ASK THE OFFICIAL: FEBRUARY 2008

May 6, 2008
Why does a team get penalized when they make a challenge and win? They then lose a challenge. Obviously it was not the team that made the mistake so why take a challenge away from them. I think only if they lose a challenge should one be taken away. Also why can't we challenge penalties? I understand they are judgment calls but I’ve seen so many games change on a hold or P.I. that was questionable. Why not just challenge it to make sure the call was right? -- Mark J.

To answer the second part of your question first, a team may not challenge a penalty call because the Rules makers feel (and rightly so, I believe) that the game is played by human beings and it should be officiated by human beings. Both groups will make mistakes and that is part of the game.

As for some penalties being "judgment" calls, who is to say that the judgment of the official in the booth is any better or worse than the judgment of the official on the field. It is interesting that in all of the debates on rules over the past few years, the question of reviewing penalties has only been brought up once and it was directed to a single situation, pass interference. The issue was tabled after less than 15 minutes of discussion.

As for the loss of a "challenge" when the "challenge" was correct, the concern is that there will be too many challenges that will unnecessarily delay the game. Again, the is a decision by the Rules Committee. In college, every play is reviewed by the Replay Official. However, even in college, judgment calls such as penalties can not be overturned. 

Right now, the Rules Committee is fairly happy with the rules as they stand. Sit back and enjoy the game as it is.      

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