[bgtg19]

WyMike's suggestion that coaches periodically throw out a "nice call" or "good catch there" reminds me of something that I have observed, and I offer it here to coaches who are looking for positive ways to interact with officials.

Perhaps even less direct than a "good call" to the official can be calling over your player who has just committed a foul and talking to her/him just loud enough for the calling official, who is now tableside, to hear. Say something like: "Remember what we talked about when we covered the principles of verticality. You had your torso in good position, but your arms were at an angle. These officials are smart enough to see when we're not doing it right." Statements like that serve two purposes: (1) you *are* coaching your players and (2) you *are* complimenting the official without it being so direct that the official will wonder if you're "working" her/him. Just a thought.