Game control and communication

[scrounge]

As JRut said, it's something that will come with time. I can tell you there's a big jump from 1st to 2nd year in how comfortable you'll feel, in this and other aspects. You'll learn to recognize that there are different categories of how they'll say stuff.

"You"...fill in the blank. Unless it's relatively innocuous like "you couldn't have seen that" or "that's not your call" from the rare coach who actually knows what our coverage areas are, shut this personally directed line down quickly. Even in the example when it's not really personal, don't let it go too long.

"Travel" or "Foul"....isolated, not that big of a deal, especially if not yelled out. But it can't become a running commentary. This could be a good time to use the progression of Ignore, Acknowledge, Warn, Whack.

"Oh Come on!", "What??". Perhaps ignore at first, see where it's going. But be vigilant for it going further. This could be where a quick explanation might help. "Coach, defender had guarding position".

Work youth travel or [shudder] AAU games and you'll likely get MUCH more practice at game mgmt situations than school ball. More daddy coaches, more crazies, but more stuff that happens. Often, it's just experience that you need. You'll have T's that you don't give that will haunt you forever! But you'll never forget.

You guys missed the thrust of what I was saying. First, what does "controlling the game with your voice" look like? Is that just preventative stuff, communicating with the players to do different things?

Also, when is the best time to talk to the coach? I just don't see enough time between events to talk with the coach, and am not sure what appropriate time to talk look like.

[just another ref]

Originally Posted by seanwestref

First, what does "controlling the game with your voice" look like?

Who was the observer that told you this? I would say you need to ask him.

[reffish]

Control the game with your voice: To me, I control the game with my voice after the whistle directing players to inbound spot or line up for free throws. During and after held ball, using voice for players to relax and release ball. After a hard foul, stepping in with voice to keep players from retaliating and to relax the fouled. Calling color number at point of foul and indicate consequence for partner and for players and lastly, coaches.

Talk to coaches in passing during transition, during dead ball if possible. Oh, and smile when you can, that does go aways.

[fortmoney]

Like reffish said, directing traffic after the whistle is a good way to give yourself presence. Also, especially at the lower levels, talking to players while the ball is live, letting them know that you're watching and trying to talk them out of fouls. "Hands!" at the top of key, "Straight up!" In the post when there is a competitive matchup or shot going up, things like that

[ODog]

Originally Posted by reffish

Control the game with your voice: To me, I control the game with my voice after the whistle directing players to inbound spot or line up for free throws. During and after held ball, using voice for players to relax and release ball. After a hard foul, stepping in with voice to keep players from retaliating and to relax the fouled. Calling color number at point of foul and indicate consequence for partner and for players and lastly, coaches.

Talk to coaches in passing during transition, during dead ball if possible. Oh, and smile when you can, that does go aways.

This.

+1