|
This is a topic that hits close to me as a relatively newer official young in age. I had trouble early in my career properly dealing with coaches, particularly JV level coaches, and called a lot of Ts. Clearly, I feel that my biggest weakness as an official has been in dealing with those types of situations. I tried a number of methods, from explaining to being smart or trying to be funny, which may work for some, but not for me. After observing officials, primarily higher up than me and especially at camps, I've developed a theory which has worked very well for me so far. I have recently had much better dealings with coaches (although some of that may be due to the fact I'm no longer dealing with JV coaches...). My theory has several principles:
1) Call the obvious and referee your primary. If you're getting the obvious calls in front of you and you're not calling "game interrupters" away from the ball that aren't obvious and don't have an affect on the play, coaches will buy what you're selling a lot more so than if you're calling a whole bunch of ticky-tack, especially if you happen to miss an obvious foul. Calling the obvious makes you appear competent as an official and builds credibility.
2) Be in position, consider "believability" factor when you make a call, a couple steps can really help to sell a call.
3) Court demeanor: I know as a young official I went out there attempting to call a perfect game and was described as a very intense official. I think the intensity hurt me with the coaches, particularly if I "oversold" a call that went against them, it would annoy me. Comments also would get to me on a more personal level than I would've liked to admit. I think a good adage here is that in order to control the game, you first must fully control yourself, visibly demonstrate that control and appear relaxed rather than intense. An intense posture from me, I believe, made me appear unapproachable, and led to coaches taking potshots rather than dealing in a personal manner. Having too much of a presence, especially for a new official can be just as detrimental as appearing aloof or indecisive.
As a young official, you will definitely get challenged by coaches. I find it best to just adopt my style of dealing with coaches to my personality. So far I have found success in my approach, but I would love to hear some other advice/opinions because I still would love to improve my communication skills on the court.
|