Let's play the T-Worthy Game
 

Was going through my mind some of the statements I've heard coaches say over the years. Was wondering whether, in and of themselves, you find them T-worthy.

"You have no clue what you're doing out there, do you?"

"Seriously, that call was atrocious."

"Do you have a problem with me?"

"What is your problem?"

"You're doing a great job, but your partner is awful."

"It's tough playing 8 on 5."

"Blow your whistle for crying out loud!"

T or "call a play they can half way run" (mouth covered)

You're partner has been screwing me all night long, you have got to help me out.:eek:

T

HTBT, but probably not unless it's a "last straw" comment.

HTBT, but probably not

HTBT. Probably not, but depends on tone and volume of the comment

T

T

Probably not, almost certainly not if coach stops after the first three words

.

Haha, I misunderstood the game.

Every single one of those statements could be worthy of a T...it really all depends on how they are said and when they are said. If it's the first thing a coach says to me during a game, then probably not except for the 8 on 5 one...if the coach has been talked to and told to knock it off, then all of them are worthy of a T...

It's not necessarily what they say, but how they say it.

I think that's why he asked in of itself. All of these statements could be a T if the right circumstances are met.

Every one of these could result in a T and every one might not get a T based on a lot of factors as well. There are no absolutes in this game and trying to make it that way will only not give you a feel for the game. Almost all of these would result in the situation being addressed if heard, but many might not be heard as I would not be next to a coach or player at all times. I try my best to handle situations without a T and it works a lot. Also there is a thing called ABS where none of these things would result in a T but things much so egregious on their own.

Peace

^^^what he said.

You let him tell you how terrible you are and you are ok with that?

You let him tell you how terrible your partner is and you are ok with that?

You let him accuse you and both of your partners of cheating and you are ok with that as long as it is said softly?

:eek: You really need to stop letting guys walk all over you.

APG obviously knows how to communicate when/if those situations arise.

Some of us go to the T immediately, others use the tool when all else fails.

Here's another one for the list (happened to me last Friday):

"You should go back to JV."

First of all do not overreact. Coaches tell us how terrible we are all the time and a lot of officials do nothing. Let us not act like this does not take place or that you would be surprised if a T is not given. Everything has a context and a tone to it. When a coach gives the foul count they are questioning your integrity and I rarely see a T given for that immediately. I have had coaches make suggestions about the make-up of the crew or where they think we live and not gotten a T.

I seriously doubt that allowing these have anything to do with someone walking all over anyone. If anything I would wonder why you were so thinned skinned if every time someone said something to you negative you were giving a T. That could also be a wrong evaluation as well. We all do not have the same tolerance level for these things, which is why some are considered good at GM issues and others are not. You cannot pull a comment out of the sky and always how the situation should be handled.

Peace

:rolleyes:

I'm not going to just let a coach do anything. If I have an opportunity to address the behavior, then I'll try to. Sometimes a coach doesn't allow us to show him the line he's about to cross so an immediate whack is warranted. But the OP asked, in of itself, if the statements above would warrant an immediate T. I believe in very few "automatic" T's (I sound like JRut here :D)

And as a matter of fact, I all but said the 8v5 would be a T

A false dichotomy IMO. I'm all for giving a coach plenty of rope but there are some things that will stretch that rope out a lot quicker. My big one is insulting my integrity. It's as close to an automatic T as I have and I would not consider myself as unable to handle my business or be a weak communicator. I simply don't stand for it.

My old partner had this one:

Coach--"Call Something!"

Partner--T

If find that if I am going to throw a coach out in baseball I should at least be giving them a "T" in basketball. In baseball there are some very well defined boundaries, mainly saying you can ask a legitimate question but attacking integrity is an automatic ejection.

Jasper

Definite Ts on 1, 6, and 7.

Probable on 5.

Doubtful on 2, 3, 4. Other circumstances may apply.

Being a longtime umpire...I'm on the same page as Statref.

I Wanna Play ...
 

"You have no clue what you're doing out there, do you?"
Technical foul. He made it personal.

"Seriously, that call was atrocious."
Maybe. One of those "had to be there" situations.

"Do you have a problem with me?"
Ignore.

"What is your problem?"
Ignore.

"You're doing a great job, but your partner is awful."
Technical Foul. He made it personal.

