Unsportsmanlike Coin Flip

[bigjohn]

How could this not fit better??


The referee has authority to rule promptly, and in the spirit of good
sportsmanship,

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by bigjohn

How could this not fit better??


The referee has authority to rule promptly, and in the spirit of good
sportsmanship,

There is no rule about how, when or if they shake hands. This is mostly a ceremonial situation. It would be noted for other situations, but I am not flagging anyone or ever just because they do or do not shake a hand of their opponent. Sorry, this is actually as dumb as asking officials to make sure they shake hands at the end of the game as a state or two have said is a requirement for post game activities of the official. I have no idea why someone wants or does not want to shake someone's hand. Next thing you will say is a "fist bump" is not acceptable either. GTFOH with that mess.

Peace

[Texas Aggie]

It would take a bit more time, but I would back the teams back to their benches and bring the coaches out. I'd say something like, "I'm not going to physically make them shake hands but if they don't, a report will be filed on this. Also, if this is an indication of how things will happen during the game, I'm warning you right now that at the FIRST sign of trouble, I'm suspending this game and the organizing body can deal with things. I WILL NOT allow this game to get out of control or turn into anything but a good football game. So, I need your help. Would you please briefly discuss this with your captains and teams, send them back out in one minute and we'll try again. If things go well, everything before then will be forgotten. If not, just remember what I said."

[OKREF]

There is no rule that says you have to shake hands, and to give a penalty for not is plain ludicrous. However, I would not give either team any slack and promptly flag any conduct issues quickly during the game.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Texas Aggie

It would take a bit more time, but I would back the teams back to their benches and bring the coaches out. I'd say something like, "I'm not going to physically make them shake hands but if they don't, a report will be filed on this. Also, if this is an indication of how things will happen during the game, I'm warning you right now that at the FIRST sign of trouble, I'm suspending this game and the organizing body can deal with things. I WILL NOT allow this game to get out of control or turn into anything but a good football game. So, I need your help. Would you please briefly discuss this with your captains and teams, send them back out in one minute and we'll try again. If things go well, everything before then will be forgotten. If not, just remember what I said."

I do not know that I would want to say that as it boxes you into a spot. Then when you do not do something that they feel is out of line, you have lost some credibility for the night. I would just make a mental note and not pass on many things that are showing unsporting behavior. Just like I would if it was a rivalry or some other history with the teams.

Peace

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by Texas Aggie

It would take a bit more time, but I would back the teams back to their benches and bring the coaches out. I'd say something like, "I'm not going to physically make them shake hands but if they don't, a report will be filed on this. Also, if this is an indication of how things will happen during the game, I'm warning you right now that at the FIRST sign of trouble, I'm suspending this game and the organizing body can deal with things. I WILL NOT allow this game to get out of control or turn into anything but a good football game. So, I need your help. Would you please briefly discuss this with your captains and teams, send them back out in one minute and we'll try again. If things go well, everything before then will be forgotten. If not, just remember what I said."

This is almost... but not quite... as over the top as what the official actually did here.

[Rich]

Sometimes you're just dealt a bad game with bad actors.

I'd get the coin toss over with and be ready to air out some laundry when the game actually started. Eventually the clock reads zero.