Had tons of feedback a year or two ago when I listed 4 categories which cover how coaches deal with officials. Everyone liked it. Had some recent experiences/stories from others that prompted me to post on this topic again.
First off, if you do not have to deal with a coach, don't! A good rule of thumb is, "Don't make an issue where there is not one." Don't explain what he doesn't ask about. Coaches will let you know if they want to know something. Be approachable, but don't approach them unless you need to. Took me a long time to find that balance, and that spectrum goes from not dealing with issues to being a complete ass kisser. The first one gets you in serious trouble, the second one will erode the respect your receive from other officials and the visiting coaches. You'll see both of these, trust me. Be in the middle.
There are 4 different things to consider when you have to deal with a coach. Each coach has a different temperament/philosophy in dealing with officials, each official has different charismatic ability, each game is different, and each situation is different. You need to think about all of these, to deal with coaches effectively on a consistent basis. Judgment is always of paramount importance, but game management, which comprises with dealing with coaches and players, comes best from experience. Can't fake it. Hopefully, this will help you navigate through those experiences a little easier.
1. First Q: What is the coach like? Don't tell a very aggressive coach, who is a Screamer or Mindfu&*er, as described earlier in the blog, to "calm down", "mellow out" or "relax". Remember Jeff Spiccoli and Mr. Hand from Fast Times at Ridgemont High? They are a race car on red, you have to compete with them or say the minimum and get away. On the flip side, if the coach is mellow, an he starts yipping, you might want to lend a sympathetic ear. They usually either have a point, or are nice mindless souls who just need to be heard once in a while. Don't wave red flags in front of raging bulls. And don't ignore a squeaky wheel that is usually quiet. Common sense rules. Use it.
2. Second Q: How charismatic are you? Are you the life of the party who can make players and coaches laugh via personality and credibility? Are you the Nazi who can quote the rulebook by number and who has no problems playing "T" ball? Are you generally laid back and not a conflict fan? Knowing what your role is, much like when you were a player, is very important. Nothing more painful that a bad communicator trying to explain something to an angry coach, or when the R who doesn't get along with Coach Y feels the need to deal with everything. Learn to use what you bring to the table, and use your partners when you need to. There are officials I work with now that get chewed up by certain coaches, for whatever reason. There's no shame in that, just know who brings what the party, and let them serve it. Just like when we played--some guys shot 3's, and some guys set picks. Know your role and when you are needed--and when to give it up to your partner.
3. Third Q: How important is the game? Is it a non-conference game? Tournament? Does one team have something to prove? Some games are revved up more than others, and the coaches will rev up accordingly. Some coaches rev up every game before the tip. I watched Dick Cartmell T up Mark Few last year with 5 minutes left and Gonzaga up by 35 against an overmatched opponent. "What did I do?" whined Few. "Doesn't matter, we're moving on," said Cartmell, barely looking at him and walking away. I doubt that happens in a NCAA Tournament game that exact same way.
4. Fourth Q: Does the coach have a legitimate gripe? I love that term. Every time I have used it to acknowledge a bad call that I or a teammate has made, it has worked like a charm. I hope I did not jinx myself, but since it is genuine and the truth, it shouldn't. Something looks bad? It may have been. "Coach, I am frustrated, too. You have a legitimate gripe there, but it's not correctable, but we heard you." Big difference between a coach having a real point, or possibly a real point, and a coach trying to make a problem where is not one. Just like we need to avoid that, if a coach goes there, you put up the stop sign and get on with it. Hopefully, you can steer him clear of those.
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