Coach perceptions of what we call

[Back In The Saddle]

Originally Posted by Dan_ref

NCAA mechanics have evolved over the last few years to place the calling official table side specifically to allow dialogue.

I was surprised to learn about the new FT mechanic this year that puts the T standing on the half line, 10-15 feet onto the floor during the first of two/first two of three shots. When I asked clinicians about it, the two answers I got (and they were all admitedly guesses) were to see subs better and to get the official away from the coach. The sub thing is interesting, but seems pretty obviously specious. Which leaves the coach thing. If the point of putting the calling official over there is to promote dialogue, why are we now putting that official so far from the coaches?

[Dan_ref]

Originally Posted by Back In The Saddle

I was surprised to learn about the new FT mechanic this year that puts the T standing on the half line, 10-15 feet onto the floor during the first of two/first two of three shots. When I asked clinicians about it, the two answers I got (and they were all admitedly guesses) were to see subs better and to get the official away from the coach. The sub thing is interesting, but seems pretty obviously specious. Which leaves the coach thing. If the point of putting the calling official over there is to promote dialogue, why are we now putting that official so far from the coaches?

I've been doing it this way pretty much all along. The thinking as I understand it is while we do need to go to the table there's no need for us to stand there for the entire time quietly taking sh!t from some coach. Especially if you're not the type who can deal well with taking sh1t. And it really does help you monitor the table better if you're not standing on the sideline yacking with some coach. But at the end of the day, we're generally standing in front of the coach who's team just got fouled during the first half, aint we? During the second half we're standing next to the guy who's team is making FT's.

[LarryS]

Originally Posted by Back In The Saddle

I was surprised to learn about the new FT mechanic this year that puts the T standing on the half line, 10-15 feet onto the floor during the first of two/first two of three shots. When I asked clinicians about it, the two answers I got (and they were all admitedly guesses) were to see subs better and to get the official away from the coach. The sub thing is interesting, but seems pretty obviously specious. Which leaves the coach thing. If the point of putting the calling official over there is to promote dialogue, why are we now putting that official so far from the coaches?

At the camp I just attended, every evaluator told us to stand "on the button" (where the volleyball poles anchor to the floor). Their logic was that you are close enough to hear if the coach wants to ask a question yet far enough away that conversation is not invited. If a question is asked, you can always take a step in the proper direction to answer. It also leaves you far enough away that, unless the gym is really loud, the other coach will be able to hear the exchange...assuming he is interested.

If there is no button...take you place about a step to the sideline side of the volleyball line.

This may not be applicable in your area

[zebraman]

Originally Posted by Back In The Saddle

I was surprised to learn about the new FT mechanic this year that puts the T standing on the half line, 10-15 feet onto the floor during the first of two/first two of three shots. When I asked clinicians about it, the two answers I got (and they were all admitedly guesses) were to see subs better and to get the official away from the coach. The sub thing is interesting, but seems pretty obviously specious. Which leaves the coach thing. If the point of putting the calling official over there is to promote dialogue, why are we now putting that official so far from the coaches?

Interesting. At all the camps I have been to (including the two this summer), I have always been told that the trail should be at the 28-foot line, 4-feet onto the floor with your back to the coach. This allows a pleasant conversation without letting the coach put his arm around you (boy does that look bad to the other coach). It's also far enough away from the coach that it's usually obvious if he/she is acting in a way that deserves some attention. If the conversation is pleasant, you can talk with the coach through your whistle.

Z

[truerookie]

Zebraman, those were two valid points thanks for sharing.

[Back In The Saddle]

Originally Posted by zebraman

Interesting. At all the camps I have been to (including the two this summer), I have always been told that the trail should be at the 28-foot line, 4-feet onto the floor with your back to the coach. This allows a pleasant conversation without letting the coach put his arm around you (boy does that look bad to the other coach). It's also far enough away from the coach that it's usually obvious if he/she is acting in a way that deserves some attention. If the conversation is pleasant, you can talk with the coach through your whistle.

Z

This is pretty much what I had been taught previously. And it seemed to work pretty well, although here the only leagues that use 3 whistle are rec leagues. So that's hardly compelling experience.

And I realize that it has worked well for some of you, like Dan.

It just seems like kind of a conspicuously out of the way place to put one of the officials. Especially since he has to take several steps in on the final shot in order to be useful. The first time I saw this, it looked like the official was trying really hard not to be near the coach. But I guess if every official is doing it, then the coaches will be used to it and not perceive it as being shunned. And it does give the coach at the far end of the floor equal (-ly bad) access to him.