End of Game Punch

[ajmc]

Absolutely no question as to the validity of flagging the infraction, and if you considered the infraction to be serious enough to officially DQ the player, which may depending on administrative procedures restrict further playing opportunities. Yes you can, and DQ may well be an entirely appropriate application of the current rules.

However, whether you can and whether you should, are not always the same thing. In the situation described, it sounded like the coach took immediate and appropriate action in using this incident as a teaching experience. Modified football (pre-freshman) is clearly intended in NYS as a learning level, and although the action described is a clear violation of the rules, deferring the implementation and execution of penalty to, what sounded like, a coach who understands and appreciates his mentoring role, seems like a prudent, constructive decision on your part.

Establishing a cooperative relationship between coaches and officials towards consistency in teaching necessary respect for the game, as well as opponents, especially at lower levels serves officials, coaches as well as players, well. You handled it right.