Dealing with lower level coaches?

[GFS-1]

I've been officiating for 8 yrs now, still a rookie in my Assoc.
Why is it the lower level Coaches Freshman & JV scream and yell at the officials for calls or no calls. I sometimes stick around for the varsity game and the Coaches for the most part just calmly ask questions about calls. I feel the lower level coaches just want to win the game as most do, but keep there job to make that extra money coaching? Do you lower level officials see this as well? Hope everyone's season is going well. GFS-1

[RobbyinTN]

In my opinion it is a combination of (1) coaches who are inexperienced and/or don't know the rules all that well and (2) the coaches figure most JV officials are rookies and so they question the calls they make or don't make.

I call some JV games (actually enjoy them) and the funny thing is I have been calling ball longer than a lot of the coaches have been around. I also have no problem informing them that I am not going to have them question every call or they will be watching the game while seated on the bench

[Welpe]

Originally Posted by RobbyinTN

In my opinion it is a combination of (1) coaches who are inexperienced and/or don't know the rules all that well and (2) the coaches figure most JV officials are rookies and so they question the calls they make or don't make.

I agree with this. In addition, at least around here, we have quite a few inexperienced officials working sub-varsity. A lot of us are still learning how to handle coaches.

[tref]

IMO most coaches at those levels are less experienced as are the officials. Coaches only do what we allow them to do & some officials at the lower levels dont know how to take care of biznizz!

[jTheUmp]

My $0.02:

There are several major factors in play... in no particular order:

Officials inexperience in dealing with coaches, inexperienced officials (myself included) probably don't have the coach-handling skills of the seasoned vets.

Coaches inexperience and lack of detailed rules knowledge.

Additionally, at least around here, there's usually only one coach for these lower-level games, and I think officials are probably reluctant to toss a coach if there's no AC available to take over the game. (I know I've felt this way once or twice... I don't want to punish the kids for the sins of their coach. And yes, I know this shouldn't really be a factor in my decision-making process). On the other hand, this may also be a contributing factor in varsity coaches being more subdued... they know they can get tossed more easily because they have ACs there to take over.

[stir22]

Originally Posted by jTheUmp

My $0.02:

There are several major factors in play... in no particular order:

Officials inexperience in dealing with coaches, inexperienced officials (myself included) probably don't have the coach-handling skills of the seasoned vets.

Coaches inexperience and lack of detailed rules knowledge.

Additionally, at least around here, there's usually only one coach for these lower-level games, and I think officials are probably reluctant to toss a coach if there's no AC available to take over the game. (I know I've felt this way once or twice... I don't want to punish the kids for the sins of their coach. And yes, I know this shouldn't really be a factor in my decision-making process). On the other hand, this may also be a contributing factor in varsity coaches being more subdued... they know they can get tossed more easily because they have ACs there to take over.

what would happen if there was only one coach, he gets tossed, and no one available to take over? is the game forfeited?

/thanks

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by stir22

what would happen if there was only one coach, he gets tossed, and no one available to take over? is the game forfeited?

/thanks

Depends on the state. Some require a "trained school official". Some require a "school representative". Some allow a parent. Some don't allow anything (and might forfeit or suspend the game). Some allow the game to go on with no adult.

(okay -- I don't know that any allow any of the above -- they are just some possibilitiess).

So, check with your state.

[VaTerp]

Lower level coaches tend be younger and less mature and do not know how to talk to officials in the appropriate way. Ironically, they also may think less of the officials who work their games because those officials tend to be less experienced.

Officials working lower level games, even those who are less experienced, need to let the coaches know that their behavior will not be tolerated. If talking doesnt work then stick them with a few Ts and they will get the picture or have to explain to their varsity coach why they got tossed from a game and someone else from the varsity staff has to take time away from preparation to coach one of the lower level teams.

[rockyroad]

Originally Posted by GFS-1

Why is it the lower level Coaches Freshman & JV scream and yell at the officials for calls or no calls.

Because we let them...

[tref]

Originally Posted by rockyroad

because we let them...

+1

[GoodwillRef]

Originally Posted by tref

+1

+10

[GoodwillRef]

In our area coaches at the lower level get away with murder because we don't police them. We also have officials not enforce certain rules because it is a "lower level" games.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by GoodwillRef

In our area coaches at the lower level get away with murder because we don't police them. We also have officials not enforce certain rules because it is a "lower level" games.

You mean like the "no coaching box at lower level" rule?

[Adam]

Originally Posted by rockyroad

Because we let them...

Yep, there's a 9 page thread right now partly because of this very issue.

[TimTaylor]

Originally Posted by rockyroad

Because we let them...

Got it in one!

As the saying goes, what you permit, you promote.