[BillyMac]

I am on the training commitee of our local board. I have been working on a technical foul handout. The original outline came from the Tri-City (Washington State) web site, but I've made some changes to it so that it conforms with the way we are taught to do things on our local board. I've also made some changes that reflect things about techncial fouls that I've learned on this Forum.

Forum members, please look it over, and please suggest corrections, additions, and deletions. I would also ask our Forum "annoying spelling" and "annoying grammar" members to peruse the handout.

I hope that this doesn't spark too much debate. I know that some Forum members have very "short fuses" when it comes to technical fouls, and I know that other Forum members have "very long fuses". I've tried to avoid the terms "stop sign" and "automatic", because I know that these terms, in regard to technical fouls, really get some official's "blood boiling". I've tried to take a "middle of the road" approach:

Technical Fouls

Top Reasons To Not Give A Technical Foul
 You can address a coach before it becomes a problem. A quiet word can go a long way in preventing a technical foul.
 When coaches complain, ask yourself, is the call questionable, is the call wrong. If they have a legitimate gripe, then allow them some latitude.
 If you know a coach is upset then move away from him or her, even if it means that you and your partner are not switching or rotating properly.
 Warnings can be very effective in preventing situations from escalating. Don't tolerate a lot before giving a strong warning. Let your partner know about the warning.
 Lend a reasonable ear. Coaches like to be heard. If you ignore them then they become more frustrated and are more likely to lose control.
 If an assistant is out of line, then you can speak to the head coach and ask them to help you out.
 If a player is out of line then let the coach know. Tell them you've warned their player. That way if you do give a technical foul, then the coach isn't surprised. Most good coaches will speak to the player first.
 If you have had a rough day and know your fuse is short, keep that in mind before you do anything rash. Ask yourself, does the situation come under one of the top reasons to give a technical foul.

Top Reasons To Give A Technical Foul
There are many different factors to consider when deciding to give a technical foul. Generally, there are three areas of coach's behavior that need attention: when a coach makes it personal, when a coach draws attention to himself or herself, and when a coach's complaints are persistent. Some technical fouls are easy. They are black and white situations that leave little room for negotiation:
 Using profanity or language that is abusive, vulgar, or obscene.
 A coach questions your integrity.
 Inciting an undesirable crowd reaction.
 A coach is embarrassing an official.
 A coach or player has been warned and has not heeded the warning.
 Leaving the confines of the coaching box and complaining.
 A coach demonstrates displeasure with your partner and their back is turned.
Other technical fouls are not as black and white. In some situations, a warning may be appropriate before the technical foul is given:
 A coach or player continually demonstrates signals or asks for calls.
 If they have interfered with the game or your concentration, then they have usually gone too far.
 If giving a technical will help give structure back to the game and if it will have a calming effect on things.

Top Ways To Give A Technical Foul
 Calling a technical foul should be no different then calling any other foul. It is simply a rule that requires a penalty. Maintain a pleasant attitude, have poise and presence. Don’t personalize it. Don't embarrass the coach by being demonstrative.
 Take your time. Don’t over react. Always sound the whistle and stop the clock with a foul signal. Signal the technical foul. Never look at a coach when you give a technical foul. Proceed to the reporting area, report it to the table, and leave the area.
 Confer with your partner. If the technical foul is charged to the head coach or bench personnel, have your partner inform the coach of the loss of the coaching box.
 Explanations, if needed should be done by partner, to avoid the immediate second technical foul. Always explain technical fouls on players to coaches.
 Proceed with the administration of the penalty. After technical fouls, put the ball in play immediately. Because a coach has been penalized with a technical foul does not mean that the coach is allowed rebuttal time.
 Make them earn the second technical foul. Don't be reluctant to give the second technical foul if it is warranted.
 Do not discuss a technical foul or an ejection of a player or coach beyond the confines of the gymnasium. Doing so is very unethical. The penalty is enough.