When to give a "T"

[JoeT]

Originally posted by A Pennsylvania Coach
All I need to calm me down is an acknowledgement from the officials that I've been heard. A quick "I didn't see that" or an "I called what I saw" usually does the trick. If I'm saying something to the officials, it's because I saw something they must not have, and I want them to be aware of it.

All due respect, what it sounds like you're saying is: "if I feel you're ignoring me, I'm going to get in your face and earn a T."

I don't like giving technicals. Nevertheless, the topic of your post suggests that it's my job to worry about how not to give you a T. In reality, it's the other way around: It's your job to conduct yourself respectfully. A technical given to a coach is indeed "part of the game," but the ones we've been discussing here are more specifically technical fouls for unsportsmanlike conduct. I don't like that you predicate your sportsmanship upon an official's response to your ultimatum.

Nonetheless, I agree that it is helpful to respond more often than not. If an official doesn't respond, however, I don't think that justifies unsportsmanlike conduct.