Taped flags

[JRutledge]

Originally posted by tempestos
In close plays (where an official reaches for his flag but decides not to throw it), I think the commentators, etc. will debate the call regardless because there will be differing opinions on whether it was a foul.

The point that I was making was not to avoid the what the commentators say about us, but in the NIU/Maryland game, in all the highlights from the TV guys covering the game to ESPN to the local newscast, all made a comment about what the official was thinking because he reached for his flag. And when they see you reaching for a yellow object, this just adds fuel to the fire when you decide not to make a call. Especially when you are working as a wing official and the coaches cannot see my hands reach for my belt when I am facing the field. It is not full proof, but when I got yelled at and the comment was, "I saw you reach for your flag, why did you not call the penalty?" I started to tape my flag.

Now if your area decides to do it another way, when in Rome you do as the Romans do. But in my area this is a very common and acceptable practice. There really is no ulitmate right or wrong, just what is expected in your area.

Peace