+1

If you go with the mantra "just let them be emotional," you're asking for trouble, IMO. Leave the emotions for the fans; there's a higher standard for those in the game.

If interscholastic sports are supposed to teach life skills, remaining calm under pressure is an important one, because that skill is a requirement in the real world. I say it every game: Questioning is fine, so long as its done civilly.

When do you say this?

Maybe I should add it to my signature?

In the pregame man! Right before, "Let us know on all fulls & 30s" & after "We're gonna work hard for you tonight." :D

If it's during the coach meet-and-greet (as I'm suspecting), please do.

Snaq -- add this.

I had a partner who said this to both coaches a few weeks ago. If I was a coach, I'd probably say something like, "I'd hope so - that's why you're here, aren't you?"

Thats the same as a man saying, "I take care of my kids!"
I would sure hope so... thats what you're SUPPOSED to do.

Sometimes, stuff just slips out. A number of years ago, a buddy & I went up to the Montreal Forum to see the Habs. We had a mid-level seat. In all the years of going to games there, I had never seen ice level. There was a curtain with an usher at the first level. I explained what we'd like to do and he politely declined. I demurred saying that some people probably just stay there. I added, "But we're not like those other guys." Didn't accomplish anything but to give my buddy ammo for the next 100 years.:o

Pre-game, with a grin and positive energy. "Question anything you like, as long as you're civil about it. Let's have some fun!"

It works. In six years, I've only had to T up a coach once.

So you're one of those who thinks fewer technicals is a reflection of your ability? Or that this one phrase (said with a smile) made a difference?

Cool, but Id like to think your skill set & communication during the game has lead to only 1 T... not the one liners prior to the toss. IJS :D

If he's only called 1 in six years, I'm guessing it's more likely it's because he's probably passed on a few he *should've* called. Or he only works 10 games a season. :D

Bingo!

Didn't I just say that?:)

As I said, there's different ways to keep the game under control and flowing. If your way works for you, then I'd have a tough time telling you...or anyone else.. that my way is better. But.....if you're still getting the b!tching'n'moaning after you tried your way, then it is time to try something different imo.

You can't control a game by following a list made up by someone and then handed out to you (BillyMac just went :eek:........:D ). You control a game according to what you feel is the best and most appropriate action to use to fit the situation you are facing. And what may have worked in one game doesn't mean it will work in another. Sometime you use the carrot. Sometimes you use the stick. And sometimes you use the carrot and then you have to stick it.

I think that most good, experienced officials already know that.

JMO

I don't issue a lot of coach T's. I rarely have a season when I issue none. I have worked with partners who are vocal about others needing to whack a coach. Often, they are the same ones who don't have the gonads to issue one themselves. I have a long ways to go in that area...and some of it is because I am in a new area and am not known by a lot of coaches. But, for 1 in 6 years, I would need to rent a front end loader to unbury me from a lot of crap.

And those that don't TCB when needed make it harder for those who will to come in and wonder where coaches learn that their behavior is OK. Actually, we know -- it's the guy that calls one technical in six years. :D