Quote:
Originally posted by MJT
2. Tell coach penalty options, or not? If you have a very complicated penalty enforcement, one in which the captain could easily be confused, and would be looking to the coach for help anyway, would it be ok to take the captain over by the sidelines so the coach can hear the options? I have seen it done in the NFL and NCAA before, or at least it appears thatÂ’s what they are doing. I think it is ok, and if the other coach has a problem with it, tell him you would give him the same courtesy if needed. This would be a 1 or maybe 2 times a year situation at best.
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Communication, courtesy, and equitable application of the rules will get you lot further in this game than knowledge of the rulebook and an attitude of not being there for the kids or coaches. In theory, I agree coaches should know the rules. In reality, even the officials blow enforcements on a regular basis. I'm not going to tell a coach which option to choose, but I'll make sure he knows what his options are. I'll do it for both coaches and I promise you'll get a lot more respect and opportunity to work again then if you don't talk to a coach and let him know what is happening. Enforcing penalties is not an opportunity to show how much smarter you are than the coach, it is the opportunity to allow both teams to play on an honest and equal level, and that includes providing the teams with all necessary information. After 19 years, I learned a long time ago to leave the rulebook in the car and play by "what is the right thing to do" theory.