Communicating with Coaches

[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 . .

[Pantherdreams]

Originally Posted by so cal lurker

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

If they don't ask a questions we don't have to answer BUT . . .

1) if they keep talking or escalate because I don't manage a situation that may have to be explained later too.

2) You better not be planning on giving a ABS tech until the coach and I have addressed his concern or at least the fact that I heard him and he's accumulating.

[Mregor]

Originally Posted by so cal lurker

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

^^^^^^^^^^^ This. I would say no.

[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.