Would you have done the same

[Forksref]

If I had heard the coach say " hit someone and knock them down" I would have talked with the defense about not making unnecessary hits or cheap shots, keep it clean, play with class, etc. (Preventive officiating)

"Bulling over" doesn't sound like a foul unless a forearm was thrown or something like that. Just because a knee is being taken, all players must be ready to defend themselves. "Bulling over" the QB would be a foul if he is taking a knee.

Preventive officiating works.

[mikesears]

I have a new policy after being burned by a situation where the QB told me he as taking a knee and didn't.

My new policy is that I tell the QB (or the Offense) to protect themselves. I don't tell the defense anything. I may sneak up closer to the LOS if the O's formation indicates they are taking a knee, but I've made it a policy to NEVER tell the defense about the QB taking knee. I've not had a problem with this since I've begun doing it.

[Forksref]

My point in talking to the defense was in response to the coach telling his players to "hit someone and knock them down." It had nothing to do with taking a knee. I hate to hear coaches talk like that. The quality of play is a direct result of the attitude that coaches promote.

I never discuss what the offense is doing. As a white hat I may move a little closer to the QB if I think he will take a knee, in order to see the exact moment the knee hits to blow my whistle.