Why would a coach throw the challenge flag if a play is not reviewable?

Question

It doesn't happen very often but every now and then a coach will throw the red flag on a play that isn't reviewable. Is there a reason for that? What makes a play not reviewable? Is it cut and dry or is there room for speculation, does it change based on certain factors? Is the play still reviewable by "the booth?"

I just thought I might throw out a question that hasn't been beaten to death. That and I really want to know!

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

sometimes i have seen the coach throw the flag because he (and everyone else) sees that the incorrect call was made. the coach will throw the flag just to get his point across that a wrong call was made -- maybe someday the league office will revise what is reviewable based on several of these incidents.

there are cut and dry instances of reviewability. penalties can't be reviewed except for things like too many men on the field.

Answer 2

Well, if it is shown on the replay and the stadium crowd sees it on a bigscreen, and TV viewers see it, and it was obviously a bad call, you often will hear the refs say "the previous play is under review"...The throwing of the flag is likely to get an "official" review...even if it can't be challenged...

Answer 3

Only advantage is gaining favor with the officials. You see it ALL the time. A ref will make the wrong call and the replay confirms the fact and two plays later the refs will give a call to the team affected.

Answer 4

There are a few reasons, one is that he just feels like stopping the clock anyways. Another is that he is unclear on whether or not a play can be reviewed. A final reason is just to gripe about a call.

Answer 5

I think the rule is still new enough that even coaches are unsure at times what is & is not reviewable!!!

Answer 6

He doesn't know it's not revieable!!!