When coaches run things

[tomegun]

Oracle, I think your way of thinking is partially what is wrong with basketball officiating.

Before you get upset, let me explain. I think there are many capable and young officials who do not get a shot because coaches are more comfortable with guys who have been around. The system should call for a coach to look at the play-calling of the official.

I have worked many places and some of them have stressed game management instead of keeping coaches happy. Donnee Gray always told us, "I can get you to stop calling technical fouls, but I can't get you to start." Another D2 assigner ran a league where coaches knew their behavior would get them T'd up. Sure, they could ask not to see an official at home, but that meant they would probably see that official on the road ASAP.

I started this post because I know the difference between a league, college or high school, where things are done right and a league where the coaches have too much power. I'm not talking about a situation where officials aren't communicating well, I'm talking about behavior that is going unchecked. Remember the quote one coach made to one of my partners about the other partner:

"Do you think you can get Joe to stop calling those p*&^y fouls."

Do you think that coach should have said that without receiving a T?