Comms w/ Coaches….in late January

crosscountry55

Anyone else ever get to a point in the season where you’re trying to be a good communicator with coaches, but find yourself being received poorly no matter how sincere your intentions? Or where you realize you’re trying to explain things too much?

I believe I have reached that point this year. I think I need to go on a little communications retreat in order to reset myself before the postseason. Time to focus more on just calling the game and less on appeasement.

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Raymond

I'm all for communicating but I'm not for explaining. They get one question during an encounter for which I will give one answer, then I get away from them. I also let them know we're not explaining all of our calls.

I wish some of the officials I've been observing this year would have the fortitude to do that. I've seen too many coaches spend entire games reacting to all the calls and always expecting an explanation and the officials do nothing to shut it down.

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BillyMac

Raymond wrote
I also let them know we're not explaining all of our calls.

Agree.

I'm more likely to "communicate" with coaches regarding "controversial" or "complex" calls and calls where I believe that I, or my partner, may have screwed up (straight lined, etc.).

Once every few years, or so, I've been known to line up (incorrectly) tableside as the trail on a free throw (two person) anticipating giving the coach a chance to "communicate" (vent) without having to yell across the court.

I try to strictly limit my "garden variety" communications with coaches.

ilyazhito

crosscountry55 wrote
Anyone else ever get to a point in the season where you’re trying to be a good communicator with coaches, but find yourself being received poorly no matter how sincere your intentions? Or where you realize you’re trying to explain things too much?

I believe I have reached that point this year. I think I need to go on a little communications retreat in order to reset myself before the postseason. Time to focus more on just calling the game and less on appeasement.

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I don't initiate any conversations. I answer questions, and that is it.

BillyMac

ilyazhito wrote
I don't initiate any conversations.

Even complex situations? Correctable errors? False doubles? Multiple technical fouls? Conflicting signals? Clock errors? Etc.?

Shit happens and it usually has to be explained.

BillyMac

BillyMac wrote
Even complex situations?

... and the more complex the issue is, the more likely I'm going to initiate communication and meet with both head coaches at the same time.

ilyazhito

BillyMac wrote
Even complex situations? Correctable errors? False doubles? Multiple technical fouls? Conflicting signals? Clock errors? Etc.?

Shit happens and it usually has to be explained.

In those situations, I talk to the table and my partners. If explanation is needed, we gather both coaches and explain everything needed to them while the players are at the benches.

BillyMac

ilyazhito wrote
I don't initiate any conversations.

ilyazhito wrote
If explanation is needed, we gather both coaches and explain everything needed to them...

In other words, under certain conditions, ilyazhito will initiate a conversation with coaches.

My point, good two-way communication with coaches often leads to great game management.

Great game management often leads to a smoother game for all stakeholders.

Of course, it is possible to "over do" conversations with coaches.

ilyazhito

I generally don't initiate conversations with coaches. If required, I will ensure that coaches receive the information they need.