[Dan_ref]

Coach comes to a basketball official's forum, wanting to know the best & safest way to work the officials at his games.

Coach is essentially told there is no best way, his best strategy is to coach his team for all the good reasons posted.

Coach admits he only really wants to work the newer, less experienced officials in his league and swears he would never consider going near officials who arrive "like a big mook wearing his dick on his sleeve determined to show me he is the big silverback gorilla".

Conclusion: Dealing with coaches is like dealing with a dog. Pack mentality is the key. Establish who's in control & they will be very happy to fall in line. But like a dog they are very good at perceiving a power vacuum and will immediately attempt to fill it. Further, if a coach views the opposing coach is getting more than he is or is barking louder than they are they are overwhelmed with the desire to bark themselves. Again, the solution is to make both coaches realize who, exactly, is in control to eliminate the petty jealousies that they are subject to.

Enjoy the superbowl.