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Originally Posted by tniz
I think it was on Sunday that one of the Boats players got pulled for a penalty at half time for not wearing his mask on the field while picking up pods. I understand the penalty and I'm not questioning the call, rather, I think it's a little scary that the ref's can/will take their masks off in between points, while washing bunkers, or to just chit chat amongst themselves of spectators in the bleachers.
Any thoughts on becoming a little stricter with event staff on the field? It might not impact the gameplay on the field, but there are safety implications and it jeopardizes the goodwill of the sport. I would hate for some mom to see a ref on the field with no mask while guys are shooting at the start box waiting for the 10seconds. All we need is that mom to get on her soapbox and hit facebook/twitter/yelp.
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As someone who's reffed locally a number of season (NEXL) I'll say that it's just impractical to expect that to not occur. Reffing staff is on that field all day, and they need breaks where they can take their masks off. Players get to do that every point, in the pits. Refs still have work to do on the field in between points, and can't always get off the field to take a breather.
Mask rules are more of a "do as I say, not as I do" kind of thing, and as far as I know, always have been. The refs know what they're doing, and generally so do the players. If I'm on the field with refs who have masks off, I make sure my gun is aimed at the ground, or at least well away from them.