Quote:
Originally Posted by BktBallRef
The ability to be approachable and talk to coaches is something that takes new officials time to develop. If they're experienced and you're just learning the ropes, they'll eat you alive. They know what to say, you don't.
As a few guidelines:
#1, first and foremost, answer questions but do NOT address comments.
Only talk to the coach when the opportunity presents itself.
Don't get caught up in a convo when you should be officiating.
Don't throw your partner under the bus.
Don't argue with him. If you disagree, walk away when it's obvious nothing is going to change his mind or yours.
Admitting a mistake is okay but once a game is enough.
I'm sure others will offer their thoughts as well.
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Pretty much covered all the basics right here. I agree with all of this.
I just had this conversation last night with a JV official who was talking about how to respond to a comment by a coach and talking with coaches in general.
I told her don't respond too comments, only questions. If you do get engaged with a coach during their commentary simply state something along the lines of "coach, if you have a specific question, I'd be happy to address it."
Veteran coaches know how to get a lot of commentary into their "questions." Sometimes a good, "Coach, we hear you" with a variation of the stop sign technique works well for me in those situations.
Technically, I believe we are only "suppose" to discuss rules questions. But the more experience you get the more you will learn how to verbally interact with coaches. And learning how to do so efficiently and effectively will go along way toward advancing your career as an official.
As a young official it's tough but I would suggest limiting what you say until you feel more comfortable in your responses. A lot of time coaches just want to be heard. As long as they are respectful, let them know you hear them (use body language) and as you gain experience you will gain confidence in what responses work for you.