High School Football: Penalties and Suspensions in the Spotlight
Unsportsmanlike Conduct Penalties and Suspensions
In high school football, unsportsmanlike conduct penalties can have serious consequences. When a player accumulates two such penalties in a single game, they are automatically suspended for the next game, unless the officials rescind the call.
Controversy Ensues
Recently, this rule has been put to the test in several high school football games. In one instance, Edison running back Julius Gillick was assessed two celebration penalties after scoring six touchdowns against Vista Murrieta. The officials refused to rescind the call, making Gillick ineligible to play against Simi Valley in the Southern Section Division 3 final.
Inconsistencies in Enforcement
However, it appears that the enforcement of this rule is not consistent across different leagues. In the City Section, two Narbonne players, linebacker Mark Iheanachor and lineman Mathayus Moe, were ejected from a game against Birmingham after receiving unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. Despite this, the referee failed to file an ejection report with the City Section, allowing them to play in the City Section Open Division final against San Pedro.
Another Player’s Fate
In contrast, another Narbonne player, Domo Phillips, was ejected from the same game for using profanity and will be unable to play in the Open Division final.
Conclusion
The inconsistencies in the enforcement of unsportsmanlike conduct penalties and suspensions are a concern for high school football players, coaches, and officials. It is essential for leagues to ensure that the rules are applied consistently and fairly to maintain the integrity of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happens when a player accumulates two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties in a game?
A: The player is automatically suspended for the next game, unless the officials rescind the call.
Q: How do officials determine whether to rescind unsportsmanlike conduct penalties?
A: The decision to rescind is at the discretion of the officials, and there is no clear guidelines on how they make this decision.
Q: Are there any exceptions to the rule?
A: Yes, in some cases, officials may choose not to file an ejection report, allowing the player to play in the next game.
Q: What can be done to improve the consistency in the enforcement of unsportsmanlike conduct penalties and suspensions?
A: Leagues can establish clear guidelines for officials on how to handle unsportsmanlike conduct penalties and suspensions, and ensure that these guidelines are consistently applied across all games.