Talking to players

Originally Posted by Coach Bill

As a coach, I don't think it's right for refs to talk to players in ways that give them an advantage. For example, "watch the 3 seconds", "watch the handcheck", "keep still on that screen". Just call it. Why are you coaching/advising them?

I'm glad you asked! Here are our four objectives as officials:

1. Ensure player safety
2. Ensure games are played fairly, according to the rules
3. Help players develop skills and knowledge of the sport
4. Promote sportsmanship

If a player is setting a marginal screen I will pull them over and let them know that by rule they cannot be moving. We are not just enforcers of the rules, but teachers and communicators of it, especially at the development levels.

Originally Posted by JetMetFan

To follow up on Coach Bill's comment, I know at NCAAW's camps I've attended they're telling us to get out of the habit of talking to the players while the ball is live and I've carried the habit into HS games. I'll say "keep moving" to get players out of the lane but apart from that I don't say much. The feeling is the player has already committed a foul by the time we say "hands" or "get set on that screen" so you might as well call the foul. Also, if the opposing coach hears you (s)he will probably say, "Just call the foul!"

I would say that is exactly the college philosophy. HS may be different however.