Celebration = Ejection?

[chymechowder]

I work NCAA rules, so I dont know what the Fed rule is regarding celebration/unsportsmanlike.  Also, no idea if North Carolina has a special rule about this. Lastly, one can't take a single espn story as gospel, but...

IF the story is correct, this would seem like another unfortunate example of over-officiousness.

Disclaimer: I'm not passing judgment on this crew!  For all we know, this was the kid's second unsportsmanlike foul after having been talked to three times. 

All I'm saying is, if it truly was an ejection based on a single, celebratory move, in my opinion that's over the line.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/8604893/high-school-qb-jalan-mcclendon-ejected-imitating-cam-newton-superman-touchdown-celebration

HLinNC, can you weigh in?   

[TampaSteve]

Perhaps it was USC #2 for the player?

[HLinNC]

Fighting, flagrant contact, biting/spitting, taunting or baiting an opponent, profanity directed at an opponent or an official, disrepectfully addressing an official, obscene gestures are ejectable offenses under NCHSAA policy.

Ejections come with a one game suspension, fighting is a two game suspension.

A "disqualified" player is only out for the remainder of that particularl game but serves no suspension.

NCHSAA also adopted the Ohio guidelines to unsporting acts that circulated earlier this year.

I can't find the e-mail but I recall getting one telling us the Cam Newton Superman strut was OUT.    My guess is it was ruled under taunting & baiting.

[ECILLJ]

If he did what Cam Newton is doing in the video, then I do not have a problem with the USC flag. I did not see a video of the actual play so it is difficult to comment.

[HLinNC]

a-ha! Found the e-mail, actually two different e-mails from the state:

10/2/2012

Pre-game conference communication. We are being inconsistent in our enforcement of “taunting and baiting.” The Cam Newton “Superman Strut” when scoring a touchdown must be flagged for unsporting behavior. If this is done at opponents or to the crowd, eject for taunting. Remember the keys we sent out pre-season regarding unacceptable, unsporting behavior. TALK TO THE COACHES ABOUT THIS PRE-GAME. Remind them to have the players give the ball to the officials and it is okay to celebrate naturally with teammates. Activity(s) designed to bring attention to the individual are ones that get players in trouble. Please be consistent in calling this.

8/21/2012

1. Unsporting behavior…I just graded a film where on big hits a player did a superman imitation…demeaning and demonstrative action that is an unnecessary part of our game. We must call this and eradicate this type of behavior from our game.

[AlUpstateNY]

Just another example of one of the MANY differences between NFL, NCAA and NFHS rules, policies and objectives.  It's always important for everyone to understand at which level they're participating.

[bama_stripes]

Said it before, & I'll say it again:

Go to your sideline & turn back flips for all I care.  Just don't do it on the field where I'm forced to address it.

[breckjr]

I remember that memo being sent out earlier this year.  This was hit hard to us during out State Clinic this year.  My only problem with this is if it is being sent to the coaches.  All we can do is enforce the rules that the State sends down to us.  I feel if the same correspondence is sent to the coaches, most of our problems will end.  JMO.

[clearwall]

Ive always been taught you flag if it's done to draw attention to himself. Like a previous poster mentioned, hard to tell without the video, but it seems to me Cam is doing that specifically to draw attention to himself so flag seems warranted