There may never be a game we officiate that’s free from controversy—believe me, I’ve been in enough games to know. There will always be that one call that doesn’t sit right with a coach, player, or the ever-boisterous fans. And let’s be real, most people watching a basketball game are about as unbiased as a parent judging a cutest baby contest where their kid’s in the running!
We’ve all had that moment where one coach swears up and down that their player “couldn’t possibly have committed a foul” while the other is convinced the opposing guard just invented a new form of traveling. It’s like they’re watching two different games!
So picture this: it’s a tight game, two points down, and here comes that big forward barreling down the endline. I’ve got a block, and just like clockwork, the coach is not having it. As I head to the table to report the foul, I can feel the coach’s eyes burning a hole in the back of my head—like I’m a high school kid who just came in late to class.
Now, here’s where the fun really starts. After I report the foul, I’m ready to explain what I saw. It’s crucial that my approach is professional and calm. Arms at my sides, not crossed or defensive, eye contact steady, and voice pleasant. I walk up, not too close, not too far, and I give my explanation, short and sweet. "Coach, I saw your guy move into the path while the offensive player was airborne, so I had a block. That’s all it is."
Nine times out of ten, if you present yourself like you’re confident in the call (because you are), the coach will nod and get back to coaching. The key here? Communication and body language.
Now, let’s rewind and imagine a different scenario—you know the one where everything goes sideways. Picture this: I walk up to the coach, hands on my hips, my voice louder than it needs to be, and before the coach even finishes asking their question, I interrupt with, “Coach, I’ve been calling games for years. Let me do my job, you do yours.” Cue the fireworks.
That’s the kind of moment that can turn a routine discussion into an all-out WWE SmackDown. Instead of cooling the situation, I’ve thrown gasoline on it.
I’ll tell you a story from one of my high school games—I remember this one like it was yesterday.
The gym was packed, it was one of those district playoff games where you could cut the tension with a knife. I’d just called a charge, and the coach? Let’s just say they weren’t thrilled. Now, I could feel it—the urge to get defensive, to throw out a snappy one-liner and walk away like I dropped the mic. But instead, I took a breath, jogged over, and calmly explained what I saw.
“Coach, I had him late and not set. That’s why I called the charge.” Was the coach happy? No. But they nodded, took a deep breath, and got back to coaching. And guess what? I didn’t have to dodge any water bottles that night!
The point is, when it comes to officiating, the way you carry yourself and communicate is just as important as the calls you make. Sure, we don’t owe coaches a detailed breakdown on every call, but there’s no harm in helping them understand what we saw. It builds trust, respect, and, frankly, it makes the game smoother for everyone.
So, next time the spotlight’s on you—and it will be—remember, a little professionalism goes a long way. Whether it’s a quick explanation while running past during a live ball or a more detailed conversation during a free throw break, how you communicate will leave a lasting impression. And as much as we’d love to, we’re not out here to win debates, we’re here to manage the game with maturity and confidence.
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