Spectators as coaches, coaches as spectators

[chseagle]

One reason why I asked how to deal with a overly vocal spectator that is known to be a coach is cause of knowing a person that fits the description. (Watches HS games, but is a JH/MS coach)

Let's just say all the officials that do the games he watches, are very thick skinned as the gentleman in question complains about, almost, every non-call loud enough for the whole gym to hear.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by chseagle

One reason why I asked how to deal with a overly vocal spectator that is known to be a coach is cause of knowing a person that fits the description. (Watches HS games, but is a JH/MS coach)

Let's just say all the officials that do the games he watches, are very thick skinned as the gentleman in question complains about, almost, every non-call loud enough for the whole gym to hear.

They probably do not care or pay attention. People like these make a fool out of themselves most of the time.

Peace

[Adam]

A JH coach watching HS games? I wouldn't even know he was a coach.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

A JH coach watching HS games? I wouldn't even know he was a coach.

Agreed. So, I'd treat him the same as I'd treat any other spectator acting that way. chseagle -- are you saying that the officials treat him differently? OR, that you'd expect better, given that you know he's a coach?

[chseagle]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

Agreed. So, I'd treat him the same as I'd treat any other spectator acting that way. chseagle -- are you saying that the officials treat him differently? OR, that you'd expect better, given that you know he's a coach?

For starters, was just curious how everyone would respond to a known coach, viewing the game as a spectator, was questioning your officiating of the game.

Secondly, with him being a coach, acting at the time as a spectator, he should be setting an example to others around him.

There is a possibility I'll be seeing him more, if asked to assist with the JH/MS table operations. So I can see if his attitude is different as a coach, compared to being a spectator.

[Adam]

In your case, I wouldn't know. I agree with your second point, but it's not the officials' job to enforce manners. As for your final point: I would be shocked to find he isn't an a$s as a coach.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by chseagle

For starters, was just curious how everyone would respond to a known coach, viewing the game as a spectator, was questioning your officiating of the game.

Secondly, with him being a coach, acting at the time as a spectator, he should be setting an example to others around him.

That is on the administration that hires him. Many officials have no idea what the coaching or playing background of fans in the stands. I could not tell you who most fans are in most situations, let alone what their background in coaching might be. If his behavior is over the top, the administration should make sure he is setting the standard, not some official that might never go back to that school again or work that level with that school or team.

Peace

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by chseagle

Secondly, with him being a coach, acting at the time as a spectator, he should be setting an example to others around him.

Agreed. But, this is an officials' forum, not a social etiquette site. So, as officials, we treat him just as any ohter spectator. That's been said many times, so I think this thread is done.

There is a possibility I'll be seeing him more, if asked to assist with the JH/MS table operations. So I can see if his attitude is different as a coach, compared to being a spectator.

Again, we don't care.

[BillyMac]

A friend of mine was officiating a junior varsity game in which the varsity coach was sitting on the junior varsity bench. This particular coach was not particularly well liked by officials (real jerk), and his fellow coaches (state association infractions, recruiting, etc.).

This varsity coach, as a member of junior varsity bench, said the wrong words to the junior varsity official, who tossed him from the junior varsity game.

The way things work around here, he was not allowed to coach until he sat out a game at the level at which he was tossed, so he had to sit out his varsity game that night, and the next junior varsity game, before being allowed to coach his varsity team.

My buddy got a standing ovation at the next officials' meeting.

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

The way things work around here, he was not allowed to coach until he sat out a game at the level at which he was tossed, so he had to sit out his varsity game that night, and the next junior varsity game, before being allowed to coach his varsity team.

Imagine if the JV team had a few nights off with several varsity games upcoming before the JV team had another game....perhaps the last regular season game before playoffs and the JV team wouldn't play again until next season.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Camron Rust

Imagine if the JV team had a few nights off with several varsity games upcoming before the JV team had another game....perhaps the last regular season game before playoffs and the JV team wouldn't play again until next season.

Not sure about CO, but that was the rule in Iowa. This exact scenario was presented as a strong deterrent for both coaches and players.

[26 Year Gap]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

A friend of mine was officiating a junior varsity game in which the varsity coach was sitting on the junior varsity bench. This particular coach was not particularly well liked by both officials (real jerk), and his fellow coaches (state association infractions, recruiting, etc.).

This varsity coach, as a member of junior varsity bench, said the wrong words to the junior varsity official, who tossed him from the junior varsity game.

The way things work around here, he was not allowed to coach until he sat out a game at the level at which he was tossed, so he had to sit out his varsity game that night, and the next junior varsity game, before being allowed to coach his varsity team.

My buddy got a standing ovation at the next officials' meeting.

His schedule probably improved, too.

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by chseagle

For starters, was just curious how everyone would respond to a known coach, viewing the game as a spectator, was questioning your officiating of the game.

Secondly, with him being a coach, acting at the time as a spectator, he should be setting an example to others around him.

...

We've repeated many times that we don't care about the occupations of spectators. They all get treated the same, which usually means we ignore them.

Secondly, we cannot worry about the example a fan is setting for others around them. If it really is a problem then the other fans (which includes parents) should address the problem to game or school administration.

Why do you think we should be so concerned about it?

[Mark Padgett]

Maybe the FED should adopt the rule we have in our local kids rec league regarding this. We have a Board member present at all games. If anyone in the stands makes disparaging remarks about the referees, they get one warning to zip it. If they do it again, they are tossed out of the gym.

All coaches are notified of this policy at our pre-season coaches meeting and are instructed to notify all parents.

BTW - if a coach gets tossed for any reason, it's an automatic suspension and they must appeal to the Board to get reinstated.

Ya' know - in all my years of being associated with this league, I can't remember even once that a coach got tossed while just being a spectator at a game.