Giving a Coach Options

[Alan G]

In a post above, Carl Childress tells us that enforcing the penalty for interference and then changing the penalty when the coach chooses the play could create havoc on the field and in the stands.

I think that could easily be prevented. If the coach of the offense chooses the play, then the umpire should go to the defensive coach and tell him what has happened, explaining the rule, if necessary. If the defensive coach is satisfied, there is unlikely to be any reaction from his players or his fans. If the defensive coach disagrees, he could be reminded that he has the option of protesting the game.