first ejection in a while

[Dakota]

Couple of comments on my way of handling such situations...

First, I won't have a discussion through the fence in front of this team. I will invite the coach out onto the field for a private discussion.

Second, the question I have asked coaches who complain about ball is strikes is a simple on, "Coach, are you aware that arguing balls and strikes is against the rules?"

Similarly, if the coach is making disparaging remarks about me I will ask, "Coach are you aware that making disparaging remarks about game officials is against the rules?"

After the coach answers "Yes," I am done unless or until he does it again. If the coach continues to argue / make remarks instead of answering yes or no, he is gone.

Finally, I won't threaten consequences if the coach doesn't leave quietly; I'll just inform him to leave quietly. If he doesn't, then I invite the assistant coach out for a discussion where I ask him, "Coach, are you aware that if your head coach does not leave quietly within 1 minute the game is subject to forfeit?"

While this may take a little longer, I like it because it gives the coach ample opportunity to keep himself in the game and/or to keep the game from being forfeited, it does not show up the coach in front of his players, and it does not put me in a position of no flexibility because of a threat I have made.