Coaches and their players

[SOWB_Ref]

Does anyone else see the trend that players usually follow the example in conduct set by there coach? This is a generalziation, but geez I usually have more problems with players whose coaches can't keep it in check themselves.

In my pregame with coaches I try to emphasize this by saying"The players will follow our(coaches and officials)example so let's maintain a professional and sportsmanlike attitude throughout the game."

Doesn't usually change those who are true howler monkeys.

[Ridge Wiz]

Yes, I would completely agree. I've seen a good kid turn into an attitude problem under a H. Monkey coach. The next year, under a well disciplined coach, the kid made another 180 turn. Basically in three years the kid was good, bad, good due to the influence of a different coach. Many other adults of the youth league recognized the same changes.

Last week I worked a middle school game where the "rules knowing" coach liked to point out the calls we were missing. With about 2 minutes in the game his "rules knowing" player wants to point out something for me to notice on the other team (the other team is up 20+). I told the player, in a stern voice, "You have nothing to say to me."

[mick]

Originally posted by SOWB_Ref
Does anyone else see the trend that players usually follow the example in conduct set by there coach? This is a generalziation, but geez I usually have more problems with players whose coaches can't keep it in check themselves.

In my pregame with coaches I try to emphasize this by saying"The players will follow our(coaches and officials)example so let's maintain a professional and sportsmanlike attitude throughout the game."

Doesn't usually change those who are true howler monkeys.

SOWB_Ref,
If I were a coach, and a young, arrogant official said that condescending quip to me before a game, I would be aggravated from the start.
If a really nice official said that to me, I would think he is a young, arrogant and condescending official.
mick

[SOWB_Ref]

You really think that is arrogant and condescending? It definitely isn't my intent.

In the association I work for, we are required to remind the coaches of sportsmanship during the introductions, and by mentioning that I am required to adbide by the same conduct I was hoping to let them know there aren't alone and I am not attempting to single them out.

Are there coaches on this board who could sound off on this. I am certainly willing to consider another tact.

How do you address coaches in your introduction? If you don't specifically address sportsmanship how would you?

[Edited by SOWB_Ref on Jan 24th, 2002 at 10:52 PM]

[mick]

Originally posted by SOWB_Ref
You really think that is arrogant and condescending? It is definitely my intent.

In the association I work for, we are required to remind the coaches of sportsmanship during the introductions, and by mentioning that I am required to adbide by the same conduct I was hoping to let them know there aren't alone and I am not attempting to single them out.

Are there coaches on this board who could sound off on this. I am certainly willing to consider another tact.

How do you address coaches in your introduction? If you don't specifically address sportsmanship how would you?

To the coaches: "Please remind your players of sportsmanship." ...That is that.
mick

[daves]

Originally posted by mick

SOWB_Ref,
If I were a coach, and a young, arrogant official said that condescending quip to me before a game, I would be aggravated from the start.
If a really nice official said that to me, I would think he is a young, arrogant and condescending official.
mick

I wouldn't consider this arrogant or condescending in the least. I think it's another way of verbalizing an official's emphasis for sportsmanship. There was no finger pointing. The officials were included as part of the equation for professionalism and sportsmanship. I like it. I think I'll use it in my next coaches conference.

[dblref]

In our state clinic this year, we were told to ask the coaches somethin to the effect of ..."are your players properly equipped and will display good sportsmanship?" I think it was last year that we were supposed to "invite" the coaches to the the meeting with the captains. We rarely, if ever, did this.

[mick]

Originally posted by daves

I wouldn't consider this arrogant or condescending in the least. I think it's another way of verbalizing an official's emphasis for sportsmanship. There was no finger pointing. The officials were included as part of the equation for professionalism and sportsmanship. I like it. I think I'll use it in my next coaches conference.

daves,
We all know there are different strokes for different folks.
However, when I step onto the court I assume professionalism will be displayed. If I make a request for professionalism, then it may be interpreted that I am expecting someone to be non-professional.
I, also, expect good sportsmanship. The only reason I make any sportsmanship statement is because the "statement" is required. It seems the "rule-riters" expect poor sportsmanship.
Then, too, when I am working the plate on a diamond, I refuse to give warnings for behavior prior to the first pitch, because I assume proper conduct will be applied for the entire game.
mick

[Bart Tyson]

Mick, assume proper conduct! I know what you are saying, But, you have to admit, it does sound funny.

[mick]

Originally posted by Bart Tyson
Mick, assume proper conduct! I know what you are saying, But, you have to admit, it does sound funny.

Bart,
Yeah, I don't write so good.
mick

[Bart Tyson]

No, not your writing, the idea of assuming player and coaches will have proper conduct.

[mick]

Originally posted by Bart Tyson
No, not your writing, the idea of assuming player and coaches will have proper conduct.

Well, ya know Bart, if I thought the players and coaches
were gonna be assinine I wouldn't do this thing.
I guess that's just the mindset with which I've decided to go.
Maybe, subconsciously, I am assuming hoping they all read the book since the last time I saw 'em.
Riiiiiight.
mick

[daves]

I assume nothing when it comes to the coaches and players. My hope is that everyone involved in a game will show sportsmanship and professionalism but too often that has not been the case. I guess it's a case of hoping for the best and expecting the worst. Whatever an official can do to emphasize that point should be encouraged. I have a game coming up next week between 2 teams that have some "issues" with each other. Will I emphasize sportsmanship more in the coaches and captains conference in that game? Absolutely! I'm not going to make accusations or single anybody out but it will be a point of emphasis. I'm just trying to rein things in before it gets ugly. I too would like to hear from some of our coaches about this point.

[coach mb]

"The players will follow our(coaches and officials)example so let's maintain a professional and sportsmanlike attitude throughout the game."

I like it. To instill a positive common behavior is as important for an adult as it is for a child.

I would take the statement as coming from a leader who's ready to present him/her self in such a way ... that those participating in and attending the game will be able to leave that day with the impression that ... win or lose ... that ref did a good job with my child.

By the way ... I have more trouble excepting an "unprofessional", "self centered" official then any other person in the gym.

It doesn't happen often, but we're all human.

[egausch]

I have no problem with that intro. I find it professional an d would welcome it.
I also agree 100% that players TEND to follow their coach's lead or the captain's lead. Not all, but most. As a matter of fact, I count on it to both motivate the team or settle them down as needed. Since 80% of the time I'm dealing with volunteer refs, and coaches for that matter, I'm very careful not to set a negative example for the players. I pick and choose those battles very carefully, and always as professional as possible. Anything less either stagnants or misdirects the development of the players, coaches, and/or refs, and the league for that matter.
EG