Crossing the Line

[JRutledge]

If you throw a punch, that is an ejection. The player should have more self-control than he displayed there. The official was within their right. Now I was not there so I do not know if it really was a "punch" or just a reaction. I might try to err on the side of not ejecting the player. But if the player clearly threw a punch, then that is just too bad. We try to be too nice when the rules are clearly violated. And if it is on tape, I probably would feel better about the ejection.

Peace

[ajmc]

Not having seen what happened, but just based on your description, a punch is a punch. What does letting it go say to the other players on the field, some punches are OK?

You could have responded, "You're absolutely right, that was a stupid thing to do. Now you have an opportunity to teach your player not to be stupid".

You were correct in supporting your Umpire's decision as he may have seen it differently than you, and there is no way you could reverse his decision without making both of you look foolish.

Just for the record, NF:9.4.3.j uses the term "Strike" rather than punch. NF: 2.11 defines "Fighting" and again includes the word "striking" rather than punching. Disqualification is entirely a judgment call by the official throwing the flag, and should never be changed on the field. If you, as Referee, have issues with the decision they should be hashed out after you've all left the field when the game is history.

Even though ignoring the coach's second remark might not have done any good, over responding to it could have made things worse. If the problems that developed were a continuation of this dispute, one remedy might be to calmly walk over to the sideline, speak directly to the coach, as privately as possible and suggest something to the effect of,, "Coach you made your point, I heard you, so there's no point repeating it or dwelling on it. Let's play ball".

Then if he continues, whatever happens is on him.

[svm1010]

Originally Posted by ajmc

one remedy might be to calmly walk over to the sideline, speak directly to the coach, as privately as possible and suggest something to the effect of,, "Coach you made your point, I heard you, so there's no point repeating it or dwelling on it. Let's play ball".

Then if he continues, whatever happens is on him.

I would be very careful with this one. It could be viewed as you trying to show him up. There is only one good thing and many bad things can come from that conversation. Not that it is wrong, just not my first choice. My suggestion would be to continue to my position and get play going again. (Only bad things happen during dead ball periods, remember )

Coach is an adult and is expected to be responsible for his/her actions without needing a warning regardless of the situation. I may give him that initial comment to get it off his chest as long as he keeps it to the call. If he continues or if he begins to attack me or my crew on a personal level ("you are terrible", "you have no business on the field", etc) then I'm more than likely going to come out with a flag.

Coach can't usurp your authority on the field unless you unwittingly abdicate it for them

[daggo66]

However the 2.11 defintion also includes the would "attempt" and "whether or not there is contact." Based on the description and not having been there, I would have upheld the ejection and flagged the coach for USC for saying it a second time.

[Jimmie24]

A punch is thrown. Why worry about severity or whatever. It is a punch. That kid will learn a valuable life lesson. Coach had his opportunity to vent, the second time he says it as you are walking away is the first one on him too. Another lesson to be learned hopefully.

[Sonofanump]

A punch is a punch (ejection) and the coach would deserve one also (USC not ejection) for language if it is loud enough for anyone else to hear. I might have three fouls here, how about one on the tackler for PF.