Easy with the T's????

[ace]

A coach kicks a chair (not really anywhere but just kicks it)- his teams getting the crap kicked out of them. Should I have wacked him? I just looked at him with that "You ok?" look.... and he quickly fixed the chair and apologized.

I will say this.
Since I've graduated to calling varsity games on a regular basis I find my sweet trigger has gotten harder to fire. I'm more apt to listen to a coach at all levels, and I'm more apt to tell a coach I dont particular care for the fact he's yelling every five seconds about something (at the sub-varsity level)

Had a JV team playing a Varsity team. The JV coach was constantly complaining. I finally asked him
"Has the other coach been yelling at us the whole time?"
"No sir."
"Did your varsity coach yell at us the whole game?"
"No sir."
"Why are you constnatly yelling at us?"
"I'm not used to being a Varsity type situation"
"well can we work on that?"
"sure man, i didnt even notice it."


Course it didnt help when my partner told him that he wasnt going to get a certain call because this was a varsity game.

Sometime you just have to wonder.

[drinkeii]

I give an occasional T for various things, as required by the rules. In many cases, I will try to talk to the person and get them to settle before a T becomes necessary, but some situations just warrant it.

I had a coach a few weeks ago that, when I told him very clearly that I was tired of listening to him complain about stuff and question every call or no-call... I said "Coach... That's ENOUGH!" - he said "No, it's not." - hmmm - wrong answer. That got a T. He was fine after that.

I've found that in most cases, if I draw a line in the sand very clearly, I don't feel in any way bad about assessing the T if the coach or player chooses to cross it.

[Chess Ref]

I have been doing this 2 years. I work the Frosh/JV circuit. I have sat and watched lots,lots of other officials at all levels. Including DI up close and personal.
Generally speaking my perception is the higher the level the less persistent the behavior is. I am not saying Varsity coaches don't act up but it is not as persistent as the lower levels. So when i started out giving a T was a big deal for me. Now I don't give them the coaches earn them. I am all for working with and communicating with the coaches but THEY have to give me something to work with.
I don't get much of the personal or profane but LOTS of the persistent stuff. At the levels I work my perception is most of these coaches are clueless. So they blame me for that missed travel call in the 1st Qtr that caused them to fall behind by 35 at halftime. I would love to practice my communication skills but you gotta give me something to work with. So instead I get to practice

1. I'm looking for it coach
2. I heard you coach
3. That's it coach
4. STOP sign
5. T

And my ratings went through the roof when i gave out more T's. Coincidence I dunno.

[Jimgolf]

I like JRutledge's approach here. The good official stays in control of the game. Technical fouls are part of an arsenal, not the sole weapon.

The occasional theatrical coach should be defused before he can cost his team the game. This is more in keeping with the role of an official to be an enabler more than an enforcer.

[deecee]

A few officials (actually most of them) that do college D1, D2 and D3 have told me that the T is their last option. Also they might average 1 T every 2 years. I seem to notice that the officials that have been doing high level games and I mean beyond HS for the most part have very FEW T's to their name and they work with the coaches rather than against them. These guys probably have at least 5-6 years minimum at the college level and they keep getting good games because they get along with the coaches and they work with them.

One guy told me at camp -- "Give a coach a long enough rope to hang himself where when he's done everyone in the gym knows exactly what and why." (not exact but almost)

Couple years ago a coach might have gotten a T from me for saying "that was a $hi..ty call" -- now thats just his way of expressing his opinion. Of course his delivery would be taken into account -- did he scream it across the gym or say it to me as i was running by.

[drinkeii]

Originally Posted by deecee

A few officials (actually most of them) that do college D1, D2 and D3 have told me that the T is their last option. Also they might average 1 T every 2 years. I seem to notice that the officials that have been doing high level games and I mean beyond HS for the most part have very FEW T's to their name and they work with the coaches rather than against them. These guys probably have at least 5-6 years minimum at the college level and they keep getting good games because they get along with the coaches and they work with them.

