simplyeric said:Why don't they just update the rule:
Balls will be tested on the field in "game conditions" to the best of the officials ability, 15 minutes prior to the start of the game, to ensure that the balls are inflated propoerly in game-time conditions.
Balls are to be tested using (gauge specs here), with inflation numbers logged.
Balls are to be tested again at half time, on the field in "game conditions", with inflation adjusted as needed at that time. (gauge specs and log info)
During play, it is the officials responsibility to judge by subjective inspection whether the ball in play is acceptable.
Any fluctuations of pressure during play are considered normal, and are not to be corrected except at the half as previously noted.
Yeah it's too many words, and someone could pretty it up, but basically: testing done under "game" conditions, check it at half in case the weather has chanegd significantly, anything else is just "part of the game".
Well, they could do that... or they could update the rule to read: "The game-worthiness of all footballs at all times will be left to the discretion of the referee."
If we've learned anything here, isn't it that none of this matters a goddamn bit? If a ball is actually deflated, in the meaningful, colloquial way, it's up to the ref to notice that and correct it. That's basically how the last 49 years of NFL football have played out, no?