Game management - communication to head coach

[jeffpea]

Originally Posted by johnny1784

What verbal comments would you use to a head coach or player who makes senseless statements to us as officials?..."call it both ways", "three seconds in the key", "they are playing rough on my guys" and "you got to help your partner".

in order, my responses would be:
1 "when it happens, we'll get it"
2 "what number? if you give me a number, then I'll watch for it..."
3 "what number? if you give me a number, then I'll watch for it..."
4 "my partner is a very good official. give him a chance to work."

the best phrases to include in any response are:
"i hear you coach"
"i understand"

as a salesman, i can tell you that the person asking questions is the person that is in control of the conversation. therefore, if YOU ask a question you will not be on the defensive (see responses #2 and #3 above...). try these next time:
"what did you see?" - listen to his response - then, "ok/i understand/i hear u"
"what's wrong?" ......
"what happened?"....
"what's your concern?"....

finally, here's my "Jedi Mind-Trick" question:
"did you see the play?" if YES, "then you know it was a good call" (said while nodding your head and smiling); if NO, "then you really can't complain about a play you didn't see, can you?" (said while shaking you head "no")