Illegal equipment

[Bob M.]

REPLY: Mike...I usually agree with you, but I really can't this time on two counts: (1) When the coach verifies that his players are legally equipped, he is verifying that they are wearing all the required equipment and that they are not wearing any illegal equipment, and (2) the rule applies to 'players' and not just to players during a down. If a substitute shows up and replaces a player, he becomes a player. If before the snap he is noticed to be wearing illegal equipment or not wearing required equipment, he's just as guilty as the guy wearing that stuff during a down in progress.

Was this coach being a petty jerk? Sure
Did he put the referee in a awkward predicament? Yep
Will his coach-referee conference stand up? It should
Should a foul be called? If the kid's still on the field, yes.
Would I want to be in that ref's shoes? Not on your life.