I tend to think proaction should be used to prevent actual problems. I've never had an AC go too far in this. The only times I've had to ring HP an AC, he never took the time to ask any questions.

Hahaha ok I'll buy that Snaqs!

When I get an opportunity to put my own crew together on a city-league game, I'm gonna ask you first! You'll see first hand how an AC can become an "actual problem" when you converse with them :D

:D. I'll take you up on it.

It was a timeout, what else would you need to do for the next 60 seconds?

Then you walk away...but just because it might turn into that doesn't mean it will...particularly if the assistant hasn't said a word all game. Give them a short answer and move on.

Talk to my partners, look at hot chicks, get the sweat out of my eyes, etc, etc.
Basically, many other things besides having discussions with an AC.

One for sure way it wont turn into that... only give explainations to the HC! And as I previously stated, for the most part, HCs rarely get in-game rules clinics. They should know the basic rules (backcourt, travel, illegal dribble) at the levels I work. Judgement call questions will always get time of day, when time permits & through the proper channels. And that has worked for me on my journey.

Been There, Done That ...
 

The following didn't involve an assistant, but sometimes you just have to charge a technical foul, for no other reason than the fact that the coach deserves it:

http://forum.officiating.com/basketb...tml#post686961

What a lively discussion!!!! I wonder on how NoFear would have faired. :D