Officers are key to the game. In many cases, the officials are members of their community who dedicate a lot of time and effort to the athletes who compete. Sounds familiar doesn’t it? Coaches often put forth the same effort in their quest for success. In fact, coaches and officials are forever linked in the outcome of competitive competition. The question then is; How do you win with the officers?
FirstRemember that a fair officer is the best officer. You cannot and should not expect to receive a call on your behalf simply because you have a witty charm or an intimidating presence on the sidelines. Rather be a communicator; communicate with respect and not fear. Understand the call that is being made, realize that the call is not going to be reversed and stop yelling and search your heart for an explanation.
Second, a good referee will give you 10 seconds of your time and then move on. As a coach you must do the same. I promise a college-level official will tell you (if you’re kind enough to ask) what they saw. Be prepared to accept their response and move on. Basketball is a game of angles: a coach from the sideline has a different angle than the head referee under the basket. Understand, you most likely did not have the right angle on the call. Trust that the officer is making the right decision.
Next, leave the pit bull mentality in the coach’s office. No official in their right mind is going to represent a coach who is trying to play like a bully on the bench. Remember that officials have the last word, you are at their mercy and not the other way around. Also worth mentioning at this point, officials are human beings with real human emotions. As cliche as it sounds, the “golden rule” applies even during the heat of competition.
FinallyIf God gave you a bucket of fish, remember that you have to distribute those fish or they will rot. Find ways to show that you care about providing opportunities for the coach and the official to improve together. Create off-season gatherings, tournaments, and camps that let you meet your association’s officers outside of the heat of battle.
A strong working relationship with the referees is a key element in finding a successful season. Parents, administrators, and community members look to their coach to be a role model. Model outstanding behavior and this will ensure you win with the officials.