How to talk to a referee

[JRutledge]

Originally posted by hooper


Wow. As a coach, I disagree.

I think you're underestimating the impact that a foul will have on a player. It's sudden. It's clear. And there's an immediate consequence. A coach talking to a kid 10 minutes later might have some impact, but half the time the kid won't even remember the incident that the coach is talking about. (Teenagers tend to forget things....)

I think you're overestimating the coaching influence (though I hope I'm wrong!) and underestimating how impactful the immediate consequence of a foul can be. Refs really to have the ability to change the course of a game!

I think you are overestimating the power of officials. You deal with the players on a daily basis. We see the players sometimes only one time a season. You control their playing time directly. We have to call fouls and until they are disqualified from the game in order for them to sit down. I agree that we affect the game, but you coach them to make the proper decision that could result in fouls. I have had coaches get upset with me because their player tried to dribble between defenders standing in the paint and there was no foul. We do not just call fouls because someone hits the floor or falls down. We call fouls when the rules have been violated and there is some advantage by someone. Basketball is a contact sport, and the rules say that contact can be severe and there should be no foul called. If you do not want players to be hurt, tell them to make good decisions with the ball. Tell the little guard to not go in hard against a much bigger player. I have seen screens set by big players and the screener did nothing but stand there (which by rule would be absolutely not a foul but coaches like you have called for one). It is your job as a coach to teach your players to call out screens and decide the philosophies that fit your players and the team you are playing. I also officiate bigger kids than 7th grade and the older they get the more chances for bigger bodies to fall will go up greatly. Coach either you do not understand the rules or you do not understand officiating. There is only so much we can ever do to keep the players safe.

Peace