Ejection?
 

Scenario: AAU 17U, very competitive game. Some big attitudes (talent didn't live up to the hype). We have warned all (players and coaches) that taunting and yapping to opponents will not be tolerated. So far, we have two double T's for chest bumping and "squaring up" and one for taunting after a dunk. The score is getting lopsided late in the 2nd half but both teams are still getting after it.

I'm T as FT is released and the try is in the air. B55 and A25 are opposite lane line and I see them leaning heavily into each other. Try is good and as they separate some arms fly. Nothing to call yet but I've got my eye on them as they run down the court in transition. B55 (now A55 really but let's keep it simple) looks back at A25 and yells "YOU WANT TO F***ING FIGHT!?!?!" Do you a) give B55 a technical b) eject B55 c) ignore and continue to monitor the situation

What I did: flagrant technical, B55 you're done for the evening.

FYI, we only did 2 games as the last 2 were cancelled. I had 7 Ts (two double Ts for "squaring up", the flagrant T, one for throwing the ball into the rafters, one for pushing an opponent as they cross to their benches for a time out), my partner had 4. Never have I seen such ridiculous behavior.

Why are you even second-guessing yourself???? Easy flagrant, especially in summer ball.

Sounds like fun!!

Was B55 involved in any of the other Ts?
Did A25 respond?

Personally, I would give A25 an opportunity to respond then stick em both as I close on them. If A25 didnt respond, I can see sticking B55... the decision to run him is a HTBT situation.

Having had to officiate a fight or two, I'd rather stick B55 before A25 has a chance to respond. It's a situation where if I don't get involved quickly, A25 may think he needs to do something.

Deal with it quickly and remind them the adults are in charge.

Makes sense Snaqs... I meant respond verbally not a physical response.

B55: You want to f***ing fight?
1, 2, 3 (Assess the situation)
A25: .......................................
(Respond) Whack B55


B55: You wanna f***ing fight?
A25: Lets go b**ch
(Respond) Double T


B55: You wanna f***ing fight?
A25: (says nothing but heads in B55s direction)
(Respond) Whack B55

I saw a similar situation to the OP where the immediate T (React) was inforced for some over the top language to an opponent. Come to find out the players were neighborhood friends that were just messing around.

Responding vs. Reacting

Personally, I wouldn't have any remorse about calling a T here. They can mess around in the driveway, but they need to learn where it's appropriate.

I could even see taking action on the "arms fly" given the nature of the game leading up to that point. Why wait for that to escalate?