Rules RE: Declined Penalties

[HLin NC]

There isn't [B]A[B] rule per se. By the book, if the captain made his choice he's locked in. That doesn't mean the referee is.

The referee should be doing what is best using his best judgment and in the interests of the game in a situation such as this. Since none of us were present, we have no idea what was discussed between the referee and the captain. The referee could have given faulty or erroneous information and was correcting his error.

Sure there are two camps usually- 1) make 'em live with it, and 2) don't let them screw it up. Camp 2 will usually be more respected by their peers and the players, coaches, and game administration.

These aren't professional players, coaches, nor officials. While all should strive to do their best, the level of expectation of their performances should not reach that of a professional.

[Rich]

Yup. I'm in camp 2.

Matter of fact, my captain's meetings at halftime are probably the least wordy. I know who has the option and I usually point at the captain and ask "Receive?" When he nods, I'll point at the other captain and say "Which goal will you defend?"

When one captain defers at the toss, I'll point at the other captain and say "Receive?"

When the choice is obvious, I don't even bother with the captain. I worked a wing in a youth game last night and watched a painful 90 second conversation regarding OPI. I wanted to scream, "Of COURSE they want it! It carries a LOD along with the 15 yards!" I would've had the ball in play and we would've run a play or 2 during that whole scene.

I ask the coaches at the pregame meeting if the captains know what he wants. Most times, then, the coach will tell me they want to receive/defer and I note that in case the kid is confused at the toss.

I'm not out there to be a harda$$ or play gotcha games with the captains and coaches. I'm there to facilitate. If I give incomplete information and the captain chooses poorly I will allow the captain or coach to change his mind. When the other coach complains, I will take the blame for it and remind him that I'd do the same for his captain. And off we go.

Many times I am the most experienced person out there (including the coaches). Everyone has a lot on their minds. It's my job to make things run smoothly.