Head Coach wants to talk to R between periods

[verticalStripes]

Fed Rules:

Head Coach wants to talk to the Referee between periods. The wingman denies this request and tells the Head Coach he must call a timeout. Speaking strictly from the book, is the wingman correct in denying this request. Need a rule reference or case play if you have one.

[ljudge]

Typically, the request for a coach/referee conference is to discuss misinterpretation of a rule. You didn't mention why the coach requested the conference.

Some of you may disagree on this but we're in the "people business" and if it's to ask a question or comment on something the coach wants to call to my attention I would grant the request. If it's to complain then I might opt to deny the request. In fact, I tell coaches if they have a question I'll be glad to answer it so long as it doesn't disrupt the game. In between periods is a great opportunity to ask such a question.

[JRutledge]

I think you are going to have to pass on letting the coach talk to the Referee unless the last play is at issue that ended the quarter. I agree that we are in the people business, but the rule is pretty clear. The other coach might not take too kindly to that conversation and point out that you are not following the rule. Maybe there is some kind of reference to this type of situation in the casebook (I will have to look to be sure), but I would not go out of my way to talk to the coach. Now if the coach holds a conference in the middle of the field (which usually does not happen), during the quarter break it is not out job to talk to the coach in that situation. If the Referee is doing his job, they are making sure the ball is spotted and getting ready for the end of the quarter break. If the coach has that big of a concern about a rules application then he should call a timeout to get a rules issue resolved.

Just my take on the situation.

Peace

[parepat]

I don't think there is any prohibition in the rules against a Ref talking to a coach. This just happened to me on Friday. We had a roughing the kicker call a few plays prior to the change and he asked my LJ if he could go out and talk to me. LJ said no, but I'll see if he can come over to talk to you. After we set the ball and change, I went over. Coach wanted a clarification on whether we had a tipped ball. I went over the play, told him that neither the Umpire or myself saw or heard a tip. He was satisfied and we moved on.

I had no problem meeting with the coach in that scenario.

[Jim D]

Parepat brings up an important point. Make sure your R goes over to the sideline to talk to the coach and do not let the coach come on to the field to talk to the R. If the R goes to the sideline, he can end the discussion and go back to the middle of the field. If the coach was allowed to come out, it is sometimes really hard to get him to leave. And, since you invited him out, flagging isn't a good option.

I really had to work with my WH to train him on this point.

Also, if you go over to talk to coach A, a quick trip over to update coach B will help a lot. As in: "Coach B, Coach A wanted to know if the pass was tipped. We assured him it wasn't" and then move on.

[parepat]

Originally Posted by Jim D

Also, if you go over to talk to coach A, a quick trip over to update coach B will help a lot. As in: "Coach B, Coach A wanted to know if the pass was tipped. We assured him it wasn't" and then move on.

Good point. Anything to ease the paranoia.