While I've never been in favor of waving a rule book when on the field, I have one tucked in my jacket for those "just-in case" moments. I learned my lesson on this back during the Reagan Administration.
It was in a playoff baseball game, but the same could certainly occur in football.
THE CARACTERS : Jack, a veteran coach
Buzza' an Ivy League bound pitcher
I had the dish, Bruce & Harry had the bases
Earl, the opposing coach
ACT I :
Buzza' was warming up on the mound ,wearing a dark gray baseball undershirt;
NFHS rules say a pitcher can't have white or gray undershirt;
Coach Earl approaches us and asks if that is legal;
ACT II :
We approach Coach Jack and nicely told him Buzza' had to change or remove his undershirt;
Coach Jack nicely said that was never questioned before and would we nicely show
him where it said that in the rule book;
ACT III :
I quickly realized I didn't have one with me and looked toward Bruce & Harry;
Bruce said he had one in the trunk of his car and began a long journey towards
the parking lot.
ACT IV :
We all watch in the far distance as Bruce tosses golf clubs, rakes, and tire jacks out of
his trunk;
Buzza' then asks, "Coach Jack, kinda' hot out here
, do I really have to wear this undershirt?"
Coach Jack responds, " 'Spect not, Buzza', ayuh, 'tis hot."
ACT V :
Buzza' politely removes his undershirt ;
Bruce comes a' running from afar waving the rule book;
Coach Jack
grins ....Buzza'
grins
Coach Earl
winks ;
Bruce
wasn't happy , Harry & I
weren't sad.
ACT VI :
It was decided in our post game journey that the plate ump should ALWAYS
have a rule book handy;
I provided the post-game refreshments
MORALE OF STORY :
IT'S BETTER TO HAVE IT AND NOT NEED IT THAN TO NEED IT AND NOT HAVE IT NOTE : The names have NOT been changed and we have had
about it often
.