First varsity game..

[zeke]

Originally Posted by Sirrefalot

Same as previous, newer official 3rd year. My question isn't about rules or interpetations, it about conversing with the coach. Three man I'm the C. right next to the coach. A1 bring ball up court, A2 comes from the block to the wing to set a pick for a1. B2 who is guarding a2 bumps her minor contact i thought but it made the screen move alittle and b1 runs into her. B's coach who is standing next to me says "you got to be kidding, you stood right there and let her throw an illegal screen." I told him politely that it was his player who caused the whole mess, there was no advantaged gain as the ball went out of bounds off of B. Coach B gets upset and starts reciting his unique version of the rule book. Ball changes direction and then quickly back. A1 then dribbles to same wing, and picks up dribble, pivots a few times and then pumps like she is going to pass the ball, however, her pivot foot comes up in the air and she balances on her front foot for about 3 seconds until she finally passes to a team mate. He goes bonkers again, wanting a travel. I explain that it is not a travel until she touchs her pivot foot down with the ball. He again assures me that i do not know the rules. Question is this, how to you converse with a coach who is rating you, who really doesn't know the rules.

Here's a suggestion: you are breaking in and trying to establish some creditiblity with your peers, coaches and yourself. A big part of officiating is dealing with the sideline. As I said the coach has a job to do and you do too. You need to convey this to him. Also, not all conversation is heard. Especially doing a live ball. Now that being said, he says something about a screen and then a walk. You officiate the live ball. Then on the next deal ball opportunity say a t.o. that you grant you catch the coach and say coach I heard what you said about the screen, the walk and etc. I can't concentrate on you and the game to so please coach your team.
Or tell him you made your point I heard you and walk away.
Or coach I can't give a clinic here. You can't question everything. I'll be happy to explain something that is out of whack but not every play. And walk away.
The key is to treat him/her professionally, brief and concise. Long conversations will not benefit either party. Also, bottom line, treat him like you would want to be treated. Seriously.