No reponse at all to that player's statement ?
I'd say something, like "We haven't seen any contact."

You can't see everything and having the team captain, or coach, share their view of what might be missed on the floor seems pretty valid. To say "watch for" is different than having them say "why don't you call...".

I agree. As long as they are asking in an appropriate manner, they deserve an answer. I've used what Mick said on occasion or more often than not just an "OK" will do.

I just say "Ok" and then promptly forget all about it.

Nobody said they didn't deserve an answer.

I'll give an answer but I'm not going to be real concerned with what it is.

Quite honestly, the coach isn't looking for an answer.

I have no problem saying, "There's no such thing."

So you think it's "pretty valid" for coaches to make statements to you in an attempt to influence your decisions.

Me too.

Answer the kid's question, don't get in a silly sematics discussion wth him.

Agree with Junker; it's okay to acknowledge the concern quickly as long as they're polite about it. They might not have the term right, but they think the other team is getting away with contact. Just say okay and move on; or be like some guys I know who take it personally and call 'OTB' on the team that just complained....

Don't Escalate
 

Although it may be easier said then done, it may be a better response to say that you didn't see the over-the-back. A comment that is derogitory may just escalate the whole issue.

Is the point, that you did not see a player gain an unfair advantage? Is it not possible that the coach saw it differently? Isn't the rest is terminology?

If a coach asks you to "watch for over the back" or "watch for the reach" just look at him/her and ask "Why?"

See what kind of response you get. :rolleyes:

That's what I do. It often gets me some not so kind looks by the lesser informed. :p

How about, "I saw it. It was a great play."

OMIGOD!!!! Dan tries to give a professoinal and less sophmoric answer? :eek:

That would be fine, Dan, if it were truly the kid's question, but you are well aware that it isn't. It's the coach's message for you in an attempt to get you to call something his way. The kid is just the middleman, and we both know that he could care less what answer you give him because he is only doing what his coach instructed him to do. Why not go directly answer the coach?

I suppose the correct answer might be "the coach's box is for coaching.";)