The good and the less than good

[Robmoz]

Originally posted by LarryS
TriggerMN...I understand your point about not getting into specifics about how we plan to call a game. I am curious, however, on how saying we "like to let them play" and saying "...going to let the players decide how the game is called..." are different?

Maybe it's me but these seem to be pretty much the same answer.

I think the phrase "let them play" implies that many calls that could be made will be passed. Likewise, calling it "tight" will result in the proverbial "ticky-tack" calls. Both terms are commonly used.

IMO neither of these statements should be made as it could lead to a pre-disposition for the officials from the coaches perspective. During the game if a call is made (or not made) a coach would begin to question what happened to your "philosophy" of "letting them play" or "tightness". Why offer any ammunition?

The difference between this and "letting the players decide" is simply an acknowledgement that you (the official) will be doing your job as it comes to you, not trying to impart a style of play for a team to follow. It may be a suttle difference but it could help you avoid problems later.