Crew loyalty v. fairness to coaches (kinda long)

[SMEngmann]

I don't see a problem with answering a coach's question if the coach asks it courtiously, as officials we must be approachable and it's when we ignore coaches that trouble begins. If the coach disagrees with a call, let him know when you pass him up the floor that you hear him and if he asks for a simple explanation without being demonstrative, we should give it to him. I don't think the technical is a dramatic tool at all as there is a right way and a wrong way for players and coaches to conduct themselves on the floor. It's not our place as officials to be standoffish, but it is one of our duties to effectively manage a game and sometimes that means talking to coaches. A general rule that I use with coaches is that I will respond to questions, but I won't acknowledge opinions or comments with a discussion, or I'd be willing to discuss the play further if the coach calls TO. Failure to acknowledge coaches in my opinion leads to further problems, however given the situation at hand, sometimes addressing a coach can backfire and lead to further confrontation.