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I'm a long time reader, first time poster...love this forum. I've called HS varsity (as well as JV, intermediate, and lots of rec leagues) and a few NCAA DIII games for the last 5 years in two different states.
Note: My following comments all deal with HS V/JV, not intermediate or rec leagues...those are a whole different ball of wax.
I don't mind coaches talking to me during games, even if they're somewhat agitated...they're doing the job they're hired/paid to do. Granted, it still amazes me that seemingly the majority of varsity HS coaches don't know or understand all the rules, but its not my responsibility to educate them. I will always answer questions (when I hear them) and almost always ignore comments, except to suggest to coaches when they need to scale back (usually works for me). Plus, I know when I'm being "worked" and ignore that. Knock on wood, but I've rarely had a coach lose control (my theory: good partners/good pre-games).
In our association we follow the simple logic of protect the ball, protect the shooter, talk to players off-ball (to nip potential problems in the bud), call the obvious, and not get distracted from the task at hand. Works well for me. I mostly ignore coaches regardless of what they're doing (whether its actually coaching, whining, howling, sitting placidly by, checking the talent in the stands, etc) because they're not my overriding concern...the play on the court is (it keeps my attention). I try to only deal with coaches when there is a need to.
A little off topic, but I've noticed that many refs on this board have a real problem with asst coaches, like they're sub-human or something. I don't get it. Granted, they have to remain seated and are dealt with summarily if they act beyond their role, but I regularly respond to asst coaches if they're in control and not being jerks (see first half of this sentence). In my experience the vast majority of asst coaches know their boundaries and stay within them (head coaches almost always assure this). Besides, treating them as though they're a part of the proceedings tends to make them somewhat of an ally because they're usually little more than an afterthought...make someone feel that their input is valid/important and they suddenly become a contributing part of the process. Not all respond in that way, but I'm continually surprised at how many do.
Gotta go...Steve Martin is on Saturday Night Live.
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