What's the best way for a coach to question a call?

[coachgbert]

Ask when it happens, at the next dead ball, some other time, like a time out?

I didn't ask for one particularly strange call and now my assistant coach, my own 12 year old daughter, won't let me live it down. It was the recent Christmas tourny game. We were inbounding the ball in a side line play, and hadn't released the ball yet. An official called a 3 second violation on us and turned the ball over to the other team. The defense was in the lane, my players were lined up at the sidelines waiting for the ball.

I didn't know what to say or how or when. The official just handed the ball to the other team and play resumed. I was shocked. Now my daughter thinks I have the capacity to be a wimpy coach and I should have at least pointed out the fact that the defense was in the lane not us. I didn't want to make anyone look bad, so I kept my mouth shut. These were two very new refs, that looked hardly older then my kids so I figured I'd cut them some slack. They both had quick whistles and called fouls left and right on both teams. It was an endless game because the clock stopped every 5 seconds, or so it seemed.

So when is it best to say something, or did I do okay and say nothing?

thanks,
Coach G

[brandan89]

The best time if you do decide to ask a question is at a dead ball. If not, the official will be into the game and more than likely not answer you. Ask them nicely if the can explain the call. If you are nice to them, they will be nice to you.

[Dan_ref]

Coach, if you're asking how you make your 12 year old daughter think you're not a wimp, I don't have an answer.

If you're asking how do you deal with 13 year old refs at a rec game I do have an answer: leave them alone.

So on balance you done good. Your kid will realize this in, oh I dunno, maybe 8 or 10 years or so.

[coachgbert]

Well, they weren't really 13, maybe more like 20, but to me everyone is starting to look younger and younger. Good Gosh, am I really 44? I left them alone anyway. Anyone that gets out there with my team deserves a little credit for all the running they have to do to keep up with them. They don't like to run my offense yet, just throw the ball, dribble or heave it at the baaket, typical 11 year old basketball league stuff.

thanks!

[Dan_ref]

And thanks to you coach, for giving your time to these kids.

[BktBallRef]

Originally posted by coachgbert
Good Gosh, am I really 44?

WTF is wrong with being 44?

[brandan89]

Just think, in 6 years you will be 50. :-p

[Stat-Man]

Coach G:

Welcome to the world of rec ball. Since you mentioned in a follow-up that the referess were about 20 years old, it's very possible they are fairly new and learning the game and rules. (A lot of rec ball officials I've seen in my area fall into this category).

As to asking about the call, the key is to be polite. As you have probably seen from following the posts here, officials are more receptive to a calm, politely phrased question. "Why was that three seconds? We hadn't inbounded the ball yet." . Even if they still kick the call, at least you've tried to get an explanation in a calm manner.

Not that I'm advocating ignoring missed calls, but at this particular level, emphasis on learning the game should first and foremost. A call like this usualy isn't the end of the world in an environment where players and officials are all learning the rules at the same time.

Hope this helps.

[BktBallRef]

Originally posted by brandan89
Just think, in 6 years you will be 50. :-p

And you'll still be 15.

[Dan_ref]

Originally posted by brandan89
Just think, in 6 years you will be 50. :-p

Hey junior, that's the point.

To get older.

If you don't believe me try holding your breath for a couple of minutes. Let us know how it goes.

[ref18]

From a ref who's under 20, you did do the right thing.

Although you were frusterated about the call, you took it like a man, and set an example for your assistants and your team.

Good Job

[brandan89]

And you'll still be 15.


I was just joking :-p

[Jimgolf]

Originally posted by coachgbert
It was the recent Christmas tourny game. We were inbounding the ball in a side line play, and hadn't released the ball yet. An official called a 3 second violation on us and turned the ball over to the other team. The defense was in the lane, my players were lined up at the sidelines waiting for the ball.

First of all, there is no 3-second violation during an inbounds play. He may have called a 5-second violation, and either mis-called the violation or perhaps you mis-understood him.

If he indeed called a 3-second violation, you should call time-out and ask for an explanation. If the referee recognizes his error, you should not be charged with a timeout. Be polite, and ask something like "Could you explain why it is a violation to be in the lane during a throw-in?"

[rainmaker]

Originally posted by coachgbert
Well, they weren't really 13, maybe more like 20, but to me everyone is starting to look younger and younger. Good Gosh, am I really 44?

Yea, the looking younger and younger thing. Even you at 44, look young to this old codger!

[coachgbert]

Thanks for all the input. I think next time I'll politely inquire about the call. Although, with 6th grade ball, one or even several calls won't make or break a game. I figure we usually get away with more then what is called so it works out in the end. This one was unique since both teams and both coaches looked at each other and the officials and no one moved. They finally yelled at the other team to get the ball.

As for the age thing, I'm sure they young officials made me, a extraordinaryily young 44, feel old by calling me "maam" at the end of the game, as in "your team played great defense maam, they're really coming along".

More Clairol needed, or I just reminded the 20 somehthings of their mothers and they were REALLY trying to be polite. Either way, I've never had a bad experience with an official yet in the past 6 years. Some even look forward to my teams from year to year knowing I take the players that no ono wants. I don't know any personally, but some seem like old friends every year when we take the court.

thanks for the replies everyone. This is a great board for a lurking coach, so much info, so little time!

Coach G