Always learning

[Andy]

Bob - First of all, I'm going to comment on part of your post besides the actions of the coach.

You mentioned some chirping by coaches at the line judges. If IN is like AZ, most of the line judges in our HS matches are HS students from the home team. If this is the case, I have ZERO tolerarance for chirping at the LJs. I deal with this swiftly and decisively. Usually, LJs are not trained officials and I need them to be focused on their duties, not worried about some mouthy coach or other bench personnel.

As for the coach in the substitution zone instructing his players:

First time, a step over the line, I would notice, but probably ignore as you did, thinking that he just wasn't really aware of his position. Next time, he's two steps into the zone and you chose to warn him - I'm OK with that as long as the match is going smoothly and he is cooperative.

Once you have issued the warning, however, you need to be prepared to take the next step if he violates again. Now you know the penalty, a YC. A YC in volleyball is nothing more than a formal warning. In effect, you are telling the coach that "I gave you an informal warning that you were in violation, you have chosen to violate again, now you get a formal warning. If you violate again, it's a Red Card and loss of rally."

If I remember correctly, you officiate other sports besides volleyball. It's pretty much the same across the board, if you chose to warn someone about something, be prepared to back it up with a formal sanction (whatever that may be in the sport being played) if it happens again. Anything less sends the message that you as an official are not willing to take care of business.