Now I'm confused. Within the last few days there was a discussion about over the back. Someone raised the point that there is no such foul in the rule book. What approach should I take the in the event we are whistled for this violation?

Thanks for helping me see the light.

I have used the "over the back" call in the past but only as a clarification. I'll make the push call and if the coach or someone wants clarification I'll say "He's all over his back." or "he's climbing up his back." I don't know if there's any good way to approach an official about that call. If you try to show up an official that's making the call, you might find yourself in hot water. Most of the veteran officials I know don't make the call. It's the younger ones that make that and the "reach" call or the "trip" call. When I go to report a foul, I have the "man of few words" philosophy. sometimes I don't even verbalize the call when reporting, other than reporting the color of the fouling team.

Coach,

If you get a foul for this type action and you want an explanation, ask if your player displaced the other team or if your player was going straight up and down. It will not help on this play, but it may make the official aware that you realize that displacement is necessary for a foul and that they should not be blowing the whistle just cause your player had slight contact without affecting the play.

Sometimes the officials in the game need to be reminded of what is really necessary for a foul. Of course none of those come to this site! ;)

Of course, the manner in which you approach the official is probably as important as the message that you are trying to get across!!

There is no such thing as "over the back", it is either a push or a hold. Also, if a coach wants to complain because I didn't call it I either ignore it or explain, as I am running by, that I can't punish the player because he can jump higher or is taller.

BTW - not only is there no such foul as over the back, there is a difference between a foul and a violation. :)

if he went "over his back", it was most likely a push

over the back is not a foul, on the back might be a foul.

Bart I'm with you, I call it the same way "on the back" and give the push signal.