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I can't resist putting my 2-cents worth in here. Coaches yell at their kids. (I yell at mine sometimes!) Sometimes that's the way to get their attention, especially if you only have 30 or 60 seconds to do it!
The questions that need to be addressed here is whether or not profanity constitutes unsportsmanlike behavior and whether or not we have jurisdiction while teams are in a huddle.
The latter question is definitely true. Bench personnel and players are within our jurisdiction during the game. In fact, if a team is using a VCR in the lockerroom at half time to review plays, we can go in and T them up for that! (NFHS)
Is profanity from the coach unsportsmanlike. It's definitely unsportsmanlike from the players. (10.3.8.b) Bench staff are also clearly prohibited from profanity. (10.4.1.c) Regrettfully, there is less clarity regarding the head coach's behavior. However, the rules book is clear in its stance on profanity, and the stance is that there is no place for it in the game of basketball. Would stopping the coach from using profane language improve the game? Absolutely!
Is this a common sense approach? Even though Rut may disagree, it is. This type of activity degrades the game, offends most, and violates the rules. For me, zero tolerance.
BTW, in response to another post in this thread, I've agreed with Rut more than once. This just doesn't happen to be one of those times! ;-)
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