[Goose]

Hey, besides what Chuckie said, here is my magic word/words.

Anything with the pronoun that includes "you". Like "YOU" are a blank. Or YOU'RE a blank. Or "YOU" guys blank.

Now, that does not include, things like, you missed that call. That's really not name calling. Or something like, "open your eyes". I'll let that go with a warning once, but not twice.

Also, it is your job to watch your partners back. Any waving off or using finger digits behind a officials back will warrant a T, and it is up to you to protect your partners. I can't tell you the number of times I have T'd a player or coach for flipping off my partner as he turns his back.

In general, I tend to error on the side of slack. But everyone has their point of going off and it is best that both you and your partner discuss this before you work. You should all be on the same page as to what you will tolerate and what you will not. Nothing worse than having your partner throw a T when you just let the coach or player get away with saying the same thing to you a moment ago.

My general rule of thumb though is if possible, make sure everyone in the gym knows why you are throwing a T. I try and never throw a T near the bench. I want the coach or player to yell at me clear across the court so the whole gym can hear what he/she said. But I do know there are those "special" situations where you gotta do what you gotta do, but generally, I prefer that they be the ones to put their foots in their mouths and not me.

goose