JR,
Just for the record, and you will be surprised to here this, but I don't think a foul should have been called on this play, either. but it sure is fun to argue. :)

I have also clearly moved the discussion away from the true issue. I did not come close to acting like that toward officials even when I was very young. I would NEVER come close to physical contact with players like that. His actions were far over the line, as everyone, well almost everyone, agrees.

I am also far too competitive to manage to pick up that second technical foul. With a three point deficit and still over 10 seconds remaining, I would have kept my mouth shut. A missed FT and I have any opportunity to tie it. Then again, I likely would have been ahead since I would not have earned the first T either.

I don't think many adults who actually have to answer to someone would act like this knucklehead acted. It's apparent from the resolution of this that he doesn't really answer to anyone.

He better knock him out. If a player is already falling, they are not going to get a foul from me (or any respectable official I know) just because there was some contact.

Peace

And I think that most officials who have been around for a while realize that there are technical fouls and there are technical fouls.

There's the run-of-the-mill "T"s that you give out in the course of a game to a coach that thinks that you just missed one....or a few. That's just another call....ho-hum....git 'er done and move on...and we both forget about it. And I don't have a problem with a coach testing me to see where my line is either....as long as the coach is smart enough to back off when he finds out. There is a proper way to lobby for your team and most experienced coaches know the procedure...and most experienced officials recognize that procedure.

But there is a few (emphasis on few) coaches that do try to gain an edge through intimidation. And they'll pick their spots also, which is why the coach in the video went after the young 'un on the other side. When I read nonsense from his sycophants like "his players feed off that energy" and "he can turn his anger off like a light bulb". then I know that particular coach is definitely in this category. That coach has made intimidation a large part of his coaching modus operandi. And I don't think that it makes him an idiot. I do think that it makes him a person who shouldn't be allowed to coach anybody outside the NBA, and especially not impressionable teenagers. It's wrong...and it's sad. And what is even sadder is that you have a school administration that not only lets this person get away with such unsporting behavior but also seems to encourage it. And what is truly sad is that his followers are quite willing to spread his gospel also. It's all in the quest for their Holy Grail--a win.

One bad official who doesn't know the rules or how to apply them doesn't mean that the great majority of us aren't dedicated to trying to do the best job that we possibly can when we step out on the court. And similarly, one person like this Thorson sureashell doesn't mean the the great majority of amateur coaches aren't trying their damndest to not only teach playing skills but to teach life skills. Iow, in regard to both coaches and officials, you have to judge each individual in each category individually.

JMO, Coach.

Agree fwiw in that particular situation that the coach detailed. You haveta protect the airborne shooter.

Well said.

I realize we are only in the second week of January, but the above is the post of the year. You are the leader in the clubhouse so far.

Thanks for the kind words.

JR,
Of your nearly 20,000 posts, this one is indeed one of your better posts. I could not agree more. As I was embarrassed by the actions of the coach from Texas last week, I was also embarrassed by the actions of a fellow coach in this video.

Officials and coaches can disagree whether a foul could/should have been called in the second video, but the reality is, the disagreement is over judgment. As a coach, we have to respect an official's judgment -- within reason.

We only saw about 20 or 30 seconds of a 32 minute game. Who knows what other calls preceded or followed the ones on the video. But, one of the first things I tell my parents during my parent meeting following the first practice each year concerns officials. I tell them to understand our level of play (HS or MS), understand the level of officials who will be doing our games, expect bad calls to go against us and bad calls to go for us.

But, the most important thing I tell them is that if you notice we have a bad official or bad officials during the first two or three minutes of a game, do yourself a favor, put a mint in your mouth and chew and chew and chew, but do NOT yell!!! Why? Well, if the average officials has been officiating for five years to be as bad as he is, why do you feel that if you correct him all game long, he will suddenly become a good official?

As I have mentioned before, I seldom said (or say) a whole lot to officials as I am busy doing my job. I will make points with officials from time to time and move back to coaching. I have found that my preseason discussion with parents tend to put officiating into perspective. I seldom have a parent give an official a problem.

When one of my parents does complain about an official, there is a very simple and well publicized three step process. The first time I hear it, they get a wave. The second time I hear it, they get a look. The third time I hear it, they get a free trip out of the gym (courtesy of the gym supervisor). I have never gotten to step three in 30+ years of coaching, but I have certainly gotten to step two.

Once again, excellent post.

'Sycophants' and 'modus operandi' in the same paragraph! Two gold stars for you, young man!

I am well aware of the unauthorized signals. That was my point in highlight the fact he gave the ejection "signal" which I personally have no issue with- it was calm and collected and not antagonizing as some of the guys in MLB do.

Had this coach last night, no problems at all.

Did he win?

Yes, they were up by 10 with 12 minutes to go then pulled away and won by 28. I ignored his comments and answered his questions, he kept himself under control.

I'm guessing it's easier to do when he wins. Just a guess.

I agree.