Talking or not to the coach during a game

[icallfouls]

My philosophy is that if a coach asks a legitimate question, then it deserves an answer. If a coach makes a comment, I decline to make further comment.

As part of my pre-game with the coaches, I tell them that we will answer questions as the game allows. I will not go across the floor to answer a question unless the game will be better for it. Otherwise, I simply wait for the next best opportunity.

The games we work are usually emotional and people get fired up, and going directly over to a coach may not be the best thing for the game at that particular moment. This also gives the coach an opportunity to distance themselves from the previous call or no call so that a calmer dialog might take place.

With all that said, I know officials that talk to coaches every trip down the floor. Usually what happens is the coach takes the officials words and twists them against them. Now they have distracted my partner and thats when bad things can happen.

I also have worked with partners that say I will not talk to coaches. That just looks like they are afraid to take care of business outside the lines.

Hope this helps.