[JRutledge]

Originally posted by zebraman
RefDaddy,

I agree with the others that deciding ahead of time what is going to be a "T" doesn't always work. There may be some actions that are automatic though.
A clipboard slammed to the ground by a coach. A coach kicking a bleacher so loud that everyone in the gym hears it.

I did not say that actions did not warrant automatic or easy decisions about giving a T. But even slamming a clipboard is going to have some context. If a coach is clearly mad at his own players, I might pass (timeout situation). But if that action is at all directed at me, I do not have much to think about. Again this is personal and you have to decide what crosses the line for you own games.

Originally posted by zebraman

No, actually it's both. If you don't know the rules and how to apply them, your people skills won't help you B.S. your way through.

Z, we are just not going to agree on this. I respect how you feel, but have had too many D1 and pro officials say that officiating is about people (different sports too). Every coach is going to express distain for situations that you call. They are not going to always know the rule or understand why you made that call. The equalizer is how you explain, not explain, or just simply handle those conflicts. Because many conferences or places I work, when I have messed up with a call of some kind, I was given a pass or my call was accepted because of who I was. I have worked with several officials that the coaches stayed away from no matter what they called, because they had a very good reputation as being a very good official. So on the boarderline call, their call was accepted much more than myself who they did not know or had never seen. Just because you have people skills to explain your calls does not mean at all that you had to BS your way through anything. All it might mean is that you are approachable and the coach and sometimes player feel you are hearing them and paying attention to their concerns. Ignoring coaches can just make them think you only care about being right.


All the good officials keep making that point over and over again.

Originally posted by zebraman

Actually, good officials probably make that point once. Sub-par, inferior officials keep bringing it up over and over and over and over.

Like anything, officiating is product of where you come from and who is teaching you. I fortunately have come in contact and belong to some very good associations with officials literally from all different levels. From the varsity State Final Official and State Rules Interpreter, to the NBA Official (NFL too). I have been very fortunate to listen to many of these accomplished officials speak. And the reacurring theme, is people skills and common sense. Not what was your test score last year. Not what rule you can quote. Not how you understand all the ins and outs of 2-10, but dealing with people and being approachable. Not ignoring coaches or how many Ts you can give, but being approachable. If all you can do is think of ways to T coaches, then that is what you will be remembered for.

Peace