Old SI article on Tommy Bell and his Crew

[Ed Hickland]

Originally Posted by ajmc

As I suggested, "when in Rome, do what the Romans do and want done", but in the type situation you described, "the coach or whomever know they have violated the rules", the instant they open their mouth, and the throwing of a flag is not only totally unnecessary but may very well exacerbate the situation, and is an excellent way to lose a flag or have it treated disrespectfully.

The preferred way to deal with such outbursts is to simply leave the area without responding, or adding to the exchange, and report the incident to the proper authority as strongly as you deem necessary.

True, a flag may inflame. The fact is in our area that is the procedure and it becomes a cover your backside because if the coach writes you up and no flag has been displayed you are the one in trouble. Example, as you exit the field and the coach calls you a "$#%#$" you have no standing in filing a report. The first question asked is did you flag it.

That's Rome!