Communicating with Coaches

[bbcoach7]

Originally Posted by lmeadski

I am a more frequent reader than poster here. In many of the threads I see refs referencing their comments to/with coaches. Some of you clearly call the game with minimal interaction while others are sarcastic, especially with the belligerent coaches (and maybe it's just what you'd like to say...).
Thanks.

I like it when during pre-game the officials make a point to initiate communication with me. There's just something that happens when you actually look someone in the eyes, shake hands and introduce yourself. It fosters some respect. I'm way less likely to make an innapropriate comment to "Jim" who I just had a pleasant moment with in pre-game than I am with someone who doesn't bother, or worse seems to assume through body language that it's going to be an contentious relationship.

Certainly I don't expect it. I believe what this topic really is about is communication skills, and ultimately leadership.

[Chess Ref]

Originally Posted by bbcoach7

I like it when during pre-game the officials make a point to initiate communication with me. There's just something that happens when you actually look someone in the eyes, shake hands and introduce yourself. It fosters some respect. I'm way less likely to make an innapropriate comment to "Jim" who I just had a pleasant moment with in pre-game than I am with someone who doesn't bother, or worse seems to assume through body language that it's going to be an contentious relationship.

Certainly I don't expect it. I believe what this topic really is about is communication skills, and ultimately leadership.

I always intoduce myself. I keep my comments pre-game and during the game short and professional.

I'm way less likely to give a T to a coach who doesn't say anything inappropriate then one who does.

[CoachP]

We normally have the same 2 officials do the boys varsity after we play the girls varsity....so they are at the division line watching the boys warmup by the time I am done with our girls in the locker room. I at a minimum shake hands and say thanks.

I love the personable "humor type" and the "business like" styles I see from each pair of officials we get. I adapt to them just as the girls also adapt to their "types" of calls.

Last week our AD was outta town so I ended announcing the starters. I then said please stand for the national anthem and handed the mic to Mr. Ref. (An official doing our game I have known for 14-15 years.) His partner was still laughing trying to do the toss.