Give the coach an explaination

[stripes]

Originally Posted by junruh07

My default with coaches is to put blinders on and ignore them. I am trying to work at communicating more in situations where it will be helpful.

I see this happen all too often from newer officials. Generally, this approach creates more problems than it solves. Coaches hate to be ignored and tend to get louder to be heard. You need to answer legitimate questions, but do not let the coach devolve the conversation or answer statements.

Keep it factual and about the call in question. If the coach tries to change the subject, end the conversation. I will also tell a coach that we are only talking about that play. If he brings up the one last trip or my partner's calls, I emphatically tell him that we are not talking about that play and we have to move on. I also prefer having the conversation during live play (some can't talk and ref, I have found that I can) because live play will have built in conversation enders (whistle, transition, etc.)