Officiating Philosophy ?

[jdmara]

One more thing..I meant to include in my disjointed post...once again I apoligize for the length and ease of reading.

If I have a reasonable relationship with the coach throughout the game (which it's rarely the case that I don't), if I'm the trail on the bench-side I might backup a little bit near the coach and hint at the idea of not full-court pressing because of the score. For instance last week, I backed up to the coach and said, "Coach, it might be time to call off the dogs since you're up by 35." His response was, "Whoa thanks, I didn't even realize the score was that lopsided." Like young players, young coaches get excited too and lose their composure. I would not pursue the issue any further, no matter how he reacted, but sometimes a gentle hint will remind the coach of the situation. It's a one and done deal in my opinion. If I hint, I leave it alone the rest of the game. In fact, I tell my partner the next timeout that I've gave the hint so leave it alone. I don't want to corner the coach into thinking we are instructing him how to coach.

In var/college/etc...knowledgeable assistant coaches tame the head coach and remind him of these situations. Therefore, I would never say anything to a var coach. But youth leagues are there for the kids participation.

-Josh