Tripping from Behind

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Freddy

The difference I was hoping to hear was one which might solve the occasional protest of the offending team's coach when he says, "A BLOCK??? He wasn't even in front of him!!!" Or, "A PUSH??? He didn't even touch him with his hands!!!" (Even worse, "He didn't mean it...c'mon, let 'em play out there!!!")
At the end of all the fine responses, I guess I'd say it's six of one and half a dozen of the other. I'll go with the AP arrow on this one.

Nothing you signal is going to change that response. If they feel you should have have made the call the signal is not ultimately going to change that. This is why I say what they did rather than just give a signal. Not saying it is fullproof, just knows that it gives my description of the play. I tend to not get asked what they did because I gave the answer while reporting.

Originally Posted by Freddy

Whichever mechanic is used -- and, as your relies seem to say, both seem to fit the circumstance -- a brief, verbal word of clarification, "Tripping" along with either signal should suffice to clear up the coach's unbiased, objective, neutral, calmly expressed concern.
I thank all respondents who responded for your responsive responses.

And if it does not clarify, I would not worry about it. Coaches are never satisfied if they feel you kicked the call.