"That's a coaching issue"

[rainmaker]

"That's a coaching issue."

Someone here recommended this reply when a coach complains about the inequality of foul calls. I like the sounds of this comment. It is not a wise-crack, it is short, and it gets the point across. So I have worked on remembering it so I could use it at the crucial moment.

And all my effort payed off Friday night, when I had the chance to use it. Girls JV, early in the fourth quarter, Team A ahead by 10. Coach B gets time out, asst coach A huddles girls, Head coach A comes to me and says, "Look at the fouls, we've got 9, they've got only 4." Here's my big chance!!! I say very straight, no sarcasm, no accusation, "Coach, that's a coaching issue." Unfortunately, I said it a tad too loud (although I didn't try to!). Some of the Team A dads, who apparently were feeling adolescent, started laughing at Coach A, "A coaching issue! Ha, she got you there, coach!!" "Oooo, coach what are you going to do about that?" "Hey, coach, you've got issues!"

I thought, "Dog-doo-doo!!" and sure enough, he was steamed at me and let me know for the rest of the game. Doggone it!! I don't think I'll ever get the hang of this coach management thing...