I don't have a problem, per se, with a quick pregame chat with the coaches, but you would never ask them anything but "do you have any questions on" and then focus on exactly what you discussed. This conference needs to take 30 seconds and with minimal, but positive, statements. By positive, I mean: "we are going to enforce the coaching box rule tonight, so I need you both to be in the box if you are out of your seat," rather than "don't get out of the box or we will issue a technical." However, if you say you are going to do something, do it.

blindzebra's first response in this thread is exactly my thoughts on dealing with coaches.

OZ Ref:

It must be a cultural thing...
#3 - does not work in my area. Open a can of worms like that and the buzzards will be hovering very quickly.

#4 - Very few coaches have the self-control to sensibly discuss a call when they are challenging your judgment. Do yourself a favor. Depart the confines of the gym immediately after the final buzzer.

Willie - maybe you're right. There is a huge difference in the sporting culture in Australia and the USA (and many other countries).

Couple of examples:
- I have been refereeing high level basketball for 15 years. In that time, I have only been threatened with physical violence once.
- The concept of players being cut from a team and then taking legal action against the coach/selector/school etc has (as yet) never happened in Australia
- Due to our smaller population, thesporting communities are much closer - everyone knows each other and most people wear several hats. For example, I referee players that I play with in rec league. I am also on the board of directors of my local association with parents of players that I referee (and often with coaches as well)

Generally speaking, Australia is a pretty laid back place, and this is obviously reflected in my refereeing/game management techniques.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Oz Referee

3. Have a pre-game conference that involves the coaches. Ask questions like "is there anything you'd like us to focus on?" This gives the coaches the feel that they can have some input to how the game is officiated.


Bad idea. Very bad idea. You are just setting yourself up for failure with this one.


4. Be willing to explain your calls/interpretations - Either on the run, between quarters or after a game.


If the head coach asks a legit question and I have time, I'll answer.

Z

Yup. It's good to have a few stock phrases for explaining on the run, when it's appropriate.

Coach (who's said very little throughout the game): What did she do, ref?
Me: She got her on the arm.

Coach: How is that a block?
Me: She didn't have legal guarding position.

It's also good to know the rules well enough that if a coach asks a legit question during a TO, you can describe the rule.

"She can't plow through a legal screen, coach. She's got to at least try to stop." "The five second rule applies only when the dribbler is closely guarded, which means there's a defender within six feet."

I've found that a good way to tell whether the coach is asking a legit question is to say, "I'll get you the rule reference." Or, "Do you have a copy of the newest rule book? Study Rule 10, the section on contact." These statements also send the unspoken message that I know what I'm talking about, because I've been studying. Not a bad thing for a coach to hear.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Oz Referee
[B]In my FEEBLE opinion, here are a few tips when it comes to tech fouls:


2. Fore repeatedly niggling at you give them a warning, then T them up

3. Have a pre-game conference that involves the coaches. Ask questions like "is there anything you'd like us to focus on?" This gives the coaches the feel that they can have some input to how the game is officiated.
__________________________________________________ _________

OZ, I'm glad #3 works for you, but I think I'll pass. My comments to the coaches in pre-game are: "Are your players legally and properly equipped?" and "Sportsmanship starts on the bench, so coaches we're expecting you to be good role models."
As for #2 what the heck is "niggling?"

Since your association has made it a POE, it is obviously something that needs attention in the area. It is a disservice to the crew that comes after you if it was not addressed in your game(s). Bench Decorum is a POE at most levels this year and it is quite likely that it has also been communicated to the teams in your area, so they are also aware. In essence, they have been notified and expect it to be enforced. I would also suggest that before you start "whacking away" a reminder statement could go along way in dealing with a coach that got caught up in the moment.

Now with all that in mind, I think that the situation needs to be taken into consideration. Remember that if one coach is abusing the box, they are gaining an advantage over a coach who is adhering to the POE. So, I offer a couple of thoughts that I use in such situations. "Have I previously communicated to the coach about their conduct? Was their comment directed at the officiating crew? Are they overly animated? Is the coach distracting us from officiating the game?" And this last one, "If I T this coach right now, will it improve the game?"

Several years ago, when I was getting started, I found some information about T's. It is a pretty good reference. I found it on another website. Many people here are already familiar with it. Go to:
http://www.chsaa.org/officials/baske...p10Reasons.pdf

Niggle means to quibble, argue over petty things. In other words if a coach is consistently making comments complaining about calls