Firstly, I in no way mean for this sound argumentative or rude, but I just wanted to take advantage of the opportunity that is here to discuss this with an official.
One thing I have always tried to accomplish in coaching, and parenting for that matter, is to be consistent with the kids, in everything. Practice routines, rotations, scrimmaging, discipline, being calm (as much as possible) to show them how to roll with adversity and keep it even keel.
It is hard to explain to the kids what is going on, and prevent frustration from leading to decreased performance in the game when all of the sudden the game is being called different. I think it’s also hard for the officials to get it right when they aren’t doing what they’ve been accustomed to for the previous nine to twelve weeks.
I guess my question is, why do we decide it’s necessary to penalize the kids more strictly at the most important time of the year instead of doing what we (players, coaches, officials, and the parents who will be the least understanding of course) have established as the “norm” throughout the entire season?
And again, I’m just trying to engage in an informative conversation about the “call it tighter” playoff philosophy.