Re: ZEBRAMAN
 

It just has to be a concerted effort and a priority from the beginning of the game. I remember when I first started reffing, I had no idea how much time was on the clock. I had my hands full with fouls and violations. As I got experience, I learned how to manage the clock to and be aware of the time left in each quarter and to check to make sure the clock started after dead balls etc.

The coaching box is no different. You just have to discipline yourself to look over there at every dead ball. You also have to notice with your peripheral vision when the coach is edging out of the box. It's like being aware of where the lead official is when you are C or T in a 3-person game. You just learn to be aware.

This works for me:
The first time the coach steps a couple feet past the edge of the box, you notice it. The next chance you get, you walk over and say, "coach, I really need you to help me out with the coaches box. It's a big point of emphasis this year and if you stay in the box we won't have to deal with it."

If you catch it early in the game, they immediately know that you will be watching and they make a big effort to stay in (it's funny to watch them look down at their feet when they know they are getting close). You can also use a hand motion (subtle sideways wave with the hand) from cross-court to move them back a couple steps too.

If you don't stay on top of it from the first second of the game, you make it real difficult on yourself. If he's been four or five feet out of the box for the entire first quarter, it's pretty hard to start managing the box in the second quarter because he's already "marked his territory."

If you mention it in the pregame coaches conference, they already have it in their minds that you will probably be watching.

Z

To piggy-back on Zebraman's last post, I have made sure that the last thin I mention in the pregame conf is the coaching box. This way, it stays the freshest on their minds throughout the game.

I have had to give one warning so far this season (eight games), because the coaches are more aware of the box now. Just a quick glance over most times will do the trick. It's is funny to watch a coach dance around trying to stretch the boundary in the name of 'coaching'. :D

Zman
 

Thanks for the feedback. I got two JV tourney games tonight. i will definetly practice tonight.

Goal 1. Mention it pre-game conference.
Goal 2 Do maintance through 1 st qtr.

Re: Zman
 

Let me know how it goes! Also, your partner(s) need to help you (pregame conference) because it's more than a one-person job. It takes the whole crew. Sometimes your partner(s) will be in a much better position to deal with it than you are.

Z

Re: Re: ZEBRAMAN
 

:eek: We're NOT playing on until it's cleaned up and I'm NOT cleaning it up!

They are really wanting us to emphasis it in WV this year too. If the coach isn't talking to me, I don't know how much attention I am paying to him. If I see them out of the box coaching, I will gently remind him. If he gets out again and I notice, I will be a little more forceful. A third time gets a warning and I would whack him on the 4th time. They usually get the message. I know it's a lot of warnings but I just hate to bang a coach for getting caught up in the game and coaching his players. If a coach is out of the box and he's refereeing the game - it's automatic!

In CA we have a 6' box. I have yet to have a game so far where the court was properly marked and if I dont bring tape and none is handy, I will tell the coach how many chairs he/she gets in pregame intros. During game, 1 warning then whack. Our group is not consistent and coaches dont like it but as an instructor I dont feel like there is any choice. That which you permit, you promote.

Oh wow, if there isn't one marked and they don't have tape (I don't bring tape) - there is NO coaching box. When I walk on the floor and don't see one (usually upon entering the gym) I will say "Since I don't see a box marked I am assuming we are NOT using the coaches box tonight." It's amazing how quickly they put one down. I tend to be a jerk about that and shirts untucked. I mention that in pregame and tell them that this is their warning. If they show up at the table and don't have it tucked in before they are beckoned, I escort them back to the bench. One time and you have no more problems the rest of the night. I promise!