Quote:
Originally Posted by bob jenkins
Go to the coach first, or at least as part of the discussion.
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I did mention to the coach that some equipment color issues had to be dealt with (which included a few undershirts) before I approached his players pregame.
Near the end of the game, I discussed my plan with the coach (on the fly) as soon as the illegal equipment was detected. I told him that I would allow the kid to keep playing, and if he wanted me to deal with the problem with a few seconds left. He agreed.
I actually gave the kid my, "Don't you want to look like a basketball player?" speech before the game (a tool in my black tool belt that I've actually never used before, but I haven't done too many middle school games like this before).
I'm not proud of it, but I was really pissed at the kid. I wanted him to play as long as possible, but I also wanted him to realize there are consequences to one's actions. I fully realize that this is more the coach's job than the official's job, which is why I checked with the coach. If he said that the wanted to deal with it I would have just asked for as substitute with three minutes to go, with no one on one contact between me and the player.
I think that my retired middle school teacher inner self was speaking to me. Maybe next time I'll tell "him" to shut up.