Here’s what I would like to see and it would be extremely entertaining.
I propose a two LB cast iron spherical weight sown into each penalty flag at one end. Almost like a perogy but with a noticeable amount of flag as a tail. The thinking here is that the official throws the flag (sphere in hand) as hard as he can directly at the player committing the offence.
Sometimes numerous officials catch the offence at the same time, this could get interesting as all of them throw their flags at the player from various positions on the field.
Too funny guys. It would certainly add an element to the game!
Quite a few years ago, National Lampoon (I think it was them) suggested that baseball would be a lot more interesting if the batter was allowed to carry the bat with him as he ran the bases…
As an official I support this…would make it much easier to ID offenders and allow officials to blow off a little steam.
Canadian flags have a 1" washer sewn into the middle pocket which gives them a bit of weight and direction when thrown. Having said that, flags are thrown differently depending on the situation. Offsides and UR/OC are thrown as high as possible for visibility. Many other flags, like illegal blocks and PI are thrown to the spot of foul as that info can be important when applying the penalty.
US flags have sand sewn into the middle of the flag that makes them an easier throw to a spot but a bit lumpy to wear. US flags are usually tucked into the front of the pants. Cdn officials will store their flags in their back pockets if they’re from the west, in their front pockets if they’re from the east.
...just think of those times a player is getting a little lippy, beaking off at you for something, all you’d have to do is raise the muzzle in his direction and I bet he zips it real quick....
To be fair, players at the amateur level, even the highest like Jr. and CIS are very respectful towards officials. You get the odd bit of lip but generally they're good.
I like the bean bag flag gun idea. I would further the concept by suggesting that the offender get “shot” in the area that corresponds to the infraction …
For Example;
Kyries Hebert hits another player in the head - Ref aims and fires hitting Kyries in the head. no suspension required!
I just don’t think you can improve on the cast iron sphere flag throwing. This adds an element of dodgeball to the game if the player sees it comin his way.
I just can’t believe anybody posted in this thread. I hope Lyle chimes in ;D he can get very analytical at times.
I think the ones with the washer sewn into them are pre- whenever the NFL player got a flag to the eye. I'm a ref in Saskatchewan, and my flag has sand in it.
As for where the ref places the flag when it's not in use, that's a matter of personal preference more than a regional thing.
One small extra. Put some kind of projection at the opposite side from that little flag. Maybe make it pointy so it could stick in the ground when it lands if the refs miss. ?
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