[ajmc]

Thereis a tremendous difference between spectators and coachs/sideline personnel. The best suggestion I could make about spectators, is TOTALLY IGNORE them and pay no attention to them - They Don't matter.

Coaches, on the other hand, are deserving of our respect and are entitled to the extension of professional curtesy. Emotional outbursts should be excused, where possible, but that does not mean tolerated or accepted. Coaches are REQUIRED to extend professional curtesy as well as they expect it to be offered.

Dealing with my 5 (now grown) children caused many instances of lost composure on my part, I can only imagine the frustration of dealing with 40 children. all at the same time. If somehow I can't ignore an emotional outburst, (which I usually can be very good at) I'll start with "the look", which should leave absolutely no doubt that whatever was said was inappropriate. If that fails, depending on what's been said, I might follow with a "brief" suggestion ("I hear you" or "that's enough") and turning away from further discussion. If that doesn't stop it, I'm not dealing with an emotional outburst anymore.

I'm now dealing with someone who is trying to intimidate me and reduce the standing of my position, which cannot be allowed to be successful.

If a coach (HC or assistant) has decided to embark on a continuing string of smart remarks behind me, at some point I'll pull him aside and quietly give him a choice, he can keep his comments to himself and remain on the sideline doing his job, or he can say whatever he wants, to whomever will listen, in the parking lot. From that point on, it's his decision which way things go.

We each get to draw wherever our "Line" will be, and it should be as obvious as possible so others know exactly where it is. When someone chooses to cross it, they've earned the consequences.