To continue the thread started by Jack, Carol, Mike, et al (Al who?): This seems to be part of the annual cycle. After each season, the coaches complain (in their annual meetings) about all the hooking, holding and interference. The rules committee changes the rules and adds points of emphasis. At the start of the next season, the referees attempt to conscientiously enforce the new rules and points of emphasis, sincerely believing that they are doing exactly what the coaches want them to do. The coaches (and fans and administrators) start complaining about the strict enforcement of the rules and all the marginal penalties the referees are calling. Around the middle of the season, the referees stop calling all the new rules and points of emphasis, and the coaches start complaining about all the hooking, holding and interference again. I've seen this cycle repeated (at least here at Cornell) for years.