Coach: "The Fouls are 7-2!"

[bsktball_ref]

Wow, what a great discussion.

HawksCoach- How very valuable to get some insight from the other side of the stripes! I happen to agree with you in this case. I will not be a party to escalating a situation with a coach. The ability to diffuse the situation is a better measure of my skills as an official.

In regards to foul count: It has now been brought to my attention. I don't think I ever make a response to that "7-2" comment. I figure I am in one of two situations. First, I'll consider the ball game and ask my self, "Does it seem like an evenly played game with respect to fouls?" If my answer is positive, I will make sure that I am seeing the game equally on both sides of the court and alter the way I see the game to make sure I am calling a fair contest. If I determine that in fact one team is fouling more, I will continue to call the game the way I have been however unfortunate it may be for the upset coach.

Jrut- Maybe I am crazy. I do care what the coaches and others think of me. I want all the coaches to believe that I am doing a fair and objective job officiating the ball game. I don't obsess over this or allow this ‘care’ to affect how I make calls.
I have been a coach and know how easy it is to make the ref a scapegoat. I will allow some leeway. I never let him show me up and there is an art to putting the coach in his place while allowing him to maintain his integrity with his players and fans. I try to make my point without any resentment.

Let’s all save face. I get to be the one to make the calls. Just because I get to have the last word doesn’t mean I should lead the discussion down the path to make the final word so harsh.