Intimidation on fair catch

[rhw]

Had a situation Friday night where the receiver signalled for a fair catch on a scrimmage kick. The kicking team gave him enough room to catch the ball but was yelling/chirping at him in what I judged to be an intimidation tactic to try to get him to drop the ball.

I did not flag it but we talked to the players and the coach. The coach then called the referee the next day to inform us that there wasn't anything wrong with this.

What would you call? Anything, Unsportsmanlike, Kick-Catch Interference?

[JRutledge]

Unless they yelled something that was profane or inappropriate, then I cannot see someone yelling alone being a foul? Intimidation on its own is not illegal and as long as players are not taunting, I really do not see the problem. It sounds to me like you are trying to find a foul rather than observe one. Leave this alone unless there is something solid you can back up such an action. Because if I was your assignor and this was your story about the play, I would be a little concerned. If yelling at a player was automatically illegal, then I would think yelling "ball, ball, ball" would be illegal in football or basketball from the NF. Do not be a plumber.

Peace

[mbyron]

I agree. Unless what they're yelling is independently objectionable, play on.