One guy told me at camp -- "Give a coach a long enough rope to hang himself where when he's done everyone in the gym knows exactly what and why." (not exact but almost)

Couple years ago a coach might have gotten a T from me for saying "that was a $hi..ty call" -- now thats just his way of expressing his opinion. Of course his delivery would be taken into account -- did he scream it across the gym or say it to me as i was running by.

That last part would get a T from me. And I don't think I'll change my opinion on that as time goes on. It is inappropriate language for a coach to use toward an official under any circumstances.

In today's world we have been far too lax in addressing inappropriate language. Remember, the HS or lower game is an extention of the classroom by definition. It is DEFINITELY not acceptable for a student to use that language. Coaches should be held to a higher standard anyway, as they are adults, and much more responsible for their choices and actions.

[Corndog89]

Originally Posted by ace

Since I've graduated to calling varsity games on a regular basis I find my sweet trigger has gotten harder to fire.

What? What the hell is a "sweet trigger"? If I'm your assignor or partner and you have a pet name for calling a tech, I would be nervous.

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally Posted by Corndog89

What? What the hell is a "sweet trigger"? If I'm your assignor or partner and you have a pet name for calling a tech, I would be nervous.

He's talking about his own personal tolerance level, not a technical foul.

Why would you be nervous anyway if someone had a pet name for a "T"?

[LarryS]

This weekend I found myself working with a well respected veteran official from my chapter at a local tournament. Before our games started we were chatting and I mentioned that my focus this summer was managing coaches and avoiding T’s. He told me he felt that was one of his strengths and suggested I let him handle most of the interaction with the coaches during our first 3 game set and take mental notes…then we would talk during our break and change roles during the second 3 game set.

The first thing I noticed was he spoke softly and slowly when addressing the coaches. Whenever a coached questioned a call, the most popular responses were “I saw it differently coach.” “Looked different from my angle” “I hear you coach” and “We’ll watch for it.” One coached asked a question during play and he said “I’ll get with you next dead ball coach.” Another asked a question about a call after he reported so he just moved toward the division line, kept facing the lane and gave a quick answer.

During our break, we talked about what he had done. I tried the same tools he used, even though I knew his demeanor may have been the key. I was surprised at how well they calmed the coaches down. I had used the same phrases in the past with less success. I really think it was the softer voice and slower cadence. It is hard for a coach to escalate things when you are quite and calm.

As an aside, during our break I also asked him if he had any feedback about my work…mentioning that I was really aiming to convince the assignment secretary to give me more varsity. We had already covered camps…I’m going to two where the assignment secretary will be present to watch our chapter guys in attendance. He said that he felt I would have a lot better schedule this year…My game calling had improved…my mechanics were improving…my weight lose was really showing and, as a result, I moved better on the floor. Since I felt good about the review that may have played a part in how things went with the coaches…self confidence goes a long way.

[Corndog89]

Originally Posted by ace
"Since I've graduated to calling varsity games on a regular basis I find my sweet trigger has gotten harder to fire."

Originally Posted by Jurassic Referee

He's talking about his own personal tolerance level, not a technical foul.

Why would you be nervous anyway if someone had a pet name for a "T"?

Is he? I really didn't know what he was referring to; "sweet trigger" sounded like a nickname for a gun, like "Old Betsy" or the "Peacemaker" or something else goofy like that. And "to fire" demonstrates an action on his part...to fire his T gun?? Plus it sounds like since moving up to varsity perhaps he's a bit intimidated..."I find my sweet trigger has gotten harder to fire". Does that mean it's easier to "fire" away at a lower level coach? That varsity coaches won't tolerate the firing? Again, I don't know...what does he mean? I think only Ace can answer that.

As for the nervousness, anytime a person in a position of authority (e.g., a sports official) feels a need to draw attention to him or herself with something like a cute nickname, it makes me wonder either about his/her motives or sense of security. If you officiate to be noticed, you're much more likely to make questionable or iffy calls. Quick or excessive T's, looking for obscure calls to demonstrate a superior knowledge of the rules, theatrical or demonstrative mechanics on a routine basis (i.e., when not necessary to sell a call), creation of cool personna, etc...those characteristics in a partner make me nervous.

