What to do when a player complains about being fouled?
Sometimes, players complain about being fouled after they are beat on a play. It’s not uncommon for a player to blame the official instead of taking responsibility for being out of position or missing a tackle. It’s curious that coaches often side with the player and turn their wrath on the official. If this happens, just ignore the player or coach. They are complaining, they didn’t ask a question, so you don’t need to respond.
If a player approaches you to complain about a foul, listen respectfully. Don’t use sarcasm or dismiss the player. Ask clarification questions. “What number?” “Describe the foul.” Acknowledge you heard the player and thank him for the information. Like coaches, players need to know we are listening. By asking questions, you also cut down on the vague complaining.
If the player complains about being repeatedly fouled, let him know you will watch for the foul or will pass the information to the appropriate official. For example, if a lineman complains about a foul in the middle of the line, tell him you’ll pass the information to the umpire. (And then pass the information as soon as possible!)
The same applies if a coach complains about a perceived foul that occurred on the opposite side of the field. Tell the coach you’ll get the information as soon as possible. Don’t stop or slow down the game to speak with another official. Wait for a change of possession, timeout, or other intermission to have the conversation.
Don’t look outside your coverage area to watch for the foul. If you’ve passed the complaint to the proper official, then trust that official to do his job. You should focus on your assigned key(s) and area.
Quiz
Read the quiz stem and then choose the best answer.
4/6 from the B-40. Following the snap, B34 enters the field as the eleventh player but does not participate. A39 runs for 4 yards and is downed at the B-36 (short of the line to gain).
- There is no foul because B34 is the eleventh player
- B34’s foul is enforced from the end of the run. 1/10 for Team A at the B-31
- B34’s foul is enforced from the previous spot. 4/1 from the B-35.
- B34’s foul is enforced from the succeeding spot. 1/10 for Team B from the B-31
Review Rules 4-7-6 and 5-1-3c