Calling coaches by name.

[Back In The Saddle]

"Princess" works nicely too.

[Nevadaref]

IMO the use of names is a quality game management and communication tool.
I have used their names since I started officiating. I've had success with it. I've also had numerous people tell me that I shouldn't. However, there is one person who shaped my philosophy on this and another recent speaker who confirmed my belief.
The original was soccer referee Bob Evans. He was an international level referee. His advice is to learn the names of as many players on the field as possible during the match and use them. He also let the players call him by name as long as proper respect was accorded.
After meeting him and listening to a couple of his talks early in my officiating days, I took it upon myself to do the same. It has worked very well for me. I have been seen as a players' referee. I let the players call me by my first name too. Many do. Even a team from Vegas in this year's state tournament did it. I memorized the captains' names at the coin toss (and also most of the roster before the game) and told them mine and that they could call me by my first name on the field. They responded very well to it and it broke the ice with a team that I had never seen before. I think that it made them feel a lot more comfortable playing 500 miles from home against a local opponent.

The confirmation came just a couple of weeks ago when one of the NBA group supervisors came to my HS association and gave a presentation. He also recommended using the first names of the players and coaches. He stated that it helped the line of communcation as well as responding skills. He also noted that the asst coaches of today are tomorrow's head coaches. Something else to consider as we have some folks on this forum and in my local assn who don't believe in communicating with asst coaches.

For those who have never tried it or are a bit uncomfortable with it, I would ask that you give it a shot for a couple of months and see what it does for your game. If it brings you success, keep it. If not, then let it go.

[JRutledge]

If I know both coaches names well I will use both their first names. They tend to call us by name so I do not see the big deal. If I only know one of the coach’s names, then I call them both by coach. Most of the time I am not talking that much with the coaches anyway, so it is not much of a concern.

Peace

[Andy]

We discussed the article on the softball board recently as well:

Calling coaches and players by first names

I don't work hoops anymore, but here is my response:

I read the article and have some mixed feelings about the authors points.

I will call a coach by first name, but only if I have a relationship with both coaches involved in the contest. I'm damn sure not going to introduce myself to a coach I don't know with a "Good afternoon, Coach. My name is Andy", and go over to the other coach that I do know with a "Hey, Joe! How are ya?, Good to see you!"

I don't mind being called by name on the field, I guess that is just a personal preference.

As I have started doing more college level ball the last few years, I have noticed that the college coaches seem to like calling the umpires by name. I think they do it for just the reasons the author of the article suggests; they think is establishes a more personal relationship and your calls will go their way more often.
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[SeanFitzRef]

I tend to refer to the players more by name than the coaches, as I have been around long enough now to have seen a lot of them since they were in grade school. There are some coaches that I know well, and have known them since I coached. I might refer to them by name in a quiet conversation in front of the bench, but if I have to say something in passing, where I know the other coach can hear, I'll refer to them only as coach.

[tomegun]

I agree with Rut, I don't really talk to the coach enough for it to be that big of a deal. But I know their names anyway...coach.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by tomegun

But I know their names anyway...coach.

Kinda like the name of my military boss, "Chief."

To me, if it's simple yes and no answers during play, I'll usually use sir or ma'am.

If I'm addressing some borderline sportsmanship issues, it's "coach" all the way. Then again, I'm still new to the area and don't know all the coaches well enough for names yet.

[TheOracle]

You are a salesman as a referee. You are serving the coaches, players, and schools. Knowing their names shows respect, especially if they do not know you. It shows them you've taken the time to know who they are and about their team, and passion for the game. Makes them feel big. With the internet, you should be able to find out the coaches names if you don't know them.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

Kinda like the name of my military boss, "Chief."

To me, if it's simple yes and no answers during play, I'll usually use sir or ma'am.

If I'm addressing some borderline sportsmanship issues, it's "coach" all the way. Then again, I'm still new to the area and don't know all the coaches well enough for names yet.

The Google is your friend. I can find any varsity coach's name within 2 minutes.