Quote:
Originally posted by Forksref
... Since the rule was introduced that allows coaches to call a TO, I have never seen a player call a TO except to avoid a held ball or OOB. If your players call TO's in other situations, that is rare. I think that the rule has virtually eliminated the players from being involved in end-of-game thinking and decision-making. It used to be that your captains were real "leaders" out there and now they just show up for the pre-game instructions. That is too bad.
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I think that is a good point. As a coach, I make an effort to teach my players about game presence. We always coach our players to develop a habit of taking a quick look at the clock at every whistle to make sure they know score, time, bonus, and possession arrow information. This knowledge is crucial to end of game situations. Four little things that take about 5 seconds. For example, if the player knows he has the possession arrow in our favor, he doesn't have to waste a time-out if he gets tied up in a jump ball situation. The goal is to create smart players, although your point is well taken - some coaches have eroded the leadership role of the players on the floor trying to control everything from the sideline.
Personally, I still think it's quicker to have the players call for time instead of the coach. The officials are most focused on the players to begin with and I can only imagine how distracting it must be to have to look back to verify it's me making the call instead of some fool of a fan acting out as a coach wannabe. Don't get me wrong, I'll be calling it out as well, but I think JR makes a good point that in a loud gym, the T sign by a nearby player is the quickest way to get the official's attention anyway.