"It's tough playing 8 on 5."
Technical foul. Accusing officials of cheating, and questioning officials' integrity.

"Blow your whistle for crying out loud!"
Maybe. One of those "had to be there" situations.

You didn't say that. In response to the question of is it a technical foul if he says your partner is awful you said, "No, but I'm telling coach very sternly to cut the crap out and I'll mention to my partner what was said"

And the 8 vs. 5 isn't a T?!? That's the worst one of them all! The only argument on that one should be is it flagrant or not? In the other ones he is just telling you about how much you or your partner suck; you might be bad but at least you aren't trying to make sure the other team wins. In the 8 vs. 5 comment he is actually calling you, and your 2 partners, cheaters.

Who here has NEVER called a "T"?

I have worked with about 6 guys who NEVER call a "T" no matter what.

I had a partner see a pre game dunk and said "did you see that?" I said "What?" He said, " That kid just dunked" I asked, "are we starting the game with a "T"?" He said, "No I am just going to tell him not to do it again."

They are out there, I got about 3 or 4 T's out of the first batch of comments.

Says who? Flagrant for that? Now that is funny. You just throw out a lot of people because you hear that almost every other game.

It is not too often that they tell you that you are doing a good job. This is chess not checkers man. They are not going to be happy with everything we do, they are after all bias and have an agenda. I am not saying you should not do anything, but if that is all you know how to do is give Ts that is not going to get you very far in my opinion. If you can say something and no one knows you addressed the issue, that is a win. Ts do not solve every issue we have with coaches and players.

Peace

I agree with Billy and I added my comments.

I had that line used on me last week.

Actually, to be accurate, it was "Will you please blow your whistle? For anything?!?! Just make A CALL!!"

I honored her request. I blew my whistle I called a foul. A technical foul.

+1

I've always maintained that the only absolutes with regards to Teeing up coaches are comments that are profane or question our integrity. That being said, nothing good can happen to a coach if he starts his speech with the word "you".

I would add imperative sentences to the list, which is why I have a T on the last item.

What's funny is that you hear that almost every other game. You must be doing something really wrong out there to have coaches directly accuse you of cheating that often.

And yes, there is a good chance that is flagrant. It is much much worse than just saying that the official is terrible. Imagine there is an assignor who finds out that one of his officials did a terrible job one game. Now imagine the assignor finds out an official was cheating and trying to make sure that one team won.

If an official did a bad job one game he could just need more training or possibly just had a bad game. An official who is cheating is entirely different and much more serious. Likewise a coach accusing you of cheating is entirely different and much more serious than a coach telling you that you are awful.

Or maybe I do not have thin skin? There are many possibilities for why I do what I do and you do what you do. If I am doing something wrong, there are a lot of others that want to do as wrong as I have done. And I am not projecting; they tell me personally how they feel about my place as an official.

Coaches think anytime you are not calling everything your way they say you are doing a terrible job. That comes with the territory. I am sorry but that seems like you need to man up and stop worrying about what a coach says to or about you.

My point to you is I have heard worse. Based on what your standard is if anytime someone is critical of a call they are questioning your ability or calling you a cheater. Now that is your right to feel that way and if any criticism bothers you then T up everyone for all I care. I am glad that works for you if you like it I love it. Many coaches and not all think that if they have displeasure with a call they will voice some opinion about those calls, be my guest if that is your only way to handle things without any other intervention. But I did not get to where I am today by T'ing up everyone that said something bad to me. Because if you think that is personal to me, then you have not watched a lot of basketball at all levels. Better yet you have not talked to officials at many levels either. All officials deal with coaches saying the same things you claim should be a flagrant foul. And I know I have been around than many of those coaches and will continue to be around longer than many of them. I have learned to get coaches to stop even talking to me or my crew and no one knew I said a thing or addressed an issue. Also when you give out Ts all the time people start to think you are the problem not the coach right or wrong.

Peace

I agree with most that almost all of these require context and are not immediate T's ... but could be.

However, put me in the camp of ALWAYS T'ing up the 8v5 comment. I don't think it's just me either - saying (or implying) the officials are intentionally calling against 1 team is equivalent to saying they are cheating. This is right up there with, "How much are they paying you for these calls?" or "Gee ref, got money on this game?"

Agreed. I'm not sure I can think of a scenario where the 8/5 comment doesn't bring a quick T, but it's possible. It's not the same as referring to the foul count, IMO.

