more philosophy

[PaREF]

Something that hasn't been mentioned yet is the concept of "working the officials". It seems as though basketball coaches, more so than other sports, are either expected to "work the officials" or actually think that complaining to officials will get them some calls. I don't know how many times I have heard that expression from television commentators or print columnists.

Our local paper has a couple of know-it-all writers who are absolutely convinced that one of the main responsibilities that coaches have is to work the officials. They practically worship the out-of-control, idiot coaches in the area who make a spectacle of themselves raling at officials during games. It is enough to make me sick, and I'm not even a basketball official (I work volleyball but love to read the basketball posts here!).

So understand that some coaches feel pressure to complain to officials so as not to be seen as weak or ineffective. All you have to do is just ask any reporter and they will gladly tell you that it is a time-honored tradition and most of all, very effective. Of course, none of them have ever officiated any contest of any level of any sport in their lives.