T on a Deaf Coach

[blindzebra]

Originally posted by SMEngmann
I had a VB game featuring a school for the deaf visiting another team. The coach was also deaf and had trouble speaking clearly. Close game in the 3rd quarter, I call a foul. Coach obviously wants to address me and signals for a time-out. I grant the TO and am willing to listen. He comes out, starts waving his arms demonstrably and basically yelling at me. I can't understand what he's saying but I hear the word "see" and the word "blind" somewhat clearly, and the coach covered his eyes with his hands. I call him for a technical foul. I write down my explanation and he said he was trying to say, "How can you see that from behind." I didn't buy it and the gyrations included with the confrontational approach, plus the hand signal to block the eyes got him the T.

My question, what, if any penalty would you assess here, and if anyone else has dealt with a deaf school before, how'd you handle the communication?

I've done several games with a deaf school's team, including one time where both teams were deaf. The table personnel was deaf, as well. It was a great experience because I really had to focus on my signals and reporting.

To your question, there is usually someone at the game that can interpret for you and sign for the coach, and I'd recommend going that route whenever something like that comes up.

It is possible that the coach was frustrated not only about the call in question, but also about not being able to express it so that you could understand.