Different Language

[RookieDude]

I got an email from an official, today, that posed an interesting question.

I'll post his e and my reply.

Dan,

I know the seasons almost over but I was doing a girls middle school game the other day at Generic middle school and a player from Generic said something in Spanish, and I don't know what it means, but it was directed to the opposing player but what can I do next time I hear something in a different language?

Sent from my iPhone




My reply, with his named changed.




Great question XXXXX...I would say this might have to be a "you have to be there" moment to come to an ultimate decision on what to do.

If, in your judgement, the player spoke to the other player in an unsporting manner and/or got a negative response from the girl spoken to... you could issue an unsporting Technical foul on the mouthy player. (It's not WHAT she said, it's HOW she said it.)

It would be your call to determine if, in fact, the "talking" player was taunting/baiting/etc. the opposing player.

You might also just say, "knock off the talk, you are bothering her."

You might also have a short word with the coach about the behavior and your concerns.

This may be a little off topic...but when two people, you know, are talking a different language and there is just three of us in a small room. To me...this is like the two individuals whispering to each other...it is rude IMO.

Keep up the good work!

Dan