Coach's surprising comment

[Mark Padgett]

Worked three boys rec games yesterday - two 6th grade and one 8th grade. One of the 6th grade teams played back-to-back games. They got blown out in both by at least 35 points. After their second loss, one of their players was at the bench and stated pretty loudly "Those refs stink". His coach got right in front of him and said "Don't blame the refs when you play bad. We lost those games because the other teams played much better than we did. The refs had nothing to do with it."

I almost wanted to go over and give him a big hug, but naah.

[stiffler3492]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

Worked three boys rec games yesterday - two 6th grade and one 8th grade. One of the 6th grade teams played back-to-back games. They got blown out in both by at least 35 points. After their second loss, one of their players was at the bench and stated pretty loudly "Those refs stink". His coach got right in front of him and said "Don't blame the refs when you play bad. We lost those games because the other teams played much better than we did. The refs had nothing to do with it."

I almost wanted to go over and give him a big hug, but naah.

Sadly, I've never heard this from a coach before. They have an opportunity to set a good example....not saying it's never happened, but I've never heard it.

[bainsey]

This happens a lot more often than what we may believe.

[Rufus]

I've never coached basketball but did for baseball. One of the repeated messages to the team was to control what you are able to and forget the rest. Officials are not in your control so stop worrying about/concentrating on their supposed mistakes.

[Freddy]

Originally Posted by Rufus

I've never coached basketball but did for baseball. One of the repeated messages to the team was to control what you are able to and forget the rest. Officials are not in your control so stop worrying about/concentrating on their supposed mistakes.

When I was on the dark side (BJV) and I had one of my players complain about the officiating, I'd ask how many bad calls the player thought were made up to the point of his complaining. Then I would ask how many turnovers we had. I'd tell him if he didn't know. Then I'd mention that when the number of bad calls were more than the number of actual turnovers, I'd listen to his complaint. Never had to.

[tref]

Originally Posted by Freddy

When I was on the dark side (BJV) and I had one of my players complain about the officiating, I'd ask how many bad calls the player thought were made up to the point of his complaining. Then I would ask how many turnovers we had. I'd tell him if he didn't know. Then I'd mention that when the number of bad calls were more than the number of actual turnovers, I'd listen to his complaint. Never had to.

Amen!! Don't forget missed FTs & layups...

[Brad]

Originally Posted by Rufus

One of the repeated messages to the team was to control what you are able to and forget the rest.

Great advice for officials too!

[zm1283]

I coach football and we had to remind our players of this a couple times this season. They wanted to piss and moan about a call, and we told them to control what they can control and overcome breaks that went against them.