For Tomegun: talking to coaches (NCAA)

[Raymond]

From Bulletin No. 1 and December 8, 2009, Teleconference Follow-Up

Originally Posted by John Adams

2. In the 30 or so games I have attended or watched on TV, I have witnessed many instances of over fraternization by officials with coaches, fans and the media during games. Additionally, I was informed by a member of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee that during a tournament over the Thanksgiving weekend he was attending, he watched an official leave the court during a time out and while holding the ball, wander two rows up in the media section to shake hands with two reporters covering the game. I also personally witnessed an official put his arm around a head coach during a timeout to explain a tough call made by another official on the crew. I would ask that all officials demonstrate professional, unbiased behavior at all times in all games. Officials are expected to get plays right and communicate with coaches, players, and table personnel in a respectful manner. Nothing more and nothing less is required.

[johnnyrao]

I have zero experience in college officiating so this may be the correct procedure, but last night in the Kentucky - UCONN game something the trail official did caught my attention and is along the lines of this post. He called a backcourt violation against KY. Coach Calipari was not happy and voiced displeasure. The T, moving to L, sprinted across the court (he was opposite the table) and stood for a brief time and explained the call to Coach C. Coach C was satisfied and, in fact, mouthed "My mistake" to the calling official. My initial thought, however, as I watched the official sprint across the court, was that the official was cowering to the persona of Coach C. Perhaps it would have been better to take his new position as L and give a long distance explanation from the end line, or no explanation at all, or a slower jog across the court. Just curious on what everyone's thoughts are as this somewhat fits the OP for this. How does the NCAA teach this? Would anyone do this in a HS game under Fed rules? I don't think I would.

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by johnnyrao

...How does the NCAA teach this? Would anyone do this in a HS game under Fed rules? I don't think I would.

Generally, the only time I will take some extra steps to talk to a coach is if I'm the trail tableside (3-man) on free throws. Otherwise I wait until I'm back in their vicinity, by which time the coaches forget they even wanted to talk to me.