Communicating with Coaches

[Adam]

Just treat them like adults. Before phrases and quick sentences can be useful, I think one needs to remember we are dealing with adults. That means treating them with respect and expecting they treat us the same.

[bas2456]

Originally Posted by Adam

Just treat them like adults. Before phrases and quick sentences can be useful, I think one needs to remember we are dealing with adults. That means treating them with respect and expecting they treat us the same.

If only they all acted like adults

I generally only answer questions unless I can answer a statement in five words or less. I had one today where my partner stopped the action to check on an injured player. The player was fine, no need to call the coach out to check on him. The other coach said "Wait you stopped the game you have to take him out!"

I was the trail, tableside, right in front of his bench. I just looked over and said "That's not the rule, coach". It was an effective response.

[Refhoop]

I've heard a couple that I now use as an official:
Coach: Are we doing anything right tonight?
Coach: We're busting our rear end out here tonight, we want to get every play right.
Coach: We need to keep the kids safe.
Coach: We need to keep this game fair.
Coach: We need good sportsmanship tonight.
Coach: Rule 10 (freedom of movement)

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Refhoop

Rule 10

Mentioning a rule number to a coach always works for me, especially Rule 4, Rule 9, and rule 10. Many coaches believe that there are hundreds of basketball rules (not just ten), and are surprised that we can name a rule number without looking it up. It puts them off guard for a split second and by the time they come up with a retort, I'm all the way down the other end of the court, out of range, leaving the coach scratching his head.

[Dad]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

Mentioning a rule number to a coach always works for me, especially Rule 4, Rule 9, and rule 10. Many coaches believe that there are hundreds of basketball rules (not just ten), and are surprised that we can name a rule number without looking it up. It puts them off guard for a split second and by the time they come up with a retort, I'm all the way down the other end of the court, out of range, leaving the coach scratching his head.

Make sure you carry extra books with you so you can throw it at the coach when you tell him what rule it is.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Dad

Make sure you carry extra books with you so you can throw it at the coach when you tell him what rule it is.

Many coaches around here attend a new rules meeting hosted by our local board. This invariably leads to statements like, "Hey BillyMac, that's a point of emphasis this year. You have to call that".

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Dad

Make sure you carry extra books with you so you can throw it at the coach when you tell him what rule it is.

Hey Mark Padgett? Why are you posting under Dad's username?

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

Mentioning a rule number to a coach always works for me ... Many coaches believe that there are hundreds of basketball rules (not just ten), and are surprised that we can name a rule number without looking it up. It puts them off guard for a split second and by the time they come up with a retort, I'm all the way down the other end of the court, out of range, leaving the coach scratching his head.

No need to quote book, chapter, and verse, just the rule number:

Coach (irritated, from across the gymnasium): "Hey BillyMac, that's a travel."
BillyMac (calmly, moving closer to the coach)): "No coach, check out rule four."
Coach (perplexed): Crickets chirping.

And... scene.

[jpgc99]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

No need to quote book, chapter, and verse, just the rule number:

Coach (irritated, from across the gymnasium): "Hey BillyMac, that's a travel."
BillyMac (calmly, moving closer to the coach)): "No coach, check out rule four."
Coach (perplexed): Crickets chirping.

And... scene.

I would never say this. To me, this is condescending and would only escalate the issue. As has been mentioned previously, treat them like an adult.

"He released the ball before his pivot foot returned to the floor." I answered his question, told him what I saw, and explained the rule. Who cares what the rule number is?

[so cal lurker]

Originally Posted by jpgc99

I would never say this. To me, this is condescending and would only escalate the issue. As has been mentioned previously, treat them like an adult.

"He released the ball before his pivot foot returned to the floor." I answered his question, told him what I saw, and explained the rule. Who cares what the rule number is?

There was no question . . . which begs the question if any answer was appropriate/necessary . .

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by jpgc99

To me, this is condescending and would only escalate the issue.

Thirty five years. Technicals on high school varsity coaches? I could probably count on two hands, even if I were missing a few fingers. Ejections? Maybe one? So I'm not usually escalating any situations in regard to game management with coaches.

Of course, with headful of gray hair, after being around the block a few times, and attending a few rodeos, I'm sure that I can get away with stuff that younger, less experienced officials couldn't get away with.

Also, I was talking about running by the coach, making a short statement, not standing there having a conversation. I should have been clearer on that point.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Adam

Just treat them like adults. Before phrases and quick sentences can be useful, I think one needs to remember we are dealing with adults. That means treating them with respect and expecting they treat us the same.

I totally agree. And phrases only work if you understand why you are saying them. I cannot use your phrase and it automatically work unless I really understand why I am saying this or if I deliver it correctly.

Peace