Some coaches just dont get it!

[ajmc]

When you think of it, there's really only two ways coaches cross the line; most often it's a case of emotions getting the best of them and a "look", a brief comment or an explanation will eliminate the problem and avoid the necessity of a flag. Of course if the emotions got too high, the wrong thing was said or the protest lasted "too long", a flag imight be necessary to put everything back in proper perspective.

Then there's the coach who wants to create a scene, it can be for any number of reasons; he might delude himself into thinking it will make a difference, he's trying to intimidate, coerce or take control or he's trying to show off infront of the players, spectators or whomever.

This is a guy whose not making an emotional mistake and will not be shamed into behaving properly by a look, a comment or even the best explanation. This is a guy who wants to wrest control of the game away from you and he will continue to try, until you make him stop . When you decide you're dealing with one of these characters, the longer you wait to take firm control, the longer the problem will worsen. Attempts to exercise reason, tolerance, benefit of the doubt will only serve to, "feed the troll'.

The secret is learning to tell one type coach from the other as soon as possible.