[williebfree]

HAWKS COACH (AND WHOEVER ELSE WANTS TO RESPOND)

I fully realize the innocent situations, especially at the lower levels, that you delineated and accept them as typical. After re-reading the original posting, I agree that all that occurred in that scenario was done appropriately and in good sportmanship.

HOWEVER, I do stand by my posting.... (Maybe It did not clearly identify what I feel is a larger problem) my comments where intended to address the lack of sportsmanship I see on a frequent basis. Focus moreso on this part of that posting: "I guess my "bottom line" question is.... What can we (as officials, and in most cases, as parents) do about it?"

Example: Last Friday night I did a Freshman game. "Gold" had a far superior, talented team and quickly jumped out to a sizeable lead (22-3 end of 1st qtr). Gold's coach continued a full court or 3/4 court press through the 1st half; (53-8 at the half).

Second half was not much different. The only exception was "Gold" did not press, but they ran a fast break nearly every opportunity. Gold's players attitudes were very pompous and pushing the edge of unsportmanlike conduct. It was clearly evident that they were feeding off the "leadership" of their coach.

At the end of the game in the officials' dressing room, my partner, an L-4 Official, commented about "Letting him ("Gold" Coach) get an earful about sportsmanship". Even though I agreed that "Gold's" coach could have taken many pre-emptive efforts to "throttle" his team (such as set plays) without "breaking their competitive edge", I did not feel it was my position to go to him immediately after the game (in uniform) and berate his conduct.

Open to feedback!!!