Coaches, please read the rule book

[JeffW]

Originally posted by sfriede
When I played bball in high school our coach made sure we knew the rules. He went so far as inviting in one of the local master officials, so that he could give us a clinic. Our coach new the rules, and the last thing you wanted to do as a player was question an official during a game. I don't ever remember my coach getting a technical foul. So, there are some coaches teaching their players the rules. Habits are hard to break - players in youth leagues are told not to "reach" or go "over the back" for a rebound - which we all know are legal. It takes time to get this method of teaching out of their system.

I have always taught my players the rules, but also how to play the game. The reason I teach them not to reach is because reaching leads to poor defensive position, leaning forward instead of remaining balanced on the balls of the feet. Reaching also leads to fouls. When you hear coaches yelling "don't reach", don't assume that they think that's an automatic foul; it might just be good coaching.

[williebfree]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by JeffW

Originally posted by sfriede
... When you hear coaches yelling "don't reach", don't assume that they think that's an automatic foul; it might just be good coaching.

I agree!

Coaches directives to their players are not always judgement of the officiating.

As JeffW mentioned, sometimes when a player is called for "illegal use of hands",
because they "make contact" on the ballhandlers arms, the coach will scold the
out-of-position defender.

[Adam]

I don't mind when a coach tells their kids not to reach. They're right. Reaching is lazy defense; rather matadorial. When they lose credibility is when they start crying to me, "He's reaching. He's reaching!" My first thought is always, "Yep, but he's not fouling."

[jeref]

Originally posted by ibumgardner
[/B]

Though your comeback was witty and entertaining, do you think that it was the best thing to say to the coach? I view a comment like this to be stooping down to level of the coach. What do others think? How would other people respond to this comment literally 3 seconds into the game? [/B][/QUOTE]


...IMO- I view this forum as a way to study, learn from those who have been there and become a better official. I think that questions like these are irrelevant in doing any of that. I guess I'm really looking for something that I can use more so than someone's opinion on something that really doesn't matter.

[ibumgardner]

Originally posted by jeref

Though your comeback was witty and entertaining, do you think that it was the best thing to say to the coach? I view a comment like this to be stooping down to level of the coach. What do others think? How would other people respond to this comment literally 3 seconds into the game? [/B]

...IMO- I view this forum as a way to study, learn from those who have been there and become a better official. I think that questions like these are irrelevant in doing any of that. I guess I'm really looking for something that I can use more so than someone's opinion on something that really doesn't matter.

[/B][/QUOTE]

I totally agree. One of the characteristics of a good official is how we manage coaches. How this official managed the coach is not the only way to manage coaches. Instead of threatening him with a T, maybe he could have said, "Coach, you'll have to trust me on this one. This play doesn't happen often [it's only happened to me once in 8 years]. For now, you'll have to trust that I'm right."

What do others think?

[Adam]

Originally posted by ibumgardner
I totally agree. One of the characteristics of a good official is how we manage coaches. How this official managed the coach is not the only way to manage coaches. Instead of threatening him with a T, maybe he could have said, "Coach, you'll have to trust me on this one. This play doesn't happen often [it's only happened to me once in 8 years]. For now, you'll have to trust that I'm right."

What do others think?

I think I'd say something like, "Coach, that is the rule, and I'll strongly advise you not to accuse me again of making stuff up."

[tomegun]

Originally posted by stosh
I made it as far as the jump ball before the stupidity began on Friday:

Toss goes up, ball tied up by two players of disparate heights. I point at them and tell them its another toss with them in the middle.

Coach: "Why them, it can be anyone I want"
me: "Not according to the rule"
Coach: " You're making that up; its not a rule"
me: "How 'bout a T and then it won't matter?"
Coach: silence

Someone else mentioned this but I want to anyway. I would not encourage anyone to do/say this to a coach. What good did it really do? We will be chasing our tail to attempt to get the best of every coach/player/fan. A threat means nothing if it isn't backed up and it also puts your partner out on a limb. That might be going too far in this situation but after informing the coach that you are doing the correct thing by rule there is nothing good that will come of the rest. IMHO

[tomegun]

Originally posted by coachgrd
[B}


I've often thought about doing the same thing...inviting an official to one of our practices for a clinic of sorts. I certainly wouldn't expect them to do it for free, so what is a nice way of saying thanks?

[/B]

FOOD