Unsportsmanlike Coin Flip

[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.