more philosophy

[bbcoach7]

Originally Posted by 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.

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.

There's no doubt some truth to this- that some coaches try to "work" the officials. It may be more prevalent at higher levels and pro ball. But it's a ridiculous and hair brained concept. The very idea suggests that referee's blow calls all the time, and if I as a coach complain enough, that I will get some calls later to go my way that I otherwise wouldn't have. Stupid, stupid, stupid. In the first place, all the studies that have been done always conclude that you guys are correct way more than you're not on calls.

Yes, we do feel some "pressure" sometimes to voice an objection. I can't speak for all coaches, but I can tell you that this "pressure" has nothing to do with the people in the stands, ot reporters. It's the pressure that comes from wanting our players to understand and feel like we (coaches) have their back, and if they've been unfairly penalized, we might say something in support of them.

I coach girls. And one big difference is that girls don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care. Boys don't have to like their coach in order to "run through the wall." They just love to compete. But girls (at least the ones who never play past HS) are not that competetive and what they think of their coach actually influences how hard they play. So every now and then I will make a little fuss on behalf of a player because I want them to know I care. I admit, I'm usually acting when I do that. And it's not like I'm going over the top, as I've only been whacked 2 times in 8 seasons.