[ditttoo]

"T" the coach for calling a timeout???? Although seldom accused of this myself, I'd say maybe you're thinking too much.

Had a situation last week where working 3 person I had to reach through the lane for a clear hack. Both of my partners were straightlined, so I had to get the whistle. Coach (naturally) met me at the table when I reported and simply asked why the offical closest didn't have a whistle. I replied I did not know, but also asked the coach if she would disagree with the call. She paused a bit and replied that the call was correct, in fact easy; she was just wondering why no other whistle. I replied that we (the coach and I) had the best angle in the house and the other officials were perhaps straightlined. She smiled a bit, especially when I asked if she was going to explain the situation to the student body section that was now wearing me out. She chuckled and declined stating, "I know you can handle it". Couldn't help but smile back.

Reinforced to me that the better coaches know and somewhat understand the official's perspective at times and that, afterall, we're there to officiate the contest - not necessarily be loved and admired by all.