First T of the year yesterday. Player asked me if I was crazy.

When the coach is right?

In reading all the opinions on this thread I have come to the conclusion that I either have thick skin or haven't worked enough games. (Disclaimer I'm all JV, AAU and rec at this point). The only T's I can remember issuing are for F bombs loud enough for the arena to hear. And those were by players. I have had coaches make comments that require my attention but nothing that has made me "whack" them for it.

From The City Of Brotherly Love ...
 

TECHNICAL FOULS

Reasons To Not Give A Technical Foul
You can address a coach before it becomes a problem. A quiet word can go a long way in preventing a
technical foul.
When coaches complain, ask yourself, is the call questionable, is the call wrong. If they have a legitimate
gripe, then allow them some latitude. Be courteous. Do not argue. Be firm and fair
If you know a coach is upset then move away from him or her, even if it means that you and your partner
are not switching or rotating properly.
Warnings can be very effective in preventing situations from escalating. Don't tolerate a lot before a
warning.
Lend a reasonable ear. Coaches like to be heard. If you ignore them then they become more frustrated and are
more likely to lose control.
If an assistant is out of line, then you can speak to the head coach and ask them to help you out.
If a player is out of line then let the coach know. Tell them you've warned their player. That way if you
do give a technical foul, then the coach isn't surprised. Most good coaches will speak to the player first.
If you have had a rough day and know your fuse is short, keep that in mind before you do anything rash.
Ask yourself, does the situation come under one of the top reasons to give a technical foul.
If necessary, give an initial strong warning. Let your partner know about the warning.

Reasons To Give A Technical Foul
There are many different factors to consider when deciding to give a technical foul. Generally, there are
three areas of coach's behavior that need attention: when a coach makes it personal, when a coach draws
attention to himself or herself, and when a coach's complaints are persistent.

Some technical fouls are easy. They are black and white situations that leave little room for negotiation:
Using profanity or language that is abusive, vulgar, or obscene.
A coach questions your integrity.
Inciting an undesirable crowd reaction.
A coach is embarrassing an official.
A coach or player has been warned and has not heeded the warning.
Leaving the confines of the coaching box and complaining.
A coach demonstrates displeasure with your partner and their back is turned.

Other technical fouls are not as black and white. In some situations, a warning may be appropriate
before the technical foul is given:
A coach or player continually demonstrates signals or asks for calls.
If they have interfered with the game or your concentration, then they have usually gone too far.
If giving a technical will help give structure back to the game and if it will have a calming effect on things.

Ways To Give A Technical Foul
Calling a technical foul should be no different then calling any other foul. It is simply a rule that requires
a penalty. Maintain a calm attitude, have poise and presence. Don’t personalize it. Don't embarrass the
coach by being demonstrative.
Take your time. Don’t over react. Always sound the whistle and stop the clock with a foul signal. Signal
the technical foul. Take a deep breath to calm yourself. Proceed to the reporting area, report the technical
foul clearly to the table, and leave the area. Never look at a coach when you give a technical foul.
Confer with your partner. If the technical foul is charged to the head coach or bench personnel, have your
partner inform the coach of the loss of the coaching box.
Explanations, it needed should be done by partner. When asked, always explain technical fouls on players
to coaches.

Proceed with the administration of the penalty. After technical fouls, put the ball in play immediately.
The calling official may want to stay away from the coach for a few minutes, even if it means not making
a switch, or making an unneeded switch, after the administration of the technical foul penalty has been
completed.
Because a coach has been penalized with a technical foul does not mean that the coach is allowed
rebuttal time.
Make them earn the second technical foul. Don't be reluctant to give the second technical foul if it
is warranted.

Original Source: The Greater Philadelphia Basketball Official's Association

Mmmm...

1. In theory a technical foul is no different than any other call. However, in reality we are human and it isn't always the same as any other call.
2. I have never heard of stopping the clock for a technical with a foul signal.
3. I do not need anyone to explain something for me. In my little corner of the silver state :D I pre-game with my partners that the calling official will be the next one to engage a coach after calling a direct technical on a coach. This way, there is no "shoulder to cry on" from the other official(s).
4. I will submit this for thought: if a coach receives a technical foul and the situation is such that a crew of officials cannot rotate/switch as they normally do for fear (how I look at it) of something else happening with the coach, maybe the coach should have been ejected in the first place.

