What to do when an official observes action that may result in a potential ejection? (Note: In this discussion, assume the ejection deliberation is not for a possible fighting ejection. We’ll publish a separate RFP article on fighting.)
Some ejections are “no-brainers.” A second unsportsmanlike conduct penalty assessed to the same player or coach results in disqualification (9-8 Arts 1 and 2 PENALTY). A second occurrence of unintentional contact between a nonplayer and a game official in the restricted area while the ball is live results in the disqualification of the head coach (9-4-8 PENALTY).
Other ejections require judgment. Rule 9-4 Arts 1-8 PENALTY says, “Disqualification also if any fouls under these articles are judged by the game official to be flagrant” (emphasis added). Rule 9-8 Arts 1 and 2 PENALTY says, “Any single foul judged by the game official to be flagrant is disqualification” (emphasis added).
Have you heard the adage not to discipline your children while you are angry? The same applies to football officiating. We should never eject a player or coach just because we’re angry. Ejections should be based solely on objective, rule-based conclusions.
The crew should follow a systematic process to reach a disqualification decision. Take your time—don’t rush.
The covering official should not immediately declare a player will be ejected. All officials should come together away from the players and coaches to discuss the event.
The referee should lead the crew discussion and allow each member to provide input. Every member of the crew should be present. Each official should speak without interruption. If you don’t have an input, don’t say anything.
Reconstruct the event and provide only empirical information. Don’t embellish what you saw or “fill in the blanks” concerning what you didn’t observe.
Think and speak calmly and rationally.
The Rules Book uses the word “targeting” (2-20-2, 9-4-3m) but does not mandate an ejection for targeting. As such, I recommend officials not use the word “targeting” if speaking within the earshot of players or coaches. Players or coaches will hear “targeting” and assume an ejection is mandatory.
If the action occurs during a playoff game, consider this: One team’s season will end while the other team will move on to the next game. For the winning team, be careful when issuing a second unsportsmanlike conduct foul to a player or coach or deciding an action is flagrant. By all means, award the appropriate consequence of an action if it’s cut-and-dried, but first consider context and environment before ejecting a player or coach from the winning team. Just a thought.
If the crew determines a player should be disqualified, the referee should speak with the head coach and provide a complete explanation. The wing official should be present. Do not argue or debate the ruling. The referee should record the name of the ejected coach or player.
Immediately following the game, the referee should repeat the discussion with the crew to ensure he has all relevant information. He should then submit a game report as soon as possible to the appropriate governing bodies.
Quiz
Read the quiz stem and then choose the best answer(s). (Choose all that apply.)
3/12 from the R-30 with 13 seconds left in the game. Team K lines up to attempt a game-winning field goal. At the snap, Team K is flagged for an illegal formation. R33 blocks the attempt at the R-29, and K-30 recovers on the R-32 with 3 seconds left on the clock.
- 1/10 for Team K at the R-32
- 4/14 at the R-32
- 3/17 at the R-35
- 4/19 at the R-37
- The game clock will start on the RFP
- The game clock will start on the snap
Review Rules 3-4-2, 3-4-7, 5-1-4, 6-2-6, 10-4-2 EXCEPTION