pre game coach conversation

[ma_ref]

Originally Posted by beachbum

How do the experienced officials deal with coaches that they have had problems with in past games? Do you try to discuss anything before the game starts?

let's say the coach is a big talker..." three seconds, that was a foul"..etc.. would you consider approaching him during warm ups. Say "in past games coach you have been vocal about everything on the floor, it is hard for me to concentrate on all of the action because of this" then asking him the allow you to officiate the game with less talk?

Let's say the shoe is on the other foot...coach comes up to you before the game: "In past games, you tend to call little, touchy fouls, but I think you should let the kids play. It is hard for me to coach my kids because this is our style of play."

One of the things I think is that I don't like it when coaches tell me how to officiate, so I'm not going to tell them how to coach. What they do when the ball goes up to start a game is on them.

If a coach has been vocal in the past, then that's the past and I'm fine with it. But if they decide they're going to be vocal (to the officiating crew) for my current game right now, then I'm going to show him the stop sign and put an end to it early.

Talking to the coach like you suggest is a bad idea because 1) you're admitting you have trouble focusing on the game, and might very well miss a call he's complaining about...and 2) you're sort of telling him how to do his job. I don't see how it's going to do anything other than throw gas on the fire.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by ma_ref

Let's say the shoe is on the other foot...coach comes up to you before the game: "In past games, you tend to call little, touchy fouls, but I think you should let the kids play. It is hard for me to coach my kids because this is our style of play."

I'd tell him that he sticks with the 2-3 zone way too long and needs to drill his players' ball skills a little more.

[Ignats75]

"Hi Coach, [insert name]. Are your players properly equipped and ready to play? .... Your coaching box is marked there. Please give us a signal for the type of time out you want. If we don't get one we will give you a full time out automatically. Also, please break on the first horn. Thanks. Good Luck."

I never deviate from that script unless there is something the coach asks or we have noticed an illegal equipment issue.

[dbking]

The only think that I add to the already stated is...

"Coaches and players, if you have a question ask us and we will answer as soon as possible. Our english teachers in high school taught us not to answer statements. Have a great game and put the ball in the hole! Have fun and good luck."

THe players and coaches normally laugh a little in the pregame. The statement vs. question reference is important for later in the game when the coach is whining. The statement goes like this, "Coach is there a question in there anywhere?" or "Coach I am not ignoring you, I am just waiting on a question." I have found that this works really well. 95% of coaches will adjust well to this. You will learn who the 5% are that do not quickly. Adjust with the exceptions.

[refnrev]

Past games are ancient history. Start fresh every game.

[deecee]

"Coach, [insert your name here]"
"Do you have any questions before we start?"
"Let us know what time out you want and help us getting your kids out on the first horn, good luck"

[fiasco]

Originally Posted by deecee

"Coach, [insert your name here]"
"Do you have any questions before we start?"
"Let us know what time out you want and help us getting your kids out on the first horn, good luck"

Why would you open yourself up to stupid and/or potentially harmful questions from a coach before the game?

My pre-game to coaches is the same no matter how many times I've worked their game:

"Coach, let's make sure your players are equipped legally. Good luck and let's all try and have some fun."

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by refnrev

Past games are ancient history.

Only for some of our (steamed) members.

[Mark Padgett]

"OK, coaches. Listen up. I'm Butch and this is my partner Sundance. We'll be your bouncers for today's festivities. Make sure all your players have removed their nipple rings. It's a good idea if they're all wearing cups since we plan on not calling any hard fouls to the crotch area. If you run any plays designed to send the game into overtime, I will break your kneecaps. If you say anything to either one of us during the game, I will break your kneecaps. Any questions? If so, stuff 'em - we don't care.

Oh yeah, good luck - you'll need it."

Of course, if it's a girl's game, I skip the part about the cups.