A good example from when I called in Florida a few years ago. There was a father-son combo who worked in our association. The father was a mediocre official at best, but he loved being the center of attention. He would probably average 15-20 T's in a normal 20 game HS varsity season. After calling a T he would be very self-righteous, proclaiming that he didn't want to call the T, but he really had no choice. Yet I can't recall a single T that he called that needed to be called. Coaches hated to have him call their games, and partners hated working with him. He had to be noticed. He was a very insecure man.

His son, 19 years old at the time, had the potential to be a very good official, except that he looked to his father as a role model. When the son could be kept away from the dad for a few weeks at a time, he would listen to more grounded officials and begin to develop good habits. But one game with dad (or one other similar official in the assoc) and all the good habits would evaporate. There was one small town that had produced 5 state champions in about a 10-12 year period. Very good, very knowledgeable, very vocal fans...I loved calling there. For some reason, the son was assigned 4-5 games there over about a 3-week period. The fans there would ride him mercilessly because he made too many hard-to-understand calls and drew attention to himself. Toward the end of the 3-week run I had a game with him there. I was talking with him before our game and he said he had developed a cheering section there, that they really liked him. He needed approval and to be liked above all else...just like his dad in the long run. He made me nervous because I never knew what he was going to do.

What does have to do with "sweet trigger"? Sounds to me like he may be a guy who needs to be seen and recognized as something special. Just makes me nervous.

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally Posted by Corndog89

I think only Ace can answer that.

As for the nervousness, anytime a person in a position of authority (e.g., a sports official) feels a need to draw attention to him or herself with something like a cute nickname, it makes me wonder either about his/her motives or sense of security. If you officiate to be noticed, you're much more likely to make questionable or iffy calls. Quick or excessive T's, looking for obscure calls to demonstrate a superior knowledge of the rules, theatrical or demonstrative mechanics on a routine basis (i.e., when not necessary to sell a call), creation of cool personna, etc...those characteristics in a partner make me nervous.

What does have to do with "sweet trigger"? Sounds to me like he may be a guy who needs to be seen and recognized as something special. Just makes me nervous.

You're doing a heckuva lot of assuming something without talking to or knowing someone.

Personally, that makes me nervous.

[Corndog89]

Originally Posted by Jurassic Referee

You're doing a heckuva lot of assuming something without talking to or knowing someone.

Personally, that makes me nervous.

You're right, I am doing a lot of assuming. But if Ace would express himself clearly to start with, or clarify what he means after the fact, then I wouldn't have to. I still don't know what he means by "firing his sweet trigger". I'm not trying to be a jerk, but when words in a forum are the only way we have to get to know or understand someone, then we need to be clear. Having to figure out what someone means (in any venue) makes me uneasy, which in turn would make me nervous if I would have to trust and have confidence in him as a partner. Forum members give Chuck good-natured (I think) grief about being the spelling-nazi, but perfect spelling in a forum such as this is really of little importance as long as the idea is understood.

You asked me why that would make me nervous and I tried to give a complete, thorough answer. And be honest, if you had a partner who had some of the characteristics I previously described (and I agree that I'm wrong to imply Ace has any of those characteristics), wouldn't that make you a little nervous?

And looking back to my original post on this subject, I probably should have just asked Ace for clarification and kept my editorial comment to myself. But that would hardly have been in the spirit of this forum, would it?

[JRutledge]

Corndog,

Lighten up man. Whatever he calls it, we all have a right to take some light points of view of this or any number of things. Who cares what he calls it?

Peace

[ChuckElias]

Originally Posted by Corndog89

Forum members give Chuck good-natured (I think) grief about being the spelling-nazi, but perfect spelling in a forum such as this is really of little importance as long as the idea is understood.

Nazi? I'm your friendly neighborhood Mr. Spelling Guy. "Guy", not "nazi". You're confusing me with the Seinfeld character. If you combined us, though, you'd have the Spelling Soup Nazi. I would be supreme arbiter over every bowl of Campbell's Alphabet Soup!! Five-year-olds everywhere would fear me!!! "Kat?!? No Alphabet Soup for you!! Come back, one year!!"