Canadian Teams

[Adam]

Originally Posted by JugglingReferee

Then the bigger picture involves the tournament host informing the officials that non-US teams are involved.

But like I said, that's how it's done up here. The officiating groups I've been involved with think ahead and have answers for coaches, and have no problems with being proactive.

And asking the coach if he has any questions on rules is going to do what?

How is this not the coach's responsibility?

[JugglingReferee]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

And asking the coach if he has any questions on rules is going to do what?

It's going to give the coach an opportunity to be clear about the new environment he's is. Like I said, it's part of the bigger picture.

Officiating in Canada, and frequently having US teams in our tournaments, I happen to know that coaches appreciate the gesture. If they feel that they are already at a disadvantage because referees don't care about their understanding of the rules, they won't wish to come back to the tournament. Being a cordial neighbour has worked well for me in the past.

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

How is this not the coach's responsibility?

Originally Posted by JugglingReferee

While yes, it is the coaches job to inform their team of rules differences

[M&M Guy]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

And asking the coach if he has any questions on rules is going to do what?

How is this not the coach's responsibility?

I'm looking at this situation like doing middle school games - yes, it's the coach's responsibility to know the rules, but many times officials will do the players the courtesy of explaining the rules throughout the game.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by M&M Guy

I'm looking at this situation like doing middle school games - yes, it's the coach's responsibility to know the rules, but many times officials will do the players the courtesy of explaining the rules throughout the game.

This I can appreciate, but just asking the coach if he has questions is opening up too much, IMO.

Me: "Coach, do you have any questions on rules differences?"
Coach: "Yeah, what are they?"
Me: "Timer, I need you to put 10 more minutes on the pregame clock. Coach, let's have a seat."

[M&M Guy]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

This I can appreciate, but just asking the coach if he has questions is opening up too much, IMO.

Me: "Coach, do you have any questions on rules differences?"
Coach: "Yeah, what are they?"
Me: "Timer, I need you to put 10 more minutes on the pregame clock. Coach, let's have a seat."

Which bench area will you be sitting at? Will you invite the other coach into the conversation? Will you huddle both teams around, or just depend on the coaches to relay the information? Will you have a laminated copy of the rule differences handy?

Inquiring minds want to know.

Fwiw, I agree with Bob, it doesn't have to be a rules clinic before the game, but rather some clarifications on specific questions. Then simple reminders throughout the game.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by M&M Guy

Will you have a laminated copy of the rule differences handy?

No, but I might suggest the coach do that before he leaves Canada.

[JugglingReferee]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

No, but I might suggest the coach do that before he leaves Canada.

In a perfect world, yes. Many coaches are also responsible for arranging travel, booking hotel rooms, all the while still coaching strategy and teaching skills.

As a coach for 7 years, I was lucky because I do have an officiating background, and therefore know up front to be aware of these issues, and can adapt easily to the different rules and how to explain the changes to my players. Most other people don't have that luxury.

[Raymond]

I did a game with an Australian team this month. Coach came up to us during warm-ups and told us they did not know all the rules differences and please not to take any offense if his team did something wrong and that he might have questions during the game.

We said "no problem" and the game went on without a hitch. We just occasionally had to remind the coach to stay in his coaches' box.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

And asking the coach if he has any questions on rules is going to do what?

How is this not the coach's responsibility?

There's a difference between 'do you have any questions on the rules?" and "Here are the differences between FIBA and NFHS."

The former lets the coach clarify any differences s/he thinks are important to the team that day (can we inbond right away after an oob call?, how many tos do I get? Can anyone request them?)

[Adam]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

There's a difference between 'do you have any questions on the rules?" and "Here are the differences between FIBA and NFHS."

The former lets the coach clarify any differences s/he thinks are important to the team that day (can we inbond right away after an oob call?, how many tos do I get? Can anyone request them?)

I can see this, it's what I would do, to be honest. But the OP indicated the coaches were unaware of what the differences were.

If a coach isn't aware of the differences, he's not going to know what questions to ask and will still blame (in the OP) the officials.

[rockyroad]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

I can see this, it's what I would do, to be honest. But the OP indicated the coaches were unaware of what the differences were.

If a coach isn't aware of the differences, he's not going to know what questions to ask and will still blame (in the OP) the officials.

Not necessarily. The attitude of the officials toward the coach's questions during the game will have a huge impact on how things go. Example -

Coach asks a question and official calmly turns to him and says "Coach, that is one of those rule differences we talked about." Coach says "Oh, ok."

As opposed to Coach asks a question and official turns and looks at him like he is a complete moron, gives a disgusted look, and proceeds down the court.

Now which of those two situations will end with the coach blaming the official???