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.

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

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?

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.

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.

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

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.

Again, we don't care.

Take A Seat On The Cold Bus, Coach ...
 

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.

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. :eek:

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.

His schedule probably improved, too.:D

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?

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.