Language

Simbio · #1 (**permalink**) Thu Oct 16, 2003, 06:29pm

I had a game last night and the topic got brought up about language, offensive language, on the field. I'm in Utah and we generally do not tolerate any taunting or trash talking, but it all depends (I guess) on the intent and how harsh it is (if it's possible to judge that.) We also don't allow swearing ("f" or "s" words) on the field, but we allow it if the player is saying it under his breath to himself. If he says it to another player (generally the other team) then he gets flagged, or if he shouts it out. Last night we got talking about other states, and one official said that Florida is very strict and was leanient when one of our teams played down there. I was just curious to how strict the rest of the country is and if anyone from Florida can verify that they are that strict?

Snake~eyes · #2 (**permalink**) Thu Oct 16, 2003, 09:54pm

Any swearing towards another person of the opposite team is a flag. Any swearing that is really loud is a flag.

Any swearing that is said under their breath is a "Watch your language."

I think it depends more on the referee and not the region. I've been in a game where the coach got flagged for saying "Get your *** out there" to another player. Personally I would have never thrown this flag but the other wing did.

Simbio · #3 (**permalink**) Fri Oct 17, 2003, 11:51am

Where are you locate Snake Eyes?

Any other responses to this, please say where you are located so I can get an idea of what states have which standards.

Sleeper · #4 (**permalink**) Fri Oct 17, 2003, 12:31pm

I am located in Texas. I generally follow the same principles as Snake. Swearing at an official, opponent, or loudly gets a flag. At oneself or teammate quietly gets a warning for the first offense. I can think of one official off the top of my head who is more strict than this on a consistent basis.

KEFerrell · #5 (**permalink**) Fri Oct 17, 2003, 12:58pm

If I hear A talking to B, A gets a "shut your mouth #".

All the coin tosses I have overheard from my spot on the 45 hash includes, "Red talks to red, white talks to white. Red dosen't talk to white, white dosen't talk to red. If you need to say something to the other team, look for me and tell me and I will tell them"

SWFLguy · #6 (**permalink**) Fri Oct 17, 2003, 02:21pm

This is only my second season in SW FL (after 32 in CNY)
and so far the teams I have seen have been pretty good
about language and behavior.
From what I heard, it used to be bad, and the state set
up stricter guidlines for behavior that includes fines for
schools if there is gross unsportsmalike behavior.
As an umpire, we know we are in a unique place to put
a stop to a lot of possible trash talk, including profanity.
One way to "defuse" a situation is to ask the player
"what did you say ?" Sometimes I simply tell them to
knock off the chatter. Expereince should help an official
determine what needs to be flagged.
And needless to say-- an official should never EVER
use swear words !
Have fun out there !

chris s · #7 (**permalink**) Fri Oct 17, 2003, 07:42pm

central coast Ca. Depends on crew here. My crew, a kid cussing at himself is nuttin, cussing loudly over anguish, warning, at anybody else....flag. Now, the Reverend's crew, he hears a shi* under a breath or from anywhere on the sideline, whew.....15....a bit over kill, JMHO

Forksref · #8 (**permalink**) Sun Oct 19, 2003, 09:08pm

In ND. No state guidelines. If I hear it within a huddle, I tell them to "watch the language guys, this is your warning." The warning works for those situations. If directed at someone else, it is a flag.

I had a USC (taunting) call last week on a defender who stood over the guy he tackled and yelled at him. THAT is something I won't tolerate.

I like the 'what did you say?' technique too.