Opposing calls

[JugglingReferee]

Lesson learned: if you see a foul, throw a flag.

Funny you bring up this situation. A fellow official from the same province as me phoned me to ask about this situation, not 3-4 days ago.

If I'm the R in this game, and I have two flags: DPI and OPI, I am going to speak with the 2 calling officials and be sure that the flags were for different contact.

If they were for the same contact, then it's worthy of talking about it for a quick conversation. If these 2 guys wish to talk about it before seeing me, that is fine too. I think that if there is DPI and OPI for the same contact, then someone has to re-evaluate what they saw. It's just too rare to have both on the same contact.

If the flags are for different contact, then I will accept both flags. Example: DB holds up the WR just as the ball is airborne: WR is pushed off rhythm. WR gets to target area, and pushes DB off to catch ball. It's possible to have two flags: DPI and OPI. They will wash and repeat the down.

Yes, the experience of each official will have an effect on my accepting their call. Example: say the BJ is experienced and the L is in his first year. Likely I will lean more towards the BJ than the L. Also will affect my thoughts is if one of the officials was out of position.