Bang, Bang ...
 

The original source is The Greater Philadelphia Basketball Official's Association. Here, in my little corner of Connecticut, we follow many, but not all, of these principles. We will often have the noncalling official remind the coach that he has lost his coaching box privilege. Tempers can sometimes escalate after a technical foul is charged, tempers by both the coach, and occasionally, the official, so it is sometimes conducive to separate them as soon as possible, even if it's just for a few minutes.

Ok I got a new one for ya:

"Call the damn foul!"

Here in my little corner of the silver state :D, the instructional chair - who is wonderful gentleman - put together a list of "10 things" we will all do for consistency. Included in that list is the calling official will take a position away from the coach following a direct technical foul on the coach. What that means is the calling official is away during the technical foul shots and when the game resumes the crew will use normal mechanics. What you posted said, "...even if it means not making a switch...". I do not agree with that philosophy at all. Again, if a situation with a coach is so bad that your crew does not rotate for fear of something else happening, maybe the coach should have been ejected in the first place. Also, if the calling official cannot be next to the coach following the technical free throws and subsequent action, maybe officiating isn't for him or her.

It is your little corner of whatever so those are the guidelines you follow. I just think that both the coach and the official should be able to be near each other following technical free throws and live action (which would put the official back near the coach). If they cannot, one of both of them shouldn't be there. If this happened I doubt it would be the first time for either of them so the guilty party should be removed from this beautiful game I love.

That is just how we think in my little corner of the silver state.

A coach saying that you are doing a terrible job is a technical foul. I feel very sorry for whoever works with you. You need to stop sucking up to the coaches and call some technical fouls.

You missed the :D because that is not what Rut is saying at all. I also doubt he sucks up to coaches.

Okay, no one is going to bite on this, so I'll take it.

This one's an automatic T for me, happened last night.

Visiting coach hasn't said a peep all night. Not one thing to me or my partner other than to request a time out. Then with 1 minute left in the game, and his team down only by 4 points, there's a little scrum in front of his bench. Ball is loose, incidental contact, I have nothing. He says something about his player being put at a disadvantage, I ignore the comment. Then comes "Call the damn foul!"

Whack!

Sucking up to coaches for what?

Let me ask you this, how many Ts are acceptable to you. After all you are the expert on this topic.

Grow some skin on your back and stop worrying about what a coach says to you.

Peace

What, you mean to tell me the coaches dont assign games in the Land of Lincoln?? :D

Some guys...

Options:

1) Ignore
2) Address: "When there is a foul, I'll get it"
2) Address: "I saw xxxxx."


For me, a T is way down the list of options on this statement, especially in the situation you mentioned (nothing out of the coach until now).

The statement is a heavy straw to add to the camel's back, though.

Yes we have a novel idea here in the Land of Lincoln. We actually have these people you call "assignors" and they give games. These "assignors" are often current officials that know officiating on some level and give games based on who they like (Many are State Final or college officials). And in many cases they could give a darn what a coach thinks and will still use officials on their staff. Also there are these things called Holiday Tournaments and Post season that even if a coach does not like you, there is not "scratch" list and you will get the very same coach that tried to ban you in conference play. It works out quite well and coaches have absolutely no say in where I work or do not work. Heck they certainly cannot control who you see in a non-conference game at all, so it is not unusual to see a coach on the road.

:D

Peace

Hm...here's where we're just going to have to agree to disagree. I consider profanity directed at an official in this manner an automatic T. Unsportsmanlike in HS.

Some people have a quick trigger when it comes to giving a "T" to a coach. I have always been a guy to try to talk to someone first. Most of these cases are HTBT moments and also depends on who you are and who the coach is.

My opinion is that if you are going to stick a coach then make sure it is consistent throughout the season (maybe even career). The only thing I have against trying to be the quickest one to the T, is that you are looked at as unapproachable by coaches. We all have made a slip and sometimes it takes a coach a warning and a look to make him realize he said something we do not like. If he really wants the "T" he'll say it again and get his present.

I've learned that word travels fast, both in the officiating world and coaching world. People will learn that you have a quick trigger and they will try to avoid you. I'm not out here to make enemies with the coaches and that's what I think this tactic will bring.

HOWEVER... We all can name good/great officials that work some of the best ball that have quick triggers. It is all a part of your personality and style.

