I guess in games that involve the Chiefs it happens (not surprised).
What do you mean a flag is not a requirement? How many times do you see flags come out after a discussion other than something after the play such as taunting or personal fouls..
It isn't required. If the back judge runs up the line judge and says "I had the QB under center but didn't see him get set, did he get set?" and then the line judge says "no, he was still in motion at the snap", they can just call the foul right then and there, no penalty flag required. And that's exactly what happened.
More to the point though, Ill emphasize this more, it is *NOT* a requirement to throw a flag to indicate a penalty. It is not requied for the play, or after it. Its entirely up to the ref to do so. They may also use their hats as penalty flags, as well as their spot markers.
This post was edited by AshKC on Oct 12 2025 07:09pm