[just another ref]

Strictly speaking, a referee is never "required" to specify the type of foul. While there are approved mechanics which do make this appropriate, the exact way in which a foul is reported varies greatly from one official to the next, or even one call to the next. This is further complicated by the fact that the signals very often fail to accurately describe/do justice to what actually has taken place. When you consider all that, then add the fact that this is a rec league, you kinda have to take what you get. Finally, if you say he missed the call, we will take your word for it, but questioning the call after the fact rarely helps. If you were actually bleeding, this might help to communicate what happened, but, make no mistake, it is possible to commit a foul with your face.