Quick triggers or slow triggers. If a coach utters the words F--K, Sh-t, @s-, or Damn in a direct statement to me in anger I'm whacking them, even if its my Mom.

Me too. D@mn is an adjective for foul, not something directed at me, the official. Besides, that word (and few words) really bother me. It's the actions that go with the words that get the response.

Actually, I touched on this one earlier, fiasco, and I completely agree with you.

Aside to Bob & Rich: Even if you took out the word "damn," you still have an imperative sentence. Since when is that tolerable?

Since 1865 (or whenver Naismith wrote the first rules).

You're going to T for "Let 'em play" when a coach thinks you're calling it too tight(ly)?

It's both a "when in Rome" thing, a "level of play" thing, and a George Carlin "idiots and maniacs" (or whatever he used) thing.

Depends on context and volume for me.

It's a big fat ignore for me. Answer questions, ignore statements. He says "Call the damned foul" and I don't even look in his direction and keep officiating. If he repeated it or continues, I deal with it -- maybe by simply giving him a look or saying, "I heard you the first [N] times."

If it's loud, prolonged, or personal, deal with it. That can include many things and may or may not include a technical foul.

But a technical foul for a head coach is likely not going to come this easily. Not varsity and up anyway.

It has nothing to do with whether something bothers me or not. It has to do with what is sportsmanlike or not. Personally, I consider it blatantly unsportsmanlike for a coach (or player) to use a profanity directed at a high school official. I think it sends a bad message to the kids, especially.

If you disagree, that's fine, but the bottom line is that we shouldn't be handing out Ts based on our feelings.

+1

I was taught to respect authority figures. "Call the damn foul" is nothing but disrespect (10-4-1a, which came into play after Naismith did his thing in 1891). I don't see any gray area here at all.

Bob, "Let 'em Play" is more likely to get a stern look and "not again" from me than a T. Certainly Roman and Level Law applies. As for Carlin, I'm very familiar with his "idiots and maniacs" bit for driving, didn't know if it applies to anything else.

(I sense a YouTube link forthcoming.)

A stern look for "let em play"? Really?

You know, part of the coach's job is to be an advocate for his team. Sounds to me like you and a few others here are a bit sensitive. And this is coming from an official who's handed out his share of technical fouls over the last 25 years.

Unsportsmanlike behavior doesn't need to be stomped on the first time it happens, either. It's OK to ignore something you feel is toe-ing the line the first time. Even the mildest mannered coaches will say something that's out of character once and if it's not loud enough for everyone to be taken aback by it, how does it help the game to jump all over it?

This is after you say, "Personally, I consider it" which is the same thing as saying, "I feel..."

:rolleyes:

By all means, keep letting coaches curse at you in front of their kids. More power to you.

See there you go again, thinking it has anything to do with being sensitive. When the coach said that to me, I didn't have my pwetty wittle feewings huwt. I considered it an unsportsmanlike act, and penalized accordingly.

I love the fact that, when someone doesn't agree with someone's T around here, they automatically get labeled as "sensitive."

How about we start labeling those who don't give out Ts as doormats.

Sounds to me like you're just a doormat.

Wow! Doormat?
Because the coach did his job & used the word "damn" while doing so?

Where do you guys live, in Utah?
And do you happen to do any urban ball?

Fiasco, you had me right along side you until you directed this at Rich. He deserves better respect than that.

Rich, it's not about sensitivity. It's about respect for our roles. I will never claim to have your experience, but I've come to find that ignoring can come across as condoning. If you draw the line, you're more likely to get the desired effect, for you and your partners.

And again, I do not give an official an imperative sentence, period. I very seldom give coaches and players imperative sentences when I'm working ("Coach/#22, I need...."). I expect the same from others. I believe that to be fair.

If you dig into the context of the post, you'll understand that I'm not actually calling Rich a doormat. Of course I don't think he's a doormat. I'm addressing his absurdity with more absurdity. It's a form of satire.

I find it absurd that he thinks an official who determines that "call the damn foul" is being overly sensitive by calling a T in that situation, as if it has anything to do with an officials sensitivity. It doesn't.

I really don't understand the question as there is no context given whatsoever....acceptable in a game? In 10 games? In one quarter? What actions are causing you to call the fouls?

