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Step 1
Read the rulebook for the league or organization that is employing you to referee. Rules regarding flagrant fouls differ greatly. For example, in some leagues, flagrant fouls are only issued when contact is deemed violent and unnecessary. That is true for the NBA. Another example is college basketball, where any foul that is deemed intentional can be called as a flagrant foul. Learn and fully understand the rules for the league or organization before you step foot on the court to referee a game.
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Step 2
Confer with the other referees on the court before coming to the decision that it is a flagrant foul. While you can go ahead and first call the personal foul, it's always best to confer before deciding whether or not to upgrade it to a flagrant foul. The one or two other referees on the court can give you another perspective, and together you can decide whether the foul warrants a flagrant foul.
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Step 3
Explain to the player the reason why you assessed the flagrant foul. Additionally, you must explain the call to the head coach of the team which was assessed the flagrant foul. Explaining why you deemed the foul a flagrant one can stop similar plays from occurring later in the game.
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Step 4
Watch for any escalation in tempers. Flagrant fouls can sometimes cause bigger problems, such as on court fights and melees. Noticing and calming down angry players is an important yet underrated aspect of officiating.
