[Rich]

There is a middle ground here. One of the other officials could walk over and get the coach back into his huddle. Of course, by walking over there, it's pretty hard to whack him because it looks like you're baiting him at that point, but it's something I would be willing to risk if I knew the coach and if I had no intention of whacking him for the stare anyway.

I have also, when the target of "the stare" found a reason to turn and walk from the block and tie a shoe or get a towel to clean up an imaginary wet spot on the floor.

I have whacked in this situation. I do think it's unsportsmanlike and is showing up the official, but I don't necessarily think the technical is the best course of action for the game.

As for the official being angry at his partners -- if he wanted a technical called HE should've called it! This isn't like a second technical where it's nice if a different official gets it. This is more like expecting a partner to do your dirty work for you.