So, a guy told me about the NBA guys all talking about and / or having to read the book Verbal Judo. Anyone read it? Did it help you with dealing with coaches?

Verbal judo with coaches? Isn't that kind of like a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent? Seriously though, I'd be interested in hearing more about the book. Us teachers seem to have plenty of reading time in the summer. I'll try to squeeze it in between rounds of golf.

I read it about three years ago. It was written by a former cop. Did it help? Not that I remember. But a key concept in martial arts is to do the opposite of what your opponent does. For example when your opponent pushes, you pull, and vice-versa to keep him off balance and gain control. This kind of thinking could be helpful in a game situation. You do want to avoid a head to head confrontation that pits will against will between a coach and an official. No one wins in those situations.

"When my opponent expands, I contract. When he contracts, I expand. When there is an opportunity....I do not hit - it hits all by itself."

- Bruce Lee

I just picked the book up, I read about it in Referee magazine, NASO edition. Will let you kno what I think when I finish it(start it lol).

I read it. It is all about how to defuse arguments...responding in ways that don't throw fuel on the fire. I liked a lot of the info, but remembering it when you are in the heat of an argument is another question.

I don't really think of those situations as "victories"

This sounds like a good book for me to read. Usually I mirror the Coach, if he's discussing, I'm discussing. If he's zinging, I'm zinging. I hope page 1 has info on lobbing oral projectiles at the opponents shoes.

At my office we had a 2 day seminar on Verbal Judo. It provided a lot of useful techniques to use for defussing a situation. I think that if you apply some of the tools that the book provides then it can be good. I thought it was very good for my job and officiating but there were some people in my office that thought it was crap.

I attributed a lot of that to "Old Dog new tricks"

I was just reading the schedule for NASO's annual meeting - held in Salt Lake City, Utah this year - the author of Verbal Judo will be making a presentation about his techniques during the conference.

I have not read the book but have been taught some of the techniques - do the opposite. As the coach/opponent/threat gets excited talk quieter, calmer, slower.

I would expect it to be a good read.

And if the coach gets quieter and calmer and talks slower, then we're supposed to get excited and talk louder and faster?

Gotta try that. Sounds good to me. :)

Search for "verbal judo" on amazon produces this list of titles:

1. Verbal Judo: The Gentle Art of Persuasion -- by George J., Ph.D. Thompson, Jerry B. Jenkins; Paperback (Rate it)
Buy new: $10.46 -- Used & new from: $7.32

2. Verbal Judo: Redirecting Behavior With Words -- by George J. Thompson; Paperback (Rate it)
Buy new: $13.90 -- Used & new from: $7.32

3. Tongue Fu! -- by Sam Horn; Paperback (Rate it)
Buy new: $10.46 -- Used & new from: $2.12

4. Verbal Judo: Words As a Force Option -- by George J. Thompson; Paperback (Rate it)
-- Used & new from: $118.95

5. Verbal Judo : Words As a Force Option -- by George J. Thompson; Hardcover (Rate it)
-- Used & new from: $61.95

6. Never Be Lied To Again : How to Get the Truth In 5 Minutes Or Less In Any Conversation Or Situation -- by David J. Lieberman; Paperback (Rate it)
Buy new: $10.46 -- Used & new from: $4.20

7. Judo with Words : An Intelligent Way to Counter Verbal Attacks -- by Barbara Berckhan; Paperback (Rate it)
Buy new: $25.00 -- Used & new from: $25.00

If I order them today I'll be ready to start my AAU season next month.

I went to one of his presentations many years ago. Thompson is an outstanding presenter.

You got it, baby! Press the advantage as if moving in for the kill. In an attempt to keep the coach calm, I start most of my games, if I'm up to it, screaming stupid banalities... and just like we think of them, they assume I'm a raving lunatic so they keep their distance and remain relatively quiet. :D

Before the coach has any opportunity to create conflict, start your own!

What if he starts acting like a jack@ss


Dan, the on you want is the first one, I believe the other ones by Thompson are earlier editions..

Press the advantage as if moving in for the kill. In an attempt to keep the coach calm, I start most of my games, if I'm up to it, screaming stupid banalities... and just like we think of them, they assume I'm a raving lunatic so they keep their distance and remain relatively quiet.

Before the coach has any opportunity to create conflict, start your own! [/B][/QUOTE]I think that I read the exact same thing recently from a great philosopher. No, not George J Thompson. I think it was Dogbert IIRR.

I've read it. It has very helpful techniques for dealing with tough situations. It wasn't that helpful to me because the techniques aren't ones that you can use in the few seconds we get with coaches. I was able to use a couple (using questions and getting the other guy off balance) that have helped.

All in all a good and helpful read.

You still have a copy of this? Mind if I borrow it?

You forgot to list the book I wrote: "Stupidity For Dummies".

I still have it. As soon as I come accross it as we upack, I'll let you know.

The book is phenomenal and has many ideas that have helped me become a better official. One main point, that others haven't mentioned, is the importance of listening.

I teach a 3-credit sports officiating class in the PHED at a small, liberal arts university, and use parts of the book in mulitiple lectures. It is particularly useful when we are discussing communication issues.

One thing I've found is that we, officials, (in general) are not always great listeners. The book talks about the importance of active listening AND the importance of the concept of EMPATHY.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book for anyone who wants to become a better official. There's a reason it was required reading for NBA staffers a few summers ago.