Verbals out of Limits

[JRutledge]

but I would not want to have a list of things that are always going to warrant a T. Because if your list is violated, you will feel compelled to always give a T. Maybe there should be things that you have to address, but sometimes a T is only going exacerbate the situation. I know people do not want to here this, but if your "presence" is such that you exsude control or competence, you might be able to avoid silly Ts and having to threaten players and coaches for behavior. Now for those that think I make this kind of stuff up, should have gone to one of my association meeting tonight. A very will respected and veteran official said the very thing to a group of newer officials tonight. See all we are talking about is conflict resolution and if all you want to do is punish every single infraction or possible infraction, all you will be remembered as someone with a short fuse. I think you should always go into a game with a plan, but to say "no matter what, these are Ts" I think is not a very good tactic to officiating overall.

It is not just how we make calls, we will be judged by the way we deal with the people in the game. If we get that right, we will be precieved as competent in other areas. Officiating is much more a people business than it is what the rules are and how we apply them.

All the good officials keep making that point over and over again.

Peace