FullMonte
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Since we've had so much discussion about the verbiage of the intentional grounding rule, I thought I'd bring this up here.
Sunday, the Bears were penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct, apparently because the holder used a towel to attempt to dry the spot that they were going to kick a field goal from.
The problem? That doesn't appear to be against the rules. The rule says: "It is impermissible for grounds crew or other team personnel to clear away snow for a Try kick, field goal, punt, or kickoff."
A.R. 13.18 FG ATTEMP - SNOW BEING CLEARED FROM FIELD describes a scenario where the team calls a timeout and players clear the snow from the area using only their hands. The ruling: "No foul. Players may help clear snow, using only their hands or fee (no towels, etc)."
So the verbiage of the rules very plainly prohibit grounds crew/team personnel from clearing snow, or players from using a towel to clear snow. Nowhere does anything seem to prohibit using a towel to dry the spot or clear water.
Sunday, the Bears were penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct, apparently because the holder used a towel to attempt to dry the spot that they were going to kick a field goal from.
The problem? That doesn't appear to be against the rules. The rule says: "It is impermissible for grounds crew or other team personnel to clear away snow for a Try kick, field goal, punt, or kickoff."
A.R. 13.18 FG ATTEMP - SNOW BEING CLEARED FROM FIELD describes a scenario where the team calls a timeout and players clear the snow from the area using only their hands. The ruling: "No foul. Players may help clear snow, using only their hands or fee (no towels, etc)."
So the verbiage of the rules very plainly prohibit grounds crew/team personnel from clearing snow, or players from using a towel to clear snow. Nowhere does anything seem to prohibit using a towel to dry the spot or clear water.
