Spectators as coaches, coaches as spectators
 

How do you a handle an overly vocal spectator that you know is also a coach?

Spectators are spectators, I don't worry about their occupations.

Like I would any other fan...don't pay attention to it.

Nuke 'em from orbit, it's the only way to be sure.

APG and BNR had the best answers.

How often do you have to deal with a coach that was a vocal spectator at a previous game? (That was actually memorable or that action had to be taken concerning that coach)

If you are doing your job you hardly notice someone from the stands. The only time you would notice is if someone is overly obnoxious. And just like any other time, you laugh and go on about your business. They are only embarrassing themselves.

Peace

While this is mostly true, there could be situations where a coach, because of his prominence at a school, should be dealt with for acting like a d-bag. Similar to if a spectator happens to be a well known official.

Their answers are best only if the sense of humor fuse has been blown.

After my first year of officiating I was officiating an outdoor fall BJV/MS league on outdoor courts. Being in the military I had no idea who was who around these parts. I made a long-distance call against XYZ in the last minute of my last game that night that the lone spectator on one side of the court questioned openly. Me being me and still not knowing I should ignore fans I, of course, answered him. He then said "Do you know who I am, I'm the head coach at XYZ HS" My answer in return was "Not right now you aren't, right now you're just a fan".

Though of course I would never engage in that type of conversation now, my last sentence is still the philosophy I work under.

I once had a custodian who was standing at one endline (where there were no bleachers) constantly making disparaging comments. So I finally addressed him and told him "Either you're working or you're a fan; if you are going to talk to me like a fan then you need to go sit with them, but you're not going to stand here and keep making comments to me"

A few years ago, I had a similar situation. Finally, my partner said to the custodian, "Why don't you go and mop something?" I thought it was pretty funny.

here's something to mop
 

Several years ago leaving a game a custodian with mop and bucket was coming down the hall outside the gym. As he approached and passed us he made a comment regarding how horrible we officiated the game. I thanked him politely but I can't tell you how badly I wanted that soft drink I was carrying to "slip" from my hand.

I wouldn't have bothered to thank him, but other than that, I'm with you.

Sounds like a perfect time to use the retort I've used for over 20 years: "Coming from a real expert like you, that means a lot."

Well that's fine but mine is more thorough.

I was not discrediting your answer.

If only it was really that easy.