How long before your first T to a coach?

[kblehman]

I have just 2 years of experience, so I really enjoy reading members' accounts of situations and rulings. The "T" stories are especially interesting to me because it's helped me understand how you veterans handle ugly situations, what deserves an immediate "T", what deserves a warning, etc.

Two years of being in stripes -- working about 250 games (counting tournaments) -- and I still haven't given out my first technical to a coach. I've been close only twice. Perhaps I have a long fuse, or maybe I've just been lucky?

Question for everyone who has dished out a "T" to a coach:
How long, or how many games had you officiated, before giving that first one out?

[RSmith]

My first year - I was hoping to be proud of having a long fuse - might be the wrong philosophy as an official - I made it to game 6!~

[TheOracle]

I have given 6 in 15 years to coaches. You may have a long fuse, or you may have great people or mediation skills. You'll know when you have to do it. Hopefully, you never will!

[Adam]

Hoping you never have to do it is like hoping your young daughter doesn't turn into a hormonal teenager. It's futile.

[Bearfanmike20]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

Hoping you never have to do it is like hoping your young daughter doesn't turn into a hormonal teenager. It's futile.

ok.... so we've had one family fued and one darth vader reference today.

[blindzebra]

Originally Posted by TheOracle

I have given 6 in 15 years to coaches. You may have a long fuse, or you may have great people or mediation skills. You'll know when you have to do it. Hopefully, you never will!

Not a lot of coaches in mens rec leagues huh?

As has been stated in other threads on this topic...don't worry about giving a T, most good officials have spent far more time thinking about T's that they should have given than ones that they have given out.

You need to find your line that can't be crossed and always take care of business when it is crossed...it really is that simple...that and ignore whatever the oracle says.

[TheOracle]

Originally Posted by blindzebra

Not a lot of coaches in mens rec leagues huh?

As has been stated in other threads on this topic...don't worry about giving a T, most good officials have spent far more time thinking about T's that they should have given than ones that they have given out.

You need to find your line that can't be crossed and always take care of business when it is crossed...it really is that simple...that and ignore whatever the oracle says.

Boy, an attempt at a personal insult and very much aligned with my philosophy? Wow... Your advice is outstanding.

[Red_Killian]

One of my focus items this year is to give the coaches the T's they earn. Whether it's ranting and raving or repeatedly being out of their box, it's just another call. I'll continue to deal with coaches with respect and make every effort to avoid the T via talking or warnings but I have defined a line and over the line, even an inch, will be a T. I'm going to treat it like OB. So far this year after about 10 games, one T in a JUCO game.

[archer]

2:15 seconds in to the first quarter of my very first varsity game. Counting T's is like a tin horn gunfighter cutting notches in his gun. I dont keep up with them, but I hand them out like candy on Halloween! 90% of HS coaches are idiots and do not know the rules. They are supposed to attend the state clinics to know the rule changes... But instead of going to learn the game, they send the waterboy or the janitor. So in turn, when one of these morons that tax payers are subsidising acts up. I wack him! And if one isnt good enough. I wack him again and send him to the time out corner!!!!! If they dont take the time to become educated to benefit the kids. Im not taking the time to listen to him rant about a moving screen!!!!!!!! Give me a break coach!!! Read the damn rule book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Back In The Saddle]

Originally Posted by TheOracle

Boy, an attempt at a personal insult and very much aligned with my philosophy? Wow... Your advice is outstanding.

And apparently your philosophy is improving.

[Goofyfor3]

I coached for 14 years (stop throwing things at me) and have finally turned to the bright side. This is my first year officiating (and my first post as well). I have not given a T yet (15 games at various lower levels) and am not sure that I have a long fuse, but use my previous experiences have led me to inform coaches when they are beginning to get near a line they do not want to cross. I must have received (earned) seven technicals in my first three years of coaching - and happily only one during my final eleven seasons. I realized (after three years - whoops long time) that I must recognize what events in the game in which I have control and leave all the other occurrences to those in which it is their responsibility.

[Back In The Saddle]

I made it three quarters before giving my first one.

[Back In The Saddle]

Originally Posted by Goofyfor3

I coached for 14 years (stop throwing things at me) and have finally turned to the bright side. This is my first year officiating (and my first post as well). I have not given a T yet (15 games at various lower levels) and am not sure that I have a long fuse, but use my previous experiences have led me to inform coaches when they are beginning to get near a line they do not want to cross. I must have received (earned) seven technicals in my first three years of coaching - and happily only one during my final eleven seasons. I realized (after three years - whoops long time) that I must recognize what events in the game in which I have control and leave all the other occurrences to those in which it is their responsibility.

Welcome to the light side I'm glad you shared your story. A lot of new guys just don't realize that new coaches also have to learn where the line is, and ought to be given a T when it's deserved.

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by kblehman

Question for everyone who has dished out a "T" to a coach:
How long, or how many games had you officiated, before giving that first one out?

I can't tell you exactly, because clocks didn't have tenths of a second back then, but it was under one second in my first game. At least, I think it was. Actually, sundials weren't that accurate, either.

I can tell you that Dr. Naismith didn't appreciate being rung up that fast.

[Coltdoggs]

Ahhhh the first T...so long ago...My first one game in my first year about game 4 or 5....I actually issued the coach's 2nd T and tossed him.

Had an OOB play in front of his bench..he thought the other team just threw the ball OOB on a fast break but his player tipped it out. He went off pretty bad right next to me...I didn't know what to do..I figured he was just venting by my partner who was now on the baseline took exception and whacked him....This just threw gas on the fire and it ended with him grabbing his coat from the bleacher behind him, walking past me toward the door (like he knew it was coming) and as he passed me he said "I'm outta here, you guys SUCK!"....So I figured I'd make sure he kept on walking.

Oh, that was 7 years ago in a 3rd grade rec league!