Refs want a clean slate when they start a game- they don't want the coach mad about a call or calls from a game a month ago. Coaches and players want the same from refs- they want the game to start with a clean slate. When I first started coaching, most refs would refuse to work more than 3 games during an entire season with a particular team- the feeling was when you worked more games you were creating too much history.
Several years ago I had an athletic director relate an exchange he had with a ref. The ref had asked him what he thought about me, because the refs said, "I can't stand him." That is not what a coach wants to hear from a ref- the question becomes- will the ref start with any predisposed ideas about how to call the game. This past year a coach related that in the middle of the game, the ref had called numerous fouls, and the ref turned to the coach and said, "You teach your kids to foul so I am going to call a lot of fouls." Again, this ref did not start with a clean slate.
Officiating is not easy, but they cannot start a game with predisposition of how to call the game. The following is the said story from the PAC-12. The key question, did this ref without knowing it become influenced by the pregame suggestion?
Pac-12 coordinator of basketball officials and former NBA referee Ed Rush has been investigated by the Pac-12 for comments made about Arizona coach Sean Miller in meetings that included several Pac-12 referees.
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Rush, according to a source within the Pac-12 officiating group, told a group of referees on the Thursday of the Pac-12 tournament in Las Vegