Rule book?

[mikesears]

Originally posted by James Neil
It’s good to see you come here to ask questions Coach. You seem to have a good attitude and it’s wonderful to see a coach who’s ready and willing to actually learn the rules. There’s just one piece of advice I’d like to give if you'll allow me. If and when you receive your “Books”, study them every chance you get. They are small and can be kept in your back pocket for easy access whenever you’re in the mood to look something up or just browse. But PLEASE leave them at home or in the car during your games! Yanking out a rulebook on a Ref during a game could really get you in big doo-doo and just might coast you 15 yards and at least one unsportsmanlike conduct (it will for sure if I‘m the White Hat). You defiantly want to avoid trying to “show-up” the officials in this way.
If you study and really learn the rules, you should be able to refresh the Ref’s memory as to the proper ruling and he‘ll most likely thank you for it. Good luck.

James,

I don't know that I could flag a coach if he simply asked me to look at a rulebook that he had. I'm not going to look at it if he offers it to me because I am confident in my own knowledge and application of the rules. If HE can locate the pertinent information, I will let him have do his homework and I will give him my ear for a short period of time. But if he can't locate the information, he won't get my ear.

My first year as the white hat, I had a coach ask me if I'd like to look at his copy of the rulebook after he didn't agree with my administration of an overtime period. He went so far as to state, "the Radio announcer is a former official and he says ..... blah blah blah..." The "former official turned radio announcer" was wrong I simply stated, "Coach, I know the rule but I'd be happy to review it with you after the game is over. We've got some more football to play." We never did discuss it after the game. It is amazing how forgetful a coach can get if he wins the game.

Now, I certainly will consider a flag if he is using the rulebook in an attempt to show up the crew. e.g. He shorts wording from the rulebook after our discussion is over.