Great coach - not kidding
 

Took a MS game at the last minute last night, mostly because I had nothing else to do, the game was literally 5 minutes from my house and I got paid cash on the spot. Anyway, it was 6th grade boys in a huge competitive league that takes in about 10 cities around here. The visiting coach was a "gem". It was obvious after a few minutes that his team was going to win in a blowout. They were up by 18 after one. He took off the press. They were up 32 at the half. He told his team to pull up on fast breaks and that he wanted at least three passes before any shots, even offensive rebounds. They still would up winning by almost 50.

Here's the best part. He praised his kids after every good play and on the rare occasion they made a bad play, he just talked to them about how to avoid doing it next time and then patted them on the back. Not only that, he often congratulated the other team when they made a good play. After the game, he told the other team's players he thought they played hard and shook all their hands.

Oh yeah - this guy is former Oregon State All-American and NBA player Charlie Sitton. His son played on his team and scored about 30. I have never met Charlie before but I was incredibly impressed with his attitude. I wish I could clone him and have the clones coach all the teams around here. :)

Good for Chuck. Although we had a different name for him in The Pit. :D

After all the bashing in the other post, it's good to hear a good story!

I had two GJV Coaches last night that also set a good example. No yelling or theatrics involved.

Had a few controversial issues (clock issue - first game of the yr for the timer, getting in and out of huddle, etc.). But everyone handled it well.

Concur, good to see for a change.

For you non-Oregonians, "The Pit" is the nickname for the gym at the University of Oregon. Charlie played for Oregon State. Get it now?

Had my most respectful coaches and players in 5 years of officiating last night - and it was a double-header so I had 4 coaches and 4 teams. Everyone was very respectful and gracious. Players played hard, though not always well. :D Heard hardly a peep from the crowd other than to support the players.

Really, the best games ever from a player and coach interaction standpoint.

It was two Christian schools, and opposed to many others I've done, actually adhered to the principles they teach (and recited prior to the game).

Must have been a good night for coaches a lot of places!

It happens a lot more than you think. It needs to be highlighted here more. Like the networks showing death and destruction all the time; that does not reflect reality for a lot of folks. I'd say 99% of coaches and players are great to be around.

Where do you ref - Fantasyland? :confused:

Boy I want to come work where you work!!:eek: I will say as a rule that in my experience the higher you go the better the coaches are to deal with which may seem counterintuitive to some....

You assumed we care?

That number seems a tad bit high for my area too!

"OldSchool Land"

Even I don't care.

I appreciated the time he spent to explain to us.

Maybe JR could tell us more about the Pit called Hell. :D