Official Running Into a Coach

[RedTD]

Topic brought over from a discussion in the General Discussion Area:

If an official runs into a coach in the restricted area what rule do we use for penalty enforcement? Especially in light of Rogers comments concerning penalty enforcement in the most recent CFO video. If we use 9-2-4 are we saying the contact is forceful ("forcibly") - no matter how slight? In that case it is 15 yard subsequent spot. If we use 9-2-3 the penalty enforcement is a "Referee's decision".
By adding the word "forcibly" this year it makes enforcement under 9-2-4 a little problematic.

[TXMike]

9-2-4 was not written for "accidental" contact.  9-2-3-1 is what should be used in your scenario, unless the contact is deliberate.  I can't imagine anyone using more than a 15 yard penalty for the collision.  The "equitable action" decision would be more appropriate for situations where someone interferes with the ball or a player and that interference leads to significant yardage gain or loss.

[RedTD]

9-2-4 was not written for "accidental" contact.  9-2-3-1 is what should be used in your scenario, unless the contact is deliberate.  I can't imagine anyone using more than a 15 yard penalty for the collision.  The "equitable action" decision would be more appropriate for situations where someone interferes with the ball or a player and that interference leads to significant yardage gain or loss.

I wasn't thinking of  "more than a 15 yard penalty". What if the R believes the "equitable" penalty should be 5 or 10 yards from the subsequent spot? I am not saying that is appropriate but should we consider it? The only reason I bring this up is I believe some officials look at the incorrect rule when determining the penalty.

[TXMike]

I suppose if you think the 5 or 10 is appropriate, that is fine   But in light of the issue we had down here, I don't think anyone is going to go less than 15