[DownTownTonyBrown]

Originally posted by Smitty
Got a reply to my email from the evaluator/varsity ref. Although he agreed that the comments the coach made were disparaging and I would have been justified in having him tossed from the gym, he wouldn't recommend it.

Why? Me thinks there might be some personal relationship that would be damaged if he were to impose the proper penalty. Of course in my opinion, the relationship is already damaged due to the comments. Or its just a suck-up relationship to begin with.

He recommended instead to ignore it and bring it to the attention of our commissioner and possibly the state.

I think that is kind of a chicken response... let somebody else clean up the mess... backdoor the coach by going over his head. My response is still penalize at the time of the infraction.

He also said that during the varsity game the coach was, in his words, "a pussycat". Well of course.

He mentioned that over the years he's earned the coach's respect, so I guess I have a few years to go, eh?

I disagree. You are there to do the job - fully qualified and capable. You should have his respect from the beginning. The only possibility concerning respect should be that you could loose his respect due ineptness or lack of social skills. You should start the relationship with a full quota of respect. Turn the tables around... do you respect the coach? What about next year when you are working his game?

That kind of disrespect ruins the game for you, for the players, and for the fans. It should never be allowed. To do nothing means that you think it is acceptable - and I don't think you do, or you wouldn't have started this thread. Failure to penalize also says to everyone else that showing disrespect is acceptable - it breeds contempt.

It's done and I think I'll get it right the next time. I hope there's not a next time...

I hope there IS a next time and that you do get it right. The kind of treatment you described is unacceptable from anyone and is especially reprehensible if it is coming from a coach. Coaches should be the next to highest example of great sportsmanship... right below officials.

The varsity dude's game would also have been quiet as a pussycat without the howler there. I still think send him packing.