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The game IS played by the rules, so to think a book containing the rules of the game should not be present on the field is, IMO, arrogant thinking.
Still, I am confident in my rules knowledge. While I will allow a coach to pull out a book, I'll not put my eyes into it. I'll not let it appear that he is providing me my rules education on the field. I'll also not take the time for him to page through it looking for whatever he desires. If he has it opened to his complaint area and needs it for HIS reference, that's fine with me. I don't need and won't use his book.
I'll listen to what the coach has to say, state my judgment, and paraphrase the rule that supports my call. If he wants to use the book, he needs to use it at his protest hearing. An official less confident may need to use that book to get his rule right. That's his decision.
Just my opinion,
Freix
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