The Arizona Rattlers have issued an official response following a controversial officiating decision that impacted the outcome of their recent first-round playoff game against the San Diego Strike Force.
After the game, the Indoor Football League (IFL) conducted a review and confirmed that a false start penalty occurred on the final play. Specifically, three or more Strike Force players were not set at the time of the snap, a violation that typically results in a 10-second runoff. Had the rule been correctly enforced, the Rattlers would have secured a 48–42 victory.
Despite acknowledging the officiating error, the league declined to reverse the game’s result, citing established policies and NCAA-aligned protest protocols that limit its ability to change outcomes after a game concludes. As a result, the Strike Force’s 49–48 win remains in place.
The Rattlers promptly filed an official protest, stating that while they respect the league’s decision, they strongly disagree with the process and outcome. The organization believes the ruling prematurely ended their postseason run and denied players, staff, and fans a fair and legitimate shot at another championship.
The team further emphasized the need for accountability and meaningful changes in officiating oversight, urging the IFL to take steps that ensure such critical errors do not affect future games.
