no captain on field/penalty declined automatically?

[ajmc]

Originally Posted by RichMSN

The tradition/practice is to consult captains when there's an actual decision to be made. In the play in the OP, there is no real decision. Enforce the penalty and move on.

Good officials know when to save a few seconds and also know when to take a few extra seconds.

I understand that what "good officials" due in one part of the Country may not be exactly the same in other parts of the Country, so if you consider yourself a "good official" do what you think is right, and you should be just fine.

However, if you want get picky, the Officials Manual (5 Officials-Administering Penalties-Referee, Page 50) suggests;

4. Give options to Captain of offended team.
5. When Captain's most advantageous choice is obvious, quickly inform him.
6. When Captain does not respond, his silence shall be considered acceptance of obvious choice...

Sometimes it just boils down to whose best interests you're concerned about serving, and what is considered "standard" for your area.