Just to clarify my original post, I wasn't disagreeing with the flag; I'd defer to him as well, just stating my opinion given the camera view. If a crewmate threw that flag I'd support it 100%.
Your original post, says
ALL that needs to be said, "I saw no pull or even grabbing of the facemask.". It simply doesn't matter what
ANYONE else tells you they saw, (unless it's a crew mate -
AND his flag is on the ground, at which point his flag is what's being consider.
When there is a conflict between officials, what was
ACTUALLY SEEN always out-rules what "likely happened" - or not, "might have happened - or not, "could have happened - or not, etc. Coaches, spectators, other players may
VERY WELL,HONESTLY, ACTUALLY SEE something critical
YOU DIDN'T SEE, from whatever their vantage point provided. It just doesn't matter,
EVER. ( NFHS:1-1-9 prohibits use of Replay equip. (with exception)
The
BEST practice, when two or more game officials are observing an action from different perspectives, is to
CONSULT with each other
BEFORE AGREEING which perspective will rule, and give a
SINGLE decided signal. When circumstances unfortunately produce conflicting conclusions, and signals,
BOTH officials need to convene,
resolve the difference and provide a joint single conclusion & signal. (something seen
ALWAYS outweighs something presumed).
Whenever possible, eye contact with another covering official
BEFORE signaling, allows for the opportunity to converge and confirm/challenge perspectives
AVOIDING explaining conflicting signals.
