[tomegun]

I think it is also important to point out some things about coaches.

I don't mind if a coach talks to me (talk being the operative word) and asks me questions about calls to a certain point. I do mind if a coach yells at anyone on the crew, makes borderline comments and displays unsportsmanlike conduct. I've had coaches yelling across the floor at one of my partners (rightfully so) and I told the coach, in a calm voice, that yelling across the floor wasn't going to do anything to help the situation. The coach, who is one of the few good coaches in this area, realized I was right and stopped yelling. I constantly tell them the official will work his/her way around to them in the natural rotation and they can ask the question then.

I have recently been sickened by the conduct of many coaches in the Gulf Coast area. I was recently in DC and got a chance to work a few games. Since I worked the games here then DC and here again I got a chance to compare the players and coaches in a short span of time. Surprisingly, the players in Mississippi can compete with the players in the DC/Maryland area with the exception of the Washington Catholic league. The difference is the coaching. I wouldn't want my kid anywhere near most of the coaches here. They are so concerned about the officials, but they can't teach there kids the fundamentals of the game. They can put on nice suits, but can't make sure there kids are learning how to be responsible on the court.