with the with sideline being close and the number of bodies.

The point isn't that I disagree with the calls I just listed. They were all most likely the correct judgment calls. But they didn't follow proper procedure, and that's just additional evidence that they didn't know the letter of the rules and they should treat the job with a higher level of respect. I'm sure they're very nice people who think they are dedicated to the game, but their actions are in direct conflict with their intent.

And before anyone bloviates at me about becoming a ref, I've been a player and I've been a coach. Will be looking to get back into coaching when my boys get a little older because that's how I choose to keep involved in the game. My eyesight is not the greatest, so I don't think I would be doing a service. And before anyone calls me out on that being an excuse, I'm not criticizing the refs for their judgment calls. I'm criticizing them for their lack of knowledge about the game.


Actually you are quoting a pro rule. In high school if a player leaves the field on his own he cannot participate again in that play. Illegal participation 15 yards from the previous spot rule 6 art 2
 
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Cross Bones

All-Conference
Aug 19, 2001
52,877
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Actually you are quoting a pro rule. In high school if a player leaves the field on his own he cannot participate again in that play. Illegal participation 15 yards from the previous spot rule 6 art 2
Thanks ref, for showing who doesnt know the rules.
 

beathead

Redshirt
Nov 2, 2016
27
3
0
Did you watch the reaction of those who did not like the outcome of the election? Get ready for a world in which this will be the norm.
Part of me would like Plainfield N to step aside, but how do I know that they didn't get screwed by a 3rd quarter call that cost them 7 points? Or what about the lack of knowledge by the Fenwick coaches - if you know the rule, take the kids off the field and refuse to play another down because you know you won.
In the end, no one is going to win. Feel bad for both sides here (not to mention ESL who now probably feels like they have to get ready for two teams).
again you dumb *** this was NOTa judgment call too bad you can't the dif
 

BallHog85

Redshirt
Nov 21, 2016
39
17
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Im saying no reviews. You seem to be saying, "only this one review that is special to me. Anyone else who gets screwed can kick rocks."

I hope you can see which is better.

They're pretty similar in my book. But what I'm saying is, the IHSA needs to enforce the rules. The game rule is in conflict with their bylaw. They've broken their bylaw before in review. Which rule takes precedence? The conflicting rules necessitate a review and subsequent ruling. We'll see which rule prevails.
 
Jul 22, 2001
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another silly question here... Is Fenwick eligible to practice now or do they have to wait for the court ruling?
 

BallHog85

Redshirt
Nov 21, 2016
39
17
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Just trying to educate the masses.
I do believe the receiver would become eligible again if the ball is touched by a defensive player or referee, though. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Going to edit here since I'm bumping up on my limits, but it looks like NFHS Rule 7-5 Article 13 states "An ineligible player has illegally touched a forward pass if he bats, muffs or catches a legal forward pass, unless the pass has first been touched by B (defense)"

I'm assuming your rule takes precedence, but the above appears to be the accepted interpretation in college football, where the rules in minutia are largely the same.
 
Last edited:

ref2

Junior
Oct 23, 2001
1,178
383
0
no

here is the rule

No player shall intentionally go out of bounds during the down and:
a. return to the field
b. Intentionally touch the ball
c. influence the play
d. Otherwise participate
 

ref2

Junior
Oct 23, 2001
1,178
383
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In this thread alone I see a few other rules misquoted. although minor by nature.
It's not just a defensive penalty you can't end a quarter, it is ANY ACCEPTED penalty. Offense or defense is not a factor. And this is what may have created the confusion at the end of this game. (We all have brain cramps)
You don't wind the clock after the ball is spotted on an first down, it is when the chains are set.
 
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ref2

Junior
Oct 23, 2001
1,178
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I do believe the receiver would become eligible again if the ball is touched by a defensive player or referee, though. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Going to edit here since I'm bumping up on my limits, but it looks like NFHS Rule 7-5 Article 13 states "An ineligible player has illegally touched a forward pass if he bats, muffs or catches a legal forward pass, unless the pass has first been touched by B (defense)"

I'm assuming your rule takes precedence, but the above appears to be the accepted interpretation in college football, where the rules in minutia are largely the same.

In this case he is not an ineligible receiver, he is an illegal participant.