Definitely answer questions. But perhaps you shouldn't exactly ignore commentary. Definitely don't respond to commentary as if it were a concern you need to address. But it is often beneficial to acknowledge comments. You can do that with a head nod, an "I hear you", an "I understand", an "I'll watch for it, Coach", etc. That way they know they've been heard and won't feel compelled to repeat themselves because they think you weren't listening the first time.
Don't initiate conversation with coaches unless you have an issue to address with them.
If a coach raises a concern, or asks a question about a call listen closely to what he/she is asking, and to what he/she is
really asking. Answer with as few words as possible. Then move on. This is a skill you'll develop over time.
Often newer officials are intimidated by the prospect of interacting with coaches because they're afraid they'll get in a situation where they don't know what to say and will look weak or somehow "lose" the interaction. This interaction is an area where it's okay to fake confidence until you really develop it. Be conscious of your body language. Smile. Slow down. Breathe. Relax your shoulders. Listen, then respond. Speak softly and calmly, especially if the situation is tense. If you just don't know what to say, at least try to say something positive. "I'll take a closer look at that, Coach" or "I'll find out for you, Coach" or "You may be right, I'll watch that more closely." or "That's not what I saw, Coach" or "As I understand it, ..." etc. And sometimes it's okay to say, "You're right, Coach, I kicked that one" or "You know what? I didn't like that call very much either."
Be aware that the vast majority of Freshman B team coaches are seasoned coaching veterans, know the rules of the game quite well, and will focus 99% of their attention on their players. Or not.
Truthfully, this level of ball is rife with new players, new officials, new coaches, new table crews and ignorant parents. Understand that there will be a lot of mistakes on everybody's part, and you need to show a lot of patience. Inexperienced coaches will usually give you exactly as much crap as you will take. They sometimes times turn their frustration at how poorly their team is playing and how inadequate they feel as coaches on the officials. So be prepared to address coach behavior firmly, but professionally if it becomes an issue. Keep your comments directed at the behavior, not the person. "Coach, you know I cannot have you yelling at me across the floor like that" or "Coach, I need you to coach your team and let me and my partner work."
Most of all, have fun out there. Good luck and let us know how it goes.
