[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally posted by AD
I refereed a High School game on the weekend. I called a travel on the point guard in front of his team's bench.

The player's Coach Yells in my ear "You are not refereeing a jv game, he can make that move!"

I responded in kind saying "Thanks Coach. You just validated my call."

With that he threw his water bottle at the bench, for which I assessed him a technical.

Question. Did I bait him?

Game situation 5 point game, 10 minutes into 1st half.

I do not know how long you have been officiating but your comments could be construed as baiting even if that was not your intent, and I do not believe that your were trying to bait the coach.

I would recommend to any official to just ignore that type of a comment from a coach if he is a whinner. Of course the coach's actions with the water bottle justify the technical foul.