Half The Distance to The Goal

[campy]

Never really liked this rule, and while I see the theory behind it, a penalty is a penalty to me regardless of the field position.   

Thoughts?

[PaunchyBald]

Take 'em back, way back,  waaaaayyyy back!

Don't let the bastages off the hook.   

[Aske]

so what would you do in it's place?

penalty moves the ball into the end zone?

[campy]

so what would you do in it's place?

penalty moves the ball into the end zone?

Move the ball to the 1.

[Aske]

so what would you do in it's place?

penalty moves the ball into the end zone?

Move the ball to the 1.

ok.  and then when there's another penalty?
 

[campy]

so what would you do in it's place?

penalty moves the ball into the end zone?

Move the ball to the 1.

ok.  and then when there's another penalty?
 

It would be no different then it is now when the ball is on the 1/4 yard line, they move the ball to the 1/8 yard line...does it really make a difference? 

[Aske]

so what would you do in it's place?

penalty moves the ball into the end zone?

Move the ball to the 1.

ok.  and then when there's another penalty?
 

It would be no different then it is now when the ball is on the 1/4 yard line, they move the ball to the 1/8 yard line...does it really make a difference? 

i understand and agree.  what I am questioning is how does one pick an arbitrary point at which to start enforcing a difference in penalty distance.   just picking the 1 yard line is certainly a choice.   but why is it that much better than the 2, 3 , or even 5 ?

[campy]

so what would you do in it's place?

penalty moves the ball into the end zone?

Move the ball to the 1.

ok.  and then when there's another penalty?
 

It would be no different then it is now when the ball is on the 1/4 yard line, they move the ball to the 1/8 yard line...does it really make a difference? 

i understand and agree.  what I am questioning is how does one pick an arbitrary point at which to start enforcing a difference in penalty distance.   just picking the 1 yard line is certainly a choice.   but why is it that much better than the 2, 3 , or even 5 ?

I don't know, do you have to differentiate them?  A ten yard penalty on the eleven should put the ball on the 1, the same as a ten yard penalty on 5 should put the ball on the 1.  If the ball is already on the 1, then move to the 1/2 yard line and so forth.

[Clive]

I don't know, do you have to differentiate them?  A ten yard penalty on the eleven should put the ball on the 1, the same as a ten yard penalty on 5 should put the ball on the 1.  If the ball is already on the 1, then move to the 1/2 yard line and so forth.

I think the reasoning might be that backing a team all the way to the one means they're not only at risk of giving up a safety, but that the offense can't really do anything from that field position.  So a single penalty in the wrong place easily can cost them 7 points.

Yeah, I think they should be penalized and sometimes it hurts, but I don't like the thought that a penalty at the wrong field position can so readily change the outcome of a game.

[Fuzzy]

I would rather they address the pass interference penalty. Some BS "touch" can be a huge (30, 40 yards) gain for the offense.

I'd like to see this changed to mirror the face mask call. Let's say, 10-15 yards and 1st down for a bump and full yardage for tackling a guy. Still a judgment call I know.

I just think that personal fouls are 15 yards and they have a potential, at times, to end careers so I'm not sure pass interference should be more severe.

[Uisce Beatha]

Fix the TV timeout rule.  Games at 11:00, 1:00, 4:00 and 7:00.

[spacey]

Fix the TV timeout rule.  Games at 11:00, 1:00, 4:00 and 7:00.

I'm intrigued by your ideas and would like to subscribe to your newsletter.

[fisherking]

I would rather they address the pass interference penalty. Some BS "touch" can be a huge (30, 40 yards) gain for the offense.

I'd like to see this changed to mirror the face mask call. Let's say, 10-15 yards and 1st down for a bump and full yardage for tackling a guy.

So then what's to deter the defensive back from just shoving the receiver over on a long pass play?  Say the ball is on the 45-yard line, for instance, and they throw the long pass attempting to get all the way to the goal.  Even if the defender put the receiver in a straitjacket, you think a 15-yard penalty would suffice?  If it would save a touchdown and the other team only moves to the 30-yard line, why WOULDN'T the defensive back tie the receiver up?  It's almost like you're providing the defensive player an INCENTIVE to break the rule.   

[Fuzzy]

I would rather they address the pass interference penalty. Some BS "touch" can be a huge (30, 40 yards) gain for the offense.

I'd like to see this changed to mirror the face mask call. Let's say, 10-15 yards and 1st down for a bump and full yardage for tackling a guy.

So then what's to deter the defensive back from just shoving the receiver over on a long pass play?  Say the ball is on the 45-yard line, for instance, and they throw the long pass attempting to get all the way to the goal.  Even if the defender put the receiver in a straitjacket, you think a 15-yard penalty would suffice?  If it would save a touchdown and the other team only moves to the 30-yard line, why WOULDN'T the defensive back tie the receiver up?  It's almost like you're providing the defensive player an INCENTIVE to break the rule.   

Nothing stops the DB from shoving the receiver. But if you re-read my post I said make it a judgment call. If the push is judged intentional the penalty is the same as always.

My only point is that as the rule is today, a little bump is too severely penalized. Just my humble opinion.

[stroh]

The last time I expressed an opinion on the inequity of a rule, I was shunned and blacklisted.  I won't risk it here.