Jim Dixon Article (Officiating.com)

[mikesears]

In Jim's latest and most recent contribution to officiating.com, he states the following:

"Standing is not allowed for the purpose of chewing at officials. Standing to dispute calls is crossing the line, because it is an attempt to pressure officials to change calls - if not on this play, then over the course of the game. This should not be happening. It is for this very reason that the POE on bench decorum has been brought forward for accentuation."

I couldn't agree more! However, it does seem commonplace for officials to let coaches "chirp". Most officials just ignore it.

This leads me to some questions. What would you consider "disputing the call"? Are disputed "no-calls" covered? How would you suggest dealing with coaches in this situation? What words might you use? It seems that "Coach, that's enough" only works for the call in question. And I find it happens a lot when I am going to report to the table (no matter how far away from the table I am.) I refrain from using, "Coach, please worry about coaching" because someone once responded back, "Then you referee!" (I gave him a T).

I work mostly JV ball and I hope to work some varsity ball this winter. But before I feel ready, I am really needing to work on my coach management techniques. Any replies are appreciated. Davisms are welcome because I think of these in tough situations but most likely won't be used. I'm not experienced enough to use Davisms. Maybe when I'm older