Coach's Behavior

[Texas Aggie]

Instead, the coach took this as a threat of impending bodily harm

If true, this was clearly an unreasonable reaction. No reasonable person would consider that a threat.

However, I do agree with you that there may be better things to say to coaches. I try to limit warnings, as if they aren't carried out, you've lost credibility. Put up the stop sign or make a verbal warning something like "coach, you've had your say," followed by blowing the whistle and letting your partner(s) know by stating, "coach/bench has been warned." Further infractions warrant a T.