Equipment Requirement - Mouthpiece

[fbrefga]

I'll preface my post by saying that I completely understand and agree that we all should use preventative officiating at all levels and not let something occur that could have been prevented.

That being said, why is Cam Newton allowed to not wear a mouthpiece?  By rule, it is required equipment; however, we all know that we should suggest very strongly to the player and/or coach that the violation be rectified quickly.  After seeing several Auburn games, the question entered my mind. 

[TXMike]

It is also against the rules for your family to demand money for you to play at a school.......

[jimcore]

Maybe nobody told him he had to wear a mouthpiece, so if he didn't know then it is someone else's fault and he can still play.

[TXMike]

When he was at Blinn:


and now:

[scottv]

I don't think there is a Supervisior in the county that wants this called.

[saofficial(aust)]

you have got to be kidding supervisors DONT want it called? Then what's the point of a rule book at all?

[Aussie-Zebra]

I had the same thoughts Grant - remember that picture that went round of the 2 LSU players with no knee pads - its Div. I

[TXMike]

At least the rules were changed tio legalize the lack of knee pads.  No such change has been made re mouthpieces and with all the attention on concussions. I doubt it will be changed.

[110]

He may be wearing a mouthguard that covers the lower teeth, not the uppers. I've seen one ... one ...

[allen]

Maybe he can't afford one? 

[Arbitrator]

 

Well, if precious Cam were to get hit hard enough to knock some of his teeth out in the absence of not legally wearing his unused mouthpiece, then I'm almost sure that the families lawyers would find a way to somehow go after the NCAA, the SEC Supervisor of Officials, the officials involved in such a game, not to even mention suing Auburn University.

If the rule is in the books and until it is formally removed, then it's there to be enforced. It's there to protect him and everyone else that is bound to it by rule. I really wouldn't give a tinkers damn about what a "winking" Supervisor of Officials might discreetly direct his troops  to not enforce that is clearly stated in the NCAA football rules.   

[Atlanta Blue]

Well, if precious Cam were to get hit hard enough to knock some of his teeth out in the absence of not legally wearing his unused mouthpiece, then I'm almost sure that the families lawyers would find a way to somehow go after the NCAA, the SEC Supervisor of Officials, the officials involved in such a game, not to even mention suing Auburn University.

If the rule is in the books and until it is formally removed, then it's there to be enforced. It's there to protect him and everyone else that is bound to it by rule. I really wouldn't give a tinkers damn about what a "winking" Supervisor of Officials might discreetly direct his troops  to not enforce that is clearly stated in the NCAA football rules.   

While I agree he needs to wear one, a mouthguard has very little to do with protecting the teeth.  It's biggest benefit is in preventing concussions.  A large number of concussions are caused by jaw being hit and causing the teeth, primarily the back teeth into crashing together.  It is this crash that is often the cause of concussions.

Don't want to call it a foul?  Fine.  Tell the kid to leave until he gets a mouthpiece.  It's not about taking yards, it's about protection.  Sending him off to get one gets him protection without directly penalizing the team.

[allen]

Is there even footage of him not wearing one during an actual play?

To my knowledge, this is not something the SEC allows.

[Arbitrator]

While I agree he needs to wear one, a mouthguard has very little to do with protecting the teeth.  It's biggest benefit is in preventing concussions.  A large number of concussions are caused by jaw being hit and causing the teeth, primarily the back teeth into crashing together.  It is this crash that is often the cause of concussions.

Don't want to call it a foul?  Fine.  Tell the kid to leave until he gets a mouthpiece.  It's not about taking yards, it's about protection.  Sending him off to get one gets him protection without directly penalizing the team.

 

Couldn't agree with you more,  Atlanta Blue! I never intoned offering up a penalty or calling a timeout for such an infraction. But sending him out of the game one time should adequately convey the message nicely to both Cam and his coaching staff, IMHO. But to do nothing and just to look the other way or cast a blind eye to it could only be a harbinger of trouble for all involved!   

[TXMike]

Is there even footage of him not wearing one during an actual play?

To my knowledge, this is not something the SEC allows.

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