The coin toss rules state:
For the second half the loser of the toss, or the winner who chooses option 3 above, shall choose option 1 or 2 above. The opponent then chooses the remaining available option.
Is there actually a process whereby the refs talk to each team before the second half to get their choices under this rule? It seems like the teams switch ends of the field automatically at half time.
A long time ago, we used to march the captains out to mid-field for the second half options. Then, that practice stopped, and we just ask the head coaches what they want to do when they come out of the dressing rooms after halftime. This is another time when having a field mic is very helpful. Once the R knows which team will receive, and which end of the field they will defend, the R should make the simple announcement like, “Alabama will receive on the north end.”
I know a lot folks try to get that information from the coaches as they are leaving the field for halftime, but that is not a good idea. They are thinking about what they need to do for the second half, and often are worked up over things that have happened on the field with us. Let them all cool off for 15 minutes, and then ask when they come back out for the second half.
