Dealing With Coaches

[freddie_g2001]

Ok, I know once you get established in an area, Coaches get to Know, Like, and Trust you. Unfortunately, Because of my Job, I just relocated....been officiating for 12 years and work some lower level college. I believe no matter how long you've been working, Most can improve the communication with coaches. Here is my scenerio.....If you have a game in which you are calling a good game but the coach wants to discuss or complain about ever call that went the other way......When do you say Enough! I know the book answer is....When the coach starts to effect your concentration but I want to know your views on how to deal with a coach that complains on every call. When do you address it and How do you address it. Thanks for your responses.....freddie_g2001

[Adam]

Honestly, as soon as you realize it's going to be a pattern, address it. You can usually tell pretty quickly, within the first couple of minutes.

You'll have to find your own words, but something to the effect of, "Coach, if you have a specific question, I'll answer it; but I can't have you complaining about every call."

[centkyref]

Snaqs, I used almost exactly the same language last night to a new coach who is a very young and very inexperienced head coach. It was early, about the sixth or seventh trip down the floor, I was working T right in front of the bench. I caught a dead ball (out of bounds and we had a llittle break while one of the players went to retrieve it) and moved over right beside her and told her that in a very conversational, even tone. Didn't have any issues after that.

I think you have quoted this on this site several times in the past, and it just hit me last night to give it a try. So I guess I'm saying thanks for the assist!

[Jurassic Referee]

Every official sets their own limits as to how much crap they're going to take. That's just the way it is and it ain't going to change. And what works for me might not work for you either. Just be consistent at both ends from start to finish with the players/coaches. They will adjust to you, but they have to know where they stand.

Set the bar and don't move it. And for Dexter's sake, if you are going to warn somebody, carry through with that warning if they fail to heed it.

[rockyroad]

My "line in the sand" is when the Coach start to have an effect on my concentration. When my attention has to be on the Coach rather than on the action on the court, I will address it. And I usually say something to the effect of "Coach, I can't listen to you and concentrate on the players at the same time." They usually get it...usually.

[JRutledge]

I have told coaches that they need to pick their spots if they are going to complain, because every call cannot possibly be totally wrong. Now they either take heed or they get a T for their behavior. Dealing with coaches is an art, not a science. And just because you know a coach really well does not mean they will not complain or go over the line. They might just know when enough is enough with you specifically, but I have had coaches I know very well act out more than those I do not know.

Peace