Coach's complaints

[NorCalMike]

I was wondering what other groups do when a coach sends in a complaint or concern about a play. For example, last week we received a game film from a coach through the HUDL. The coach felt that we ruled incorrectly on a play. The play was ruled a fumble and he felt the runner was down prior to the ball coming out. He wanted the video reviewed.

So my question is does your group have a mechanism in place to review the video? How do you do this?

[AlUpstateNY]

I was wondering what other groups do when a coach sends in a complaint or concern about a play. For example, last week we received a game film from a coach through the HUDL. The coach felt that we ruled incorrectly on a play. The play was ruled a fumble and he felt the runner was down prior to the ball coming out. He wanted the video reviewed.

So my question is does your group have a mechanism in place to review the video? How do you do this?

In some areas, HUDL is newer than others.  Your organization might thank the coach for pointing out a possible learning experience opportunity, and if you have the capability to review his films you'll take a look.  However, as that play and the game is LONG OVER there seems little, if any, value to sharing your opinion after the review. 

It might be worth reminding the coach that the view on any film is usually different from that of the official, at ground level, in real time and EITHER perspective may provide detail not available to the other.

[DallasLJ]

HUDL is becoming more common in Texas, particularly Texas.  Last season, coaches sent in HUDL as a matter of course to our Chapter for about 8 of my games.  I always try to look as close plays -- penalties, TOs to see if we got them right.  Had a close fumble week 1 -- looked at the HUDL and clearly shows the runner was not down.

  So, if a coach has a specific  complaint, they will usually run that through our Chapter Secretary -- who may watch the clip and get input from the calling officials before responding to the Coach.  As the official from the game, I would want to look at the clip to see if we got it right or wrong and get better next time.

  Also, our chapter is using the HUDL tapes for weekly training tapes.  Very helpful.

[Rulesman]

Thankfully, as an assignor I have the respect of the coaches I assign for. They know I won't entertain any complaint about a call without the play on Hudl and the question/complaint written out on a form developed by others. That simply means no whining.

If, in my opinion, the crew is right or wrong, I say so, and I say why. If the film is inconclusive, I tell them that, too. Sometimes we have to agree to disagree, but they generally appreciate having an ear they can bend. I try to keep it a positive learning experience for the officials. In the interest of full disclosure, my written response goes back to the coach, to the opposing coach, and to the crew.