There is a problem with many NFHS high school officials who are their own worst enemies. They report the foul far too close to the table and then head on over toward the coach, into what we around here call the "Hornets Nest", or the "Coach's Vortex" into which they get sucked.
The coach would have had nothing to say had not the official abetted his comment by his proximity. Most often then, the comment is not a question, not constuctive, and was only instigated by such an unnecessary close proximity. You're entering his house...he pretty much feels he's gotta say something.
Bad.
Solution: Review the actual reporting box. (Billy Mac, can you post it for me?) Get there...report...turn around and be in position for the ensuing play. Report from where you want to be for the next play. Quick getting sucked into the vortex. Stay out of the hornet's nest. Most often the coach has nothing to say or ask.
Many get themselves in trouble when they report and then saunter on over towards the coach and end up conversing in unconstructive banter otherwise unforthcoming. If the coach has a question, give him the proximity and the time -- keep your head, shoulders, and eyes on the court while listening --, but that is probably a lot more rare than those who bring it upon themselves by getting sucked into the vortex of the "Hornet's Nest".
I speak not only as an official, but as a former coach who loved to suck officials into my "Vortex" to chew on them strategically when they were willing to get sucked in.

Agreed!!!

Peace

it doesn't bother me going away from the table. And if I need to say something to the coach then I'll let my partner know I'm coming tableside.

Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

Ask And It Will Be Given To You (Matthew 7:7) ...
 

I would much rather the NFHS allow two-handed reporting.

I would love the opportunity to go tableside after a foul. We do 2-man.:mad:

Really? That is such a meaningless distinction that adds absolutely nothing to the game or your ability to officiate.

You do if there will be FTs.

When I was new I felt the same way about getting away from coaches, but it turns out I was just too thin-skinned and didn't know how to explain the call well.

But it's something we have to learn how to do. Besides, I love Adam's point about being able to speak with a coach without either party yelling across the court, or staying by the bench to make it obvious.

My goal for this year is to improve my communication skills and hopefully bring down the number of T's I hand out. I'm hoping an improvement in communication will help de-escalate a handful of the technicals. Maybe a higher comfort level being closer to the coaches will follow as I improve that area. This will be my first year with a varsity only slate through each week with my only sub varsity being Saturday booster tourneys, so hopefully with that many games with a bit more at stake, I'll feel more comfortable, confident, and look less like the new guy on all of my crews.

First off, congrats!!! And to put you at ease, it's not a matter of hoping. When you work at 7pm every Tuesday and Friday, it means your assignor trusts you and most coaches get that. I'm positive you'll be comfortable and confident very quickly this season.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks man... I was doing mostly varsity last year, but threw in some sub varsity stuff to fill out the schedule. Those were tough because a lot of times guys at the sub varsity level are either done doing varsity so they don't care, or trying to work their way up and aren't as strong so I don't learn a whole lot. I love doing varsity because I always learn something new from the guys I work with.

Nor does going opposite table after reporting.

I think there is more purpose for what side we go to after a foul than there is if we report 2 hands or 1.

Peace

I'm surprised to see this thread turn into an argument about something that has nothing to do with the original post. I wish that would happen more here.:D