Snappy Response?
 

Called a shooting foul last night because a player grabbed the shooters bicep and prevented the shot from being released. Report foul, coach wants explanation of why we are shooting free throws. I tell him the shooter was in the habitual shooting motion when he was grabbed on the arm. Coach says, "but he never released the ball!" I say, " he doesn't have to, he only has to start his shooting motion." Coach says, "I've never heard that before!" I snap back, "check the rule book!" He sort of glares at me. I haven't ever said my last comment to a coach and its kind of bothering me, any suggestions on a better reply?

"Coach, he was attempting to shoot and the foul prevented him from releasing the ball". That would have been my first response.

" "

"Two shots."

If you feel a need to reply to "I've never heard that before!", how about "Ya, it's in there," or, "Ok, coach." But I don't see a need to reply to his last comment.

"Check the rule book" is a command, which isn't a necessary thing to say. "Ya, it's in there" is just a confirmation that you know the rule, which is, imho, a better response. But since you did say "...start his shooting motion", I think you said exactly what needed to be said and you could have left it there.

Skip the last comment you said. Problem solved.

Hand him the rule book instead. lol. i thought your comment was well justified and not at all demeaning in any way. Dont worry yourself about it too much

Personally, thats where my coversation with coach would end.

He asked a question, you answered it!

"Check the rule book, sir"

"Then you might want to get your hearing aid checked":eek:

I wish I had a dollar every time I hear a coach say this. Which is why I do not worry about what they think, the call is going to be the same. ;)

Peace

"Coach, do you really think we should punish a shooter because the defender's foul prevented him from releasing the shot?"

In reality, I'm saying what bob said.

1) Always listen to Bob.

2) I've also heard, "She hasn't had that called on her all year!!" At halftime, one of my partners told me he made the same call on the same player the previous week.

Hey new guy, shape up or ship out.

:eek: That's just bad advice.

You're instincts are right...it should bother you. It's probably well deserved by the coach, but it's inappropriate. We're paid to be more professional than your response indicates.

It's amazing. You've been here about 5 minutes and you've already distinguished yourself has being totally clueless.

It's Old Schoolese.

Ouch! :eek:
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I recently heard "ThatOneRef" say something to the effect of "When dealing with coaches be R-E-S-P-E-C-T-F-U-L" :p

If coach were to hand you a rule book you would whack him.

+10

No Reply
 

I'm reporting the foul and getting back to where I need to be.

No reply.

If the coach doesn't know that rule it's pretty scary that he's coaching basketball at any level.

You gave one explanation. You don't need verb declensions to explain it further.

Thanks for the responses! One of my many weak areas is dealing with coaches. I avoid them for the most part and stay as far away from them as possible. When they do question a call, which is fine as long as its not disrespectful, I try to address the question professionally with rules jargon. Next time, I'll just say why I called it and that's it!!!

Agree.

Do not avoid coaches. Our biggest obstacle is that coaches feel we are unapproachable. Answer their questions but let them know that you will not acknowledge their comments. Do so in a professional manner, even if you do no more than nod your head. All they want is to feel like you are listening to them.