White Hats

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by RichMSN

I'm a believer in not getting crap on my shoes. Allowing a kid to make a bad decision during PE or during the coin toss only makes my shoes dirty. Sure, the kid may have made the wrong decision, but why let that happen?

A is called for holding and on the play goes beyond the line to gain. No captain's input is needed -- I don't even ask. When I jump on a crew and watch a white hat ask in such a situation (or on a score where there is exactly zero chance the penalty will be declined) it makes me wonder if the white hat has any kind of game sense.

When PE does require a real decision, I position myself so that the coach is within earshot of the conversation and I encourage the captain to ask his coach. If I'm in front of the bench when it happens, I simply ask the coach. I always give the options as 3rd and 21 or 4th and 8 (or whatever). That's clear to them.

I agree that when no input is needed, just signal it and walk it (if accepted). It's when it's not clear is what we're talking about. Varsity, SubV, I'm asking the captain. Below that, I'm still asking the captain, but my Head Linesman or Left Guard (apparently) are asking the coach to so I know if I need to steer the captain.