Question Number: 16755

Mechanics 9/17/2007

RE: High School High School

G. Levine of Mc Donald, PA USA asks...

I understand that in the US there are three rule systems. Our team plays in the WPIAL (Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League) and PIAA (Pennsylvania Interscholastic Association. I also believe I understand Law 11. What I do not understand is why there is an insistence on the part of the officials to avoid using the rules as they are written during play. There seems to be a "wink and nod" improvisation on the offside rule that does not conform to the LOTG. In essence, the improvisation makes the WPIAL/PIAA HS game more like hockey than football. They do not assess what position the players are in at the time the ball is played-rather they assess the position of the players at the time the ball crosses the line of the next to the last defender. I have seen this called offside for five years -and I don't understand how these officials can change the rules on the fly. So, I guess my question is: Why does the WPIAL/PIAA improvise Law 11? (Follow up question...What can be done about it?)

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

I have no idea and my solution is I do not play with them!
Really it irks me such a simple game gets mythized or changerzied or readjustized based on the whims of those bodies supposedly in charge. Become a referee and enforce the law as it should be I know sounds like a plan does it not!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

I can't believe they would do something like this. Rubbish.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

High school has taken it upon itself to create their own set of rules. They also decide on their own referee certification criteria. Sometimes they don't do a good job with either.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

I have spoken to a referee is central PA about a system of assigning referees, it seems they use basketball and hockey guys because they know them. It was said this is done to save money. Trust me on this, you usually get exactly what you pay for.

Regards,

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 16799