How to initiate respectful dialog with official during a game...

[tsswebmaster]

Are there non-threatening, respectful ways for a coach to initiate dialog with an official during a game for the purpose of call clarification or rule interpretations. Or, how about respectfully directing attention to an opponents tendancy to violate a specific rule that may not be obvious to the official.

I know it would be advantageous to get this done prior to game time, but often things develop during the game that were not anticipated. Does this always require expenditure of a team timeout?

I would like to help establish guidelines in our organization to promote improved relations and mutual respect among coaches and game officials. Any advice that could be offered by this forum would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Rick Allison
Texas Shooting Stars
AAU Girls Basketball Club
http://www.txshootingstars.com