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I might join most of the choir here with one exception. The coach was obviously trying to get some response and it may have taken just a bit too long.
Almost every co-official will first blurt out "communication" in pre-game as if that's the one word remedy for having a good game. It is certainly important on the floor between co's, but I've found that the word actually applies to dealing with coaches as well.
This year, I've called just one T and for the most part, I think it's due more to a change over the past few years in my attitude and positioning than anything. After reporting calls and going tableside, I've started positioning myself right next to the coach so that any conversations are at least civil in volume if not tone. I've also started enjoying the give-and-take dialog that goes on.
I enjoy basketball--played, coached or called it most of my life and assume the coach is a reasonable person (true for the most part). We talk about the game and players first. I've found that if/when they question a call, my response is somewhat along the lines of "I hear you coach but here's why that call was made". That generally satisfies them.
I don't argue. If the coach is mis-quoting a rule, I simply say, "No, the rule is legal guarding position," or "the advantage was created when he was pushed from behind -- that's illegal coach”.
If a coach starts to get out of hand, my responses tend to become shorter and a bit more prefunctional. "Coach, we're watching that", or "we'll stay on top of that".
In fact, I can only remember one time this year I've had to get to the
"Coach, I've heard enough" phrase. And in that case, the somewhat newbie coach still acted like an idiot and missed the stop sign. That was my only T and I don't think anyone in the gym was surprised or dissapointed with the technical at that point.
Just my thoughts.
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