new ref about to get started

[rainmaker]

Originally posted by totalnewbie
Someone already gave me what seems to be a good "generic" line for dealing with coaches:

"I didnt see it that way coach, but I'll watch for it on both ends."

What do you guys think about that one? Being a newbie, I'm not really in a position to judge if it is good or not. But it seems to be. And the guy who gave me that one is a senior guy.

Do you guys have any good, neutral responses that placate the coach yet dont really admit an error while at the same time saying I'm going to watch it on both sides, not just against the other team. Seems like if I have a few of these in my back pocket I will be less likely to say something that might just cause more problems.

Clark

If the coach wants information, give it to him in a neutral tone of voice. C: "What did he do?" Ref: "He got his arm". C: "Why aren't you calling those 3-seconds?" Ref: "He's stepping out every time."


If he's just venting, I say, "Thank you." I try to look him in the eye, if possible, when I say it, and then just leave. I'm not sure why this works, but it really has been good for me. The sentence that your friend recommended is a little long for a lot of situations. But it definitely has it's place!