But I will say that there is no correct answer to any of them. You could handle every situation perfectly and go 10 games without a technical foul. Then something comes up, which you also handle perfectly, and you call 10 technical fouls in a quarter.

I know you say that there are no absolutes but that isn't how it should be. Some things such as personal insults ("you suck at officiating basektball") as well as accusing the officials of cheating ("you are making those calls because you are trying to help the other team win") are always a technical foul.

Do you call technical fouls if someone yells "damn"? Saying "call the damn foul" really isn't any different.

This is all regional. Some areas, you'll get laughed out for calling a T for "call the damn foul.". Others, you had better make that call. Most, it will depend on context, tone, and location.

Every year (or more often) we have big discussions about whether "damn" (or any other word) is "profanity". I wouldnt even be surprised if some guy from DC and Idaho participated in them. Go ahead and call it. I won't (absent other items) and I'll sleep well.

I will call it. Difference between me and others, though, is that I won't look down on you (ie, call you insensitive or a doormat) for not calling it.

We all have our own standards when it comes to stuff like this and, IMO, that's okay. (notice about 30 posts ago where I told you we'd just have to agree to disagree on the issue)

I thought of this thread tonight. I was working a boys game at the school that's probably #1 in the state in D4 (small school division) and the score was 48-5 at the half.

Fourth quarter and the losing coach is complaining and finally I slide alongside him during free throws and he goes on and on about the other team being bigger, faster, quicker and us letting them get away with stuff. I let him talk himself out and then we move on. Later I told him we'd heard enough. Frankly, I felt bad they were getting killed, but I didn't need to be the scapegoat.

Next time down the floor, the home team substitutes and the assistants tell them "no fouls, no fouls". And the losing coach loudly says, "It doesn't matter - they won't call them anyway."

It ended 88-12. Kid shooting the technicals hit 1 of 2.

Really? Because I certainly thought you called Rich a doormat in this thread.

He was using satire in pointing out Rich's presumption that those who would call the T are thin skinned.

Me, too.

Home team up by about 15 in the 4th. I'm in front of the coach. "You guys have to call more handchecks." "I just had one last time down the court." (true). "Well, yes, but you're not getting any help from your partners out here tonight." "Let's not go there."

If they did that here and T'd everyone that curse on any level, they would not be working at all. Or not working in the right places. I am not saying is should be tolerated, but it certainly does not need a T every time it is heard either. Just like every coach or player complains about a judgment call that is also a T under the rules.

I gave my first T tonight and it had nothign to do with a curse word. It actually had little to do with on incident. It was a coach that was warned about his behavior directly and then choose to go over the top and got stuck. He hardly said a word the rest of the game. He also knew darn well why he was penalized too.

Peace

You are the one that suggested that I was being walked all over, so whatever you think should be sufficient. Again, this seems to be a problem for you, not me. ;)

I agree, which was my point.

I am at the point of my career I really do not care what coaches say to me. As long as they are not loud and bombastic and bring attention to themselves, honestly I do not care. If you do that is your issue. Coaches in basketball are some of the most paranoid individuals around. They take every call personally and think everything like the racial makeup of the crew, the conference they are working in or where they "think" the officials are from or live at has something to do with the calls. I live in a very diverse area where all these things can be a factor directly and indirectly. And if I got upset every implication of cheating was said, I would go crazy.

I would get laughed at if I called a T for someone saying damn or even some things that are worse.

Like as others have said, this is really a local issue. If everyone gives a T like you do be my guest. If I did that here, I would not work much or get a bad reputation. I know how to handle myself and I see enough of these teams where most of the time I do not even have to say anything, they act right because they know me or others are not going to fall for their crap. I do not need a T to send that message. I know once this was discussed, but I believe the presence I have on the court keeps me out of a lot of these situation you are giving Ts for.

Peace

Or maybe if enough people called it, it would stop happening. Consistently calling something usually results in the action occurring less frequently than letting it go a lot of the time. A lot of the profanity that is tolerated doesn't have to exist and could easily be eliminated if those in power wanted it to be so.

Yup. After I called my technical (which had no profanity involved), the coach didn't say anything -- although my partner had to tell him to sit down, which he also did without saying anything.

It's OK to be frustrated when you're losing 70-7, but don't take it out on me.

Hey, I know a lot of people from Utah, and some of them are d@mn good officials!;)
(Besides, "d@mn and he11 are biblical, so I can use them!):D

Sticks And Stones ...
 

What? Forum members never call each other names. That reminds me, isn't it about time for Jurassic Referee to return from his sabbatical?

Here is the thing, not everyone around here gets excited over profanity. Actually all it takes is one quiet word and it stops. But just because it is heard does not mean the music is going to stop. I did not say tolerance, I said that it may not result in a T, there is a big difference. Which is why "damn" is not going to be a big deal and players talking amongst each other is also different than talking to your opponents or to the officials.

Peace

I too thought of this thread last night.
 

GV. Visitors losing by 8-10 points most of 2d half. Home team has a senior girl who is 6'4". Home team plays a high pressure in your face style of ball. V1 has ball near visitors bench at time line. I am T bench side and have dropped into back court to give girls room. H1 has assumed a Hi pressure stance right in V1's grill, but is maintaining verticality. V1, who had picked up her dribble, leans back to try and throw a pass but takes a step. I called travelling. V HC wants a pushing foul. I explained no contact and that she lost her balance. As I was about to turn away the assistant coach, who was chirping all night dismissively waved me off with both hands. Under the organ grinder/monkey theory of assistant coaches (see below) she was whacked. HC was not pleased. H team won by 8.

What a doozie tonight.

2nd game of a Freshman/JV double header. 2nd quarter, assistant coach apparently doesn't like a call I make in front of his bench. He spouts off something fairly benign at me, to which I turn to the JV head coach and ask him to do me a favor and instruct his bench to keep the chit chat to a minimum. This prompts the V head coach to jump off the bench like he wants to fight me and say "What are you talking about?"

Whack.

Couple trips down the floor, I'm again T next to the same bench, I make another call the peanut gallery doesn't like. This time, the freshman coach, who never made a peep in his game but is now sitting at the end of the bench, says "This guy has got to be out of his freaking mind."

Whack.

So now the JV head coach is only one indirect from getting tossed from the game when he didn't even do anything.

We walk into the locker room at halftime and I find out that the assistant who got the 1st T is the varsity coach. The guys following me are pleading with me not to toss him.

"Why? Wouldn't I be doing you a favor?" I say.

Luckily, neither of the two boneheads show up on the bench for the second half and the game ends smoothly

We Actually Once Had A Junior Varsity Official Toss A "Varsity" Coach ...
 

Here in Connecticut, if the "varsity" coach had been tossed from a junior varsity game, he would have to sit out his varsity game that night, and could not coach until he sat out another junior varsity game. If it were holiday tournament time, or playoffs, of some type, where there weren't any junior varsity games scheduled, that could be along time away from the bench.

Two seasons ago, BJV/V double-header:
BJV game - A gentleman shows up a few minutes into the game, sits at the other end of the bench, and proceeds to give us grief on calls. I go the the JV Coach, and say, "I need you to tell the gentleman on the other end of your bench to keep quiet! I don't want to hear from him again!"
Coach replies, "He's the Varsity Head Coach. I can't tell him that. He's my boss!"
I respond, "He's not your boss for this game. If he costs you a T, you'll wish you had talked to him! But, it's your decision!"
So, he did tell his "boss" what I said. And the V Coach quit his critique of our work. Then, after the 3rd quarter, he left the bench.
During the Varsity game, he never said a thing to us.

Working a Juco men's game yesterday. Visiting coaches....well, I've seen better quality coaching and working with officials from JV girls coaches. At least I know the home coaches are top notch at this place -- always know how to engage with officials.

I'm the T tableside in front of their bench after a transition play where the L passed on some marginal contact and called the OOB violation. The assistant (the only assistant) gets up and starts yelling in the L's direction. The L tells him to sit and he continues to chirp at the L. At this point I'm right there and I told the head coach he needed to control his assistant. The assistant at this point decided to yell something else at us about making a call or something like this and I decided to give the head coach a second to take care of this before I had to. But then the assistant looked up at me and starting clapping his hands to applaud me and, well, it was time to shoot some free throws.

So the doormat has had 2 bench technicals in 2 days.

I had my first two Ts of the season on Friday and Saturday. One went to a coach where he used no profanity BTW and the other was for a player that used profanity at me. So I feel ya man.

Peace

Well good for you, sounds like you're really starting to get to know your way around a basketball court!

:p