[imagomer]

Ima coach, and I think my sharing of an experience I had last night with a young official may help some new officials here, plus I just have to vent a little. 3 min left of my Girls Varsity game, I'm down by 15 and not going to come back. IMO, the young official had booted about 3 calls - really no big deal, but he probably knew I was a little agitated with him (remember this later) . Anyway, under my basket, we're D, fighting for a loose ball (right in front of our bench) off a batted pass and as soon as we gain possession I request a timeout. The official who should have granted the TO did not (he heard me, but decided we didn't have possession long enough to constitute control). Of course, I thought we had established control, and I was steaming, though non-verbally, and I don't think I complained out loud (15 point game). My point (finally): The younger official comes in from up the court (from new Lead) to about the division line and initiates an explanation of why the other official had not granted me the TO rqst. I vented on him for about 4 or 5 sentences and then he gives me the stop sign. I say "You came here and started this conversation with me and now you want to tell me you don't want to discuss it?!" Then we finish the game. My advice to the newer refs: don't initiate a conversation with an agitated coach - respond professionally if he asks a valid question. More experienced refs already know when to speak and when not to speak to a coach. (I think his knowledge of my earlier disappointment with a few of his calls, and his inexperienced desire to be "liked" may have brought him to the point to "make nice" with me. maybe. . .) I hope this is helpful. Go Lions.