White Hats

[floridareferee]

Below JV level I look to the coach on the sideline. In JV and Varsity I always explain to the captain his options.

[mbyron]

In Ohio, our state policy is that for 98% of penalties the choice is obvious. Don't ask, just enforce it and get on with the game.

For the remaining 2%, we check with the coach via the wing official on his side.

[whitehat]

I agree, and a good and timely preliminary signal greatly expedites this process and choice for coaches...I give the prelim signal as soon as the flagging official tells me what he has. After sorting it out things may change but at least the coaches know what they are dealing with.

[Ed Hickland]

Quickly think in your mind if you were a captain what would be your choice and if the answer is obvious present it to the captain.

Usually, the tricky options are a penalty by the offense on third down where the line to gain was not reached, do they want to penalize A and give them another third down play or decline and make it fourth. The DC knows what he thinks his defense can do and that is a good time to turn toward the bench if you have not already.

[sportsref]

Our crew goes directly to the Head Coach...case closed. The players have enough to worry about on the field.

[JRutledge]

We go to the captain and if the decision is difficult we ask them with the coach in their view. But we always have the captain involved.

Peace

[tjones1]

Which option do you give first? Or does it depend?

I've been refereeing underclass games.

As I recall, it seems I usually tell them the result of the play first (if they decline) and then what would happen if they accept the penalty.

Right, wrong, way off base, or somewhat on the path?