I would think that staring would not happen by itself (possibly it could - but I would not think so). And his staring is likely just another step closer to crossing the T-bone line. Some coaches like to do that - just push a little at a time. Never doing anything egregious but just pushing a little farther, and a little farther, and a little farther with questionable antics, seeing when you will blow-up for his last little push. And then he incredulously asks if you really assessed a technical foul because he stared at you? Staring is likely just another straw to see if he can break your back.
During the activity of the game, it would be easy to look away. Ignore the staring and it will likely go away. During a timeout, it would not be so easy to ignore. So I like Bob's response for this situation (although I would talk to my partner and have him cover my back), go talk to the coach. "Do you have a question?" "Is there something we need to talk about, Coach?" etc. If he doesn't answer and just continues to stare you might make some further, professional comment or tactfully request him to stop/return to the huddle. Turn and walk back to your timeout position. Now your partner should be watching for the extra stuff he might do as you walk away and your partner can assess a technical for those antics (bait him with professionalism). During a timeout he can be on the court and can spend that time staring at you, or at the cheerleaders, or whatever.
When a coach stares, he is definitely trying to aggravate you, intimidate you, push you. Do you respond? Ignoring him may push him to his next level/antic for trying to intimidate you.
I tend to smile and chuckle at people who obviously try to intimidate me. It is not a professional response but then the act of trying to intimidate is not professional either. Some day I hope to grow up. Maybe this year.
We had a preparatory officers meeting last evening for the upcoming High School season! Time for me to go do some running.
