We all know that the use of replay or TV monitoring equipment is prohibited in making decisions related to the game; but in this day and age, isn't 1-1-9 a bit out-dated?
This actually happened last week-end in a Michigan state final game held at Ford Field with full Jumbo-tron replay of the action: the ball was stripped from a runner and there was real confusion on everyone's part as to whether or not forward progress occurred before the COP. As the officials gathered to sort it out, the play was replayed on the big screen for all to see that the ball was stripped. According to the game officials, the U actually saw the ball stripped (A GREAT CATCH BY HIM) and the discussion was actually about where the ball should be next snapped.
Now let's play "what if": let's say nobody saw the ball stripped and A was allowed to maintain possession although on the replay it was obvious. In the interest of "getting the play right", and having indisputable video evidence for all to see, shouldn't game officials have the ability to use it? As I read it, 1-1-9 says "NO""
Clearly this technology is not available under most High School conditions; but, when it is, shouldn't everything be utilized to ensure we get it right (and avoid the inevitable lawsuit if it's a big enough game)?
Ralph/Rulesman, would the Committee entertain a modification of 1-1-9 to bring it up to date; or, could States consider the use of available video replay, if adopted, covered under 1-3-7?
