Fighting and Flagrant

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

Just a guess, maybe this state association has more serious consequences for "fighting" versus a "regular" flagrant foul.

Again, just a guess.

This is a very valid observation. NFHS Rules do not automatically classify Taunting as a FTF but it is at least a TF. The MichiganHSAA has for years adopted a MichiganHSAA rule that all Taunting Fouls as FTFs. While the OhioHSAA has no such additional State adoption. Years ago, in a MichiganHSAA game, I had a player commit, what would would haven been a non-FTF Taunting Foul in OhioHSAA or FloridaHSAA but had to charge it as a FTF. The Player's HC was not happy and neither was the MichiganHSAA administrator who questioned my FTF after reading my Game Report, even he did not know the MichiganHSAA rule.

MTD, Sr.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.

NFHS Rules do not automatically classify Taunting as a FTF but it is at least a TF.

4-18: Fighting is a flagrant act and can occur when the ball is dead or live.
Fighting includes, but is not limited to combative acts such as:
ART. 1 An attempt to strike, punch or kick by using a fist, hands, arms,
legs or feet regardless of whether contact is made.
ART. 2 An attempt to instigate a fight by committing an unsporting act
that causes a person to retaliate by fighting.

Sidebar question: "Retaliate by fighting". Must the retaliation be physical, or can it be a retaliatory taunt, to be considered part of a fight?

10-4-6 A player shall not: Commit an unsporting foul. This includes, but is not limited to,
acts or conduct such as:
a. Disrespectfully addressing or contacting an official or gesturing in
such a manner as to indicate resentment.
b. Using profane or inappropriate language or obscene gestures.
c. Baiting or taunting an opponent.
NOTE: The NFHS disapproves of any form of taunting which is intended
or designed to embarrass, ridicule or demean others under any
circumstances.

Mark T. DeNucci, Sr. is correct (for a change), by NFHS rule, the taunt only becomes part of a fight if there is retaliation.

Originally Posted by Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.

... even he did not know the MichiganHSAA rule.

I'm sure that some states are better than others, but many states that add "rules" not in the NFHS rulebook fail to understand the ramifications and unintended consequences of such additions.