what kind of comments/arguing from a coach constitute a technical foul?

[JRutledge]

The problem with this question is the fact that there is no one size fits all answer. We all do not have the same threshold for what coaches might say. I know for me I have fewer patients for coaches at the JH levels. Coaches at this level should be coaching, not focusing on me. When you work college and HS ball, the coaches tend to pick their spots and know what is acceptable. If coaches are newer at the HS and college level, they soon learn what to not do. I worked last night with a coach that was newer the last few years and I had T'd one of his assistants last year. This coach used to complain on just about every call. I had him twice within a week (Friday of last week and Wednesday of this week) and he could not have been a nicer guy in both games. I think most experienced officials would ignore a single comment like you have listed. If those comments persist, then their might be something most of us might address. Also it does matter the tone of the comments and are they yelling the comments all across the court or are the coaches having a very quite word with you one on one. Only experience is going to determine what an official can tolerate or have to address immediately.

Peace