How to deal with bad refs

[pizanno]

Originally Posted by rockyroad

Coach-rec,

I coach football, and ref basketball. As a coach I have learned that quite often what I "think" I see going on out on the field is not necessarily what is really happening. So I have made a "rule" for myself, my staff, my players, and my parents - we don't complain about the officiating at the game. If they want to gripe in their car, that's up to them...but not on the field, not as we are leaving the field, not in the locker room, etc., etc...I sit down on Saturday mornings and watch the game film. If there was something I was upset about Friday night, I look for it on the film. If it's there, I will shoot an e-mail (attaching the play clip helps) to the assignor and let him know about it. If it wasn't there - I am sure to let my staff and players know that it wasn't when we watch tape.

Now I know this is "only rec-league", but there's no reason why you can't do something similar. Have a parent film the games, and then watch the tape. If there's something there then you can go to the assignor. More often than not (as I have learned) you will see that you were wrong.

Late to the discussion, but I like Rocky's point. Forget about understanding officiating mechanics/rules if you're just trying to prove somebody wrong (what will you say? "I know what I'm talking about b/c I read it on an internet board!")

Since you are coaching 'young men', one of the more important skills you can teach your players is how to deal with adversity (even incompetence). By remaining calm and focusing on coaching, you are setting a great example of leadership, composure and focus that they may hopefully carry into their everyday lives.