[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally posted by mikeref
You only add fuel to the fire by making that (and other) sarcastic comments back to coaches. I thouroughly understand the temptation of trying to get the last word in on a knucklehead coach, but from the standpoint of professionalism, comments such as these are UNACCEPTABLE!!!
I believe if we as officials do not hold ourselves to higher standards than the coaches, then we are no better. I for one would like to think I handle these situations with dignity and professionalism. I just don't think comments such as these help the game or our relationship with the players or the coaches. Like I said earlier I fully understand the tempatation of firing back a quick zinger at a coach. I just think it is the wrong thing to do. Sooner or later the coach will try to zing you back...and the escalation begins.
Silence can never be misquoted...it is a good motto to go by...saves a lot of grief in the long run.

I agree with you and I disagree with you. BBR will tell you that their are times when one can get away with what he said and times where one cannot get aways with what he said.

I doubt if I would ever make that comment during a H.S. varsity or college game, but at the jr. varsity level and below and AAU, YBOA, and etc. competition I would probably use such a line. One has to remember to pick your battles carefully.

MTD, Sr.