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Philisophically, ...I think Most, or at least some coaches can learn/improve their coaching skills, just as most/some officials can learn/improve their officiating skills. Selfish idiots won't learn to behave. The others will do whatever gives them the most satisfaction while providing tolerable negative reinforcement. I think, Officials can sometimes help improve the reasonable coaches' behavior by eventually earning respect/credibility by being professional - fair, consistent, well-positioned, knowledgeable, sharp, etc. Many HS coaches will behave better when they trust the Official. I know many HS coaches will "ride" a rookie-seeking some advantage, but not a credible vet. I also believe Officials should consistently provide that negative reinforcement. Finally, maturity and knowledge have made me a better coach and Official - educating the coaches who are willing to be educated helps, but there's no time to educate during the game, and the coach isn't listening anyway. If you ever get a chance to have a real, non-sarcastic, non-confrontational conversation with a non-selfish-idiot type coach, you may be able to teach him or her something. Best method: Get the coach to officiate a few games.
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