Precisely, it makes the game better:eek:

Usually, but failure to make the game better does not mean it was a bad T, and just because the game gets better without a T does not mean it was best uncalled.

Why was it 'good'? Good for you? A good T is a deserved t, not given out of spite, malice, etc. It's applied because coach, player has crossed the line and needs a 'time out' It's residual effect is to make the game 'better' and controllable.

IMHO a 'good' t will always make the game better. In my experience I've never whacked someone only to have game go South, on any level.

Huh? You lost me.....

I have. I called a technical only to have the coach completely lose it and draw a second one seconds later. That was about 15-16 years ago, my last basketball coach ejection.

But it doesn't mean I wish I hadn't called it. Once the coach left, it was better.

I base the justice of a T on whether it was deserved, not its affect on the game. 99% of the time, it works as it should, I just don't think someone should question the T because the game continued to go south.

I have called 12 in the last four years. No records before that but averaged about the same. All of them were no brainers, in my opinion. But I see a T as just a part of the game, another foul. Move on. In this same four years though, I've had a partner call just one. Collectively around here we allow far too much unsporting behavior to occur. This is stressed by our assignors and the state all the time. I feel the problem is the hang up on it being a big deal instead of just another foul.

I'm not in the "just like any other foul" camp. I'm not scared of them, and will probably call a couple more this season, but I don't think pretending they're not a big deal is particularly helpful. It's the one call that, by it's nature and rarity, draws attention to the official. It's often a rally killer, and it can change a game. Those things shouldn't affect how we call the T, but they should be acknowledged. IMHO, of course, and YMMV.

My count went to 2 last night as the varsity coach couldn't stop himself from giving his two cents during the JV game. I had called a violation for disconcerting the free thrower which caused both coaches to stand to confront me (I was trail in two man). I told the asst coach to sit, which he did, but he continued to harangue me as I was giving a quick explanation to the head coach.

I think we are in agreement and parallel to each other. Possibly better worded from me would be the effect of a T almost always makes the game better.

We usually are, and I was about to reword my statement the same way.

Fair enough. I wasn't trying to dump on you, btw. Just curious why you didnt, having been in the same place myself where I was reluctant to call a well deserved T

Awww, give me a hug big guy:D

Get on I-70 and head west. Meet me in Kansas City.