[williebfree]

Middle school game tonight

Early in the first quarter, boisterous voice from the bench "Three seconds! Three seconds! Three seconds! You need to call that!" All while there is a group of 8th graders playing "volleyball" under the hoop (You know the routine. Multiple shots, none of which have a chance of scoring.)

I soon realize this could be an unpleasant coach, aka Bobby Knight, Jr. (BKJ)

Next time down, one of BKJ's players is beaten by a nice athletic move. The loudmouth coach starts ripping his player a new "one." I deliberately pause and stare at him, give him a "hairy eyeball", and shake my head. He appeared to get the subtle message and is relatively quiet for the rest of the half.

Second half, Amnesia must have set in... Well, actually the opponents went on a run and built a 5 pt lead into a 17 pt lead. BKJ became increasingly verbally abusive toward his player and started chipping about the officiating again.

With 3:18 left in the 3rd qtr, I called an "illegal use of hands foul" against BKJ's player. It was clearly on a continuous motion to shoot. I reported the info to the table and moved to trail for the ensuing FTs.

In the quiet as my partner prepares to administer the FTs I hear BKJ... "No way! He wasn't shooting! He can't be shooting! Hey Ref, get in the game! Where did you come up with that call?"

I raise my hand (Universal Stop sign) and clearly state "Coach, we're shooting two. I have heard enough."

BKJ: "I will let you know when I am done!"

(Tweet) (Signal the T) Report to the table: "I have a direct technical on the coach for unsportsmanlike conduct."

BKJ: (Standing about 8 feet away from me, with fists clinched and veins popping out of the side of his neck.)
"I said I will let you know when I am done!"

(Tweet) (Signal the T) Report to the table: "I have a second direct technical on the coach for unsportsmanlike conduct. Coach you are now done. Please leave the gym now."

Asst coach is embarassed by BKJ's conduct and parents from BOTH teams give a standing O as my partner oversees BKJ stomping out of the gym.

This was a case were the Ts made the game better.

Final score: 45 - 41 BKJ's players were much more relaxed and closed the gap, but ended up a little short.