How should I handle??

[brettm]

BktBallRef -

I do not and will not berate an official. I do not allow my players to question any calls from an official or make gestures to show their displeasure...anything other than respect "earns" them a place on the bench immediately. I have even went into the stands to escort out a parent of one of my player's that had gone "over the line."

I can and do appreciate the varying skill levels of the officials (and scorekeepers, timekeepers, coaches, game management, etc.) and try to keep things in perspective.

My approach to an official during a game is the same as I hope coaches will approach me when I wear the stripes. No shouting, hot dogging, or stomping my feet...I will make a comment - and it is just that - a comment, when I think it is necessary. Where did you get the impression that I "stand on the sideline and berate the officials"?

Your assumptions and comments are way out of line. The manner that you responded to my post - immediately taking the defensive and then attacking me as a person, is the same type of response that causes an official to start handing out technicals and losing control of the game. But then again, since I am a lowly AAU coach as well as an official, I probably would deserve the "T". (NOTE - I have NEVER, EVER, had a technical called on me or my team with the exception of a scorebook error).

I apologize for not describing the traveling situation as well as I should have. My intent was to simply point out a few instances I felt that we (officials and coaches) can all learn from. Isn't that the purpose of this board? Might I suggest that you try your hand at coaching a 6th grade AAU team during a summer. Work with them, teach them the fundamentals and a respect for the game...and then have the game officiated by individuals that, and this is my opinion, wouldn't spend the time to learn the rules and/or how they should be applied.