I wish NFHS mechanics indicated...

[UNIgiantslayers]

I can understand and respect that. I'm often the youngest on my crew though, so maybe I'm touchy about how much more I perceive coaches trying to see how far they can push with me. Maybe I need to stop being so sensitive

[WhistlesAndStripes]

Originally Posted by UNIgiantslayers

I can understand and respect that. I'm often the youngest on my crew though, so maybe I'm touchy about how much more I perceive coaches trying to see how far they can push with me. Maybe I need to stop being so sensitive

This!! And also, it gives you an opportunity to explain something if it needs explaining. Don't feel like you have to respond and explain EVERYTHING, but at the same time, if you can't explain it, you shouldn't have called it. Sometimes it's a fine line as to whether or not something needs to be explained. That's just something that will come with time.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Whistles & Stripes

This!! And also, it gives you an opportunity to explain something if it needs explaining. Don't feel like you have to respond and explain EVERYTHING, but at the same time, if you can't explain it, you shouldn't have called it. Sometimes it's a fine line as to whether or not something needs to be explained. That's just something that will come with time.

I know it's what you're saying, but just because I can explain something doesn't mean I'm going to take the time to do it; even if I'm table side.

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by UNIgiantslayers

I can understand and respect that. I'm often the youngest on my crew though, so maybe I'm touchy about how much more I perceive coaches trying to see how far they can push with me. Maybe I need to stop being so sensitive

Just b/c you go tableside doesn't mean you have to be close enough to the coach for him to bend your ear.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by UNIgiantslayers

I can understand and respect that. I'm often the youngest on my crew though, so maybe I'm touchy about how much more I perceive coaches trying to see how far they can push with me. Maybe I need to stop being so sensitive

Did you work when we did go opposite?

I prefer the current arrangement.

[UNIgiantslayers]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

Did you work when we did go opposite?

I prefer the current arrangement.

I sure didn't, that's why I included the part about those of you who have been around. Care to expand?

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by UNIgiantslayers

I sure didn't, that's why I included the part about those of you who have been around. Care to expand?

I can see where newer officials being near newer coaches could cause some problems -- neither knows how to talk to the other, yet. On the other hand, when are you going to learn?

[JRutledge]

All they do is when you go opposite is yell across the floor. Nothing is so special about being table side or opposite table. We go opposite table in college and it does not make communication always better. The difference with college is the officials tend to be a little more experienced so they know how to handle many coaches yelling across the court, but that does not mean it does not have its problems. I have gotten to the point where I really do not care either way.

Peace

[OKREF]

In our state, in a game with 2 officials we do go opposite table. I prefer to stay table side. Just think there is less loud communication between coach and official.

[Freddy]

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.

[BryanV21]

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.

[IncorrectCall]

Quite the contrary - NCAA-M should go table side like every other league in the world.

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

Did you work when we did go opposite?

I prefer the current arrangement.

Agree. It was near impossible to answer a question to from across the court and it was awkward diverting so you didn't have to yell at the coach to give an explanation. Of course, yelling is usually not a good choice. Now, you have the opportunity to answer a question in the natural flow of the game without making it so obvious and without creating much, if any, delay.

You always have the option of not sitting right in the coaches lap if you don't want to and you also have the option of just not rotating to that spot of you need to keep away from the coach for a bit.