Rules and Beliefs

Officials Association Speaks Out on NFL" Cellgate"

(RACINE, Wis.) – During a recent NFL game, New Orleans Saints receiver Joe Horn purposely taunted his opponents after scoring a touchdown by reaching under the goalpost protection foam, pulling out a cell phone and called home. The act was penalized by the NFL game officials for "unsportsmanlike conduct," meaning the Saints received a 15-yard penalty enforced on the kickoff following the extra point attempt.

NASO President Barry Mano, whose educational association works with officials at every level, believes there are two ways to address the problem:

"The first is through the rules of the game and the second is through policies of the governing body as they relate to such behavior. As officials, we are empowered – in fact, charged – to deal with such issues using our enforcement powers during the game. With that said, we are on record as believing in stronger sanctions being enacted through the policy route."

Mano adds, "The officials did what they were supposed to under current NFL rules."

NASO notes that such behavior and how each situation is handled has direct impact on games played at lower levels.

"Kids see this stuff and emulate it," says Mano. "As officials, we have rules to enforce created by the various governing bodies and we do that. Some may think we’re being overzealous in some cases, but I think not. If the sports community is outraged by such acts, then make that known through sanctions and the rules of the game. Draw a line in the sand."

Prior to this recent example of poor sportsmanship, the 17,000-member association had announced its "Sports Officiating 2004" Summit will focus on the role sports officials have with impacting sportsmanship. The summit will be conducted in Washington, D.C., August 7-9, 2004.

Leaders from all levels of sports are invited to attend. For registration information, contact NASO at 262/632-5448 or visit their website at www.naso.org.