Maybe because a few people apparently disagree with you. A player doesn't gain a competitive advantage when he shoves the ball in an opponent's face after the play, but he does get called for unsportsmanlike conduct. It's a good rule, because they are cutting off behavior that can escalate into fighting. Same theory applies here, provided (and I think I've been clear that this is what they should watch for) what you are penalizing is taunting, and not just celebration.
Apologies for replying to myself, but thinking about it further, I'm refining this stance. You can't allow the celebrating to be directed at the fans, either. Visiting teams who direct their attention at the home crowd will be seen to be taunting. You can't have a penalty that applies only to one team, so you have to drop this interpretation. Screw it, just leave the rule as is, its getting too complicated. :rofl:
no im trying to explain it to you only. shane is emotional and realized when he saw my reply his opinion was stupid. you aren't as quick but will come around. easy, fella.
Don't get too full of yourself Fred, I realized that this goes against every principle that I stand for and I can't figure out why I like this rule. I am confused, not emotional. I will be emotional when Shep does some stupid dance that gets a TD taken off the board in a big game.
Excessive celebration: Spontaneous celebration is fantastic, really adds to the excitement and fun. It's the scripted, showboat celebration that I hate! Does anyone want to see college players signing footballs with Sharpies after they score? F that. They need to stop it, but I don't think this new rule is the solution. Still very, very, arbitrary. Remember the penalty they called on Jake Locker of the Fuskies. For flipping the ball into the air after he scored. He was excited, that's all it was, who wouldn't be, that call stunk. It could happen again with this rule. 10 second runoff: A team is driving down the field, closing in on the winning TD. They're at the 3 yard line, clock running, no time outs. With 4 seconds left, the center realizes the play won't start in time. He hikes the ball early, penalty, false start. Kudos for the center, the game should be over, but they get another play. Now at the 8 yard line, with plenty of time to prepare. A short pass wins the game. Should having a penalty called on you, then work in your favor? No, that's not fair. This happened last year, and was the impetus for the rule change. This is why the NFL has a 10 second runoff rule.
Coaches are just going to have to drill it into their players heads that they need to wait till they get to the sideline, then they can go taunt the fans all they want.
