Week 8 Notes

“F” Bombs

Officials would be severely disciplined by our board if they were to curse at a coaching staff or players. Letters would come from athletic directors, principles or directly from the C.I.F. office to reprimand the official using foul language. Yet, there are head coaches and assistant coaches who feel that it is alright for coaches to generously throw “F” bombs to officials and their own players. This happens at both public and private schools.
The OCFOA has been told that the high school athletic field is an extension of the high school classroom. Foul language from a “teacher” is unacceptable. Coaches are teachers.
If your school finds it acceptable for coaching staff to curse officials or players, we would like to know. Please have your athletic director or principle notify us.

Knee Braces

The manufacturing of knee braces has improved dramatically since the rules were written. Originally, there was a “One size fits all” knee brace that had metal exposed, sharp edges and a gap between the brace and the leg. Player safety has always been the emphasis in covering potentially dangerous equipment.

Now, players are using expensive form fitting knee braces which most manufactures comply with our rules. Just because you see a knee brace does not universally mean that additional wrapping or padding is required. Here are the keys:

If metal or a sharp edge is showing, the metal or sharp edge must be covered and “possibly” padded.

If there is a possibility that a finger can lodge between the brace and the leg of the player, that opening must be covered.

If the hinge can not be covered by the pants and the hinge is a potential hazard, the hinge must be covered and “possibly” padded.

Remember that we do not require additional padding on face masks. Players may also use artificial limbs. This is the same concept. Think of it this way; if the material is similar to a facemask and the keys mentioned are met, no additional wraps or padding is required.

Equipment Problems

If a player’s equipment is in need of repair and the player can correct the problem without delaying the ready for play, there is no problem. If a player’s equipment repair requires an attendant’s or coaches help, the player must be replaced or a charged timeout must be called. This includes when a player goes to the bench area for help.

Substitutions

If a substitute goes onto the field and enters the huddle on offense or enters the defensive formation, that player must remain in the game for at least one down unless there is a dead ball foul, a charged timeout is called or the end of the quarter occurs. We are seeing cases where a player runs into the huddle, then turns around and runs off the field. This is a dead ball illegal substitution foul.