Last night's game is turning to a blow out. Team K is up by 30. During the free kick, Team K tackler lays a great legal hit on the ball carrier right in front of Team R's bench. After the tackle, one of the team K players goes into a profanity-laced taunt. HL was in the area and heard the taunt but couldn't tell which player said it.
Team R coach goes nuts (rightfully so in my opinion) about there not being a flag for the taunt. HL flags coach for UNS.
I was on the other side of the field so I didn't hear any of it.
My personal feeling is that I would have flagged K's taunt even if I couldn't identify the actual player. I would then asked the players who said it while reminding them that the UNS will go against the coach if someone doesn't take responsibility. What do you guys think of this?
Also think we should have giving the Team R coach a little leeway before throwing the UNS flag since the HL knew the taunt occurred. This whole mess created such an ill will amongst that whole team that we had trouble with them the rest of the game.
If you don't know who said what, WHO would you flag? Is it possible it was someone on Team R, trying to intice you to GUESS? As for the coach who lost his composure, that is ENTIRELY on him. Most officials recognize and understand the sometimes emotional strain coaches are subjected to, and provide usually
excessive leeway. However, there are lines that
ALL ADULTS & GROWNUPS have to recognize and respect, despite unanticipated, sudden stress.
When one of those lines is crossed, there's nobody to fault exscept the person doing the crossing, who should be well aware of the consquences before CHOOSING to "go(es) nuts".
"Guessing" is never a good idea when it comes to assessing guilt, and it's a luxury we're not allowed.
Is this any different than a helmet seemingly jerked downward, but you don't SEE a hand grasping a facemask?