What have you learned this year?

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Smitty

I've learned the opposite - be more approachable to coaches. It has improved my court demeanor significantly. I've found that being more patient and approachable, and even just chatting briefly about the game during dead balls when I'm near the coach has had a very positive affect on my games.

He actually did not say anything about being less approachable. He said to ignore coaches and often coaches are not asking questions, they are making statements or trying to get a response to things that you cannot win on either way.

I also feel being "approachable" means different things to different people. Some officials feel like they have to respond to coaches about everything and that can be very detracting to the ultimate job and that is to call fouls.

If I have learned anything, just walk away when the conversation is not going anywhere. Better to walk away then keep debating something they are not going to see it your way or agree with your explanation.

Peace

[deecee]

I learned that this is a part time gig, and sometimes coaches/kids/parents react/act like this is our full time job. Do your best but always keep priorities straight. Family-job-refreeing, in that order.

I also learned that I need to lose 15-20 lbs.

[BryanV21]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

He actually did not say anything about being less approachable. He said to ignore coaches and often coaches are not asking questions, they are making statements or trying to get a response to things that you cannot win on either way.

I also feel being "approachable" means different things to different people. Some officials feel like they have to respond to coaches about everything and that can be very detracting to the ultimate job and that is to call fouls.

If I have learned anything, just walk away when the conversation is not going anywhere. Better to walk away then keep debating something they are not going to see it your way or agree with your explanation.

Peace

Perhaps the word "ignore" is a little harsh, but J gets what I'm saying.

I've worked hard this season at managing the coaches, and that oftentimes means ignoring them unless necessary. That doesn't mean their questions or concerns are ignored, it means anything other than a question/concern is ignored. More often than not they're just blowing off steam, and the more I pay attention to such things the more problems I have to deal with.

And when I said they'd eventually get my attention, it means I'm not going to stop or hold up the game to speak with them. What I may do is wait until I'm close to him and free to talk, then I'll say something like "I heard what you were asking before, I just needed to wait until I got a chance to address you... yada, yada, yada". By doing that I'm not only avoiding any type of hold-up to the game, but the coach may get enough time to cool off over a call he may not have agreed with.

[RedAndWhiteRef]

Definitely agree on the whole "be more approachable to coaches" thing. I used to get bent out of shape when a coach questioned me. Sometimes, they really didn't see what was happening and they're truly just asking. I called a foul once in a tight game and on the way down the court the coach asked me what his player did. I kind of snapped a reply at him and he was like "Whoa, I'm just asking because I didn't see the play!" I felt kinda bad.

I've learned that it's okay to admit you missed a call, whether it's to a coach, player, or your partner. I missed the most obvious travel in VHSL history a few weeks ago, coach was upset. Next dead ball I happened to be right next to him at trail and I just said "Coach, I missed that one." He appreciated it.

[JeffM]

Twice, I awared technical fouls to players for reactions to foul calls they disagreed with. After reporting the personal foul and then the technical foul, I could not recall which player was fouled. Fortunately, my partners remembered.

[WhistlesAndStripes]

I learned not to tell a kid sitting on the bench to shut up, no matter how much he deserves it. Just whack him.