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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).
Perhaps true. I did not think of that possibility as I have only seen one clipboard flung and it was in frustration at a "non-call." I might T the coach even if it was directed at his own players though as tossing a clipboard for any reason is starting to get pretty abusive. But your point is that even that action is a personal decision and I agree.
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.
True......at that point in time. But you better know the rule. I have seen conferences (even in high school) ordered games resumed from certain points because the officials did not know a rule. I have never seen them disciplined because they failed to emit great presence. Last year, an important H.S. game here went into overtime. Rather than start the O.T. with a jump ball, the officials continued on with the alternating procedure. The conference ordered the game resumed from that point with the same two refs. Talk about embarrassing!
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.
And I have no doubt that the coaches have taken note that these same refs know the rulebook inside and out as well.
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.
Rut, I agree that being approachable is a great trait (although there are times when it's best to stay away from a frustrated coach). Coaches are always going to question judgment on calls that go against them regardless of your presence. If you blow a call because you did not know a rule and it has a hand in determining the game.... yikes.
Like anything, officiating is product of where you come from and who is teaching you.
Agreed. And it's also a product of studying the rule book, the case book, and your own game experience.
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).
Me too (except for the NFL since I don't officiate football).
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.
I have heard those same speeches. But I have also heard these same people say, "the rulebook is your best friend." Many of them have told stories about screwing up a rule and having it be the most embarrassing moment of their officiating careers. They are where they are because they mastered the rule book and then had the people skills and game management skills to take it even higher (and of course the ambition to want to ref at a higher level).
We have guys in our assoc who know the rulebook pretty good, but hand out T's like they are giving out Halloween candy. They don't advance so I agree that it's very important to have all the tools. But they wouldn't even be in the position to advance if they hadn't learned how to master and apply the rules first.
Peace to your bad self.
Z
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