[a4caster]

I had my 1st match of the year this week. 2nd game was a blowout-completely overpowered the other. I was saying to myself "game's out of reach, just keep it safe" but then thought the more you let go, the more it escalates. A little slap leads to a bigger on, then a little more pushing, then a lot of pushing, until right before your eyes, you have lost your "control." I still see talking the players out of a lot of stuff as much as you can.

Here's something from the 1st game. Late in the 4th, home team down by 3, has 4 fouls to give. Ball is right in front of the opponent's bench. Home coach is wanting them to foul to stop the clock. They do, and the opponent coach is looking at my partner and asking why he didn't call an intentional. He says anytime you yell "foul" it is automatic intentional. I tried to explain that it was a poe to combat excessive contact fouling in this situation, but the coach calling foul doesn't unlock the door. Did I miss something on the POE's lately, or is this coach being himself?
Oh well, the joys of the season.