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Peter,
You wrote...
I cannot begin count the number of sub NCAA games where I have seen coaches bully or manipulate umpires into calls. Coaches whine and complain because it works on occasion. A good course in psychology wins more games than knowing the rules - at least at the lower levels.
I agree that knowing when, what and how to say things to coaches will help you in the long run. However, how can you argue with making the coach take the Part 1 test each season. As you know, a good test score does not equate to a good official. The same can be said for the coach. Most of us have experienced the coach that likes to test us. Either he is trying to see how we match up or he is trying to trip us up and put us on the defensive. Bullying is a whole different issue. We can end that very quickly.
I contend that a coach that actually knows the rules may not argue as much. There are always exceptions, but my favorite coaches are the guys that know the rules and understand my mechanics. They don't come busting out when I balk a kid, throw a bat out of the game or impose a ground rule call. They actually make my job easier.
I recognize that some coaches may wield their knowledge over a green official, but they will eventually meet their match. Wouldn't you rather have a coach that knew the rules rather than having to explain your calls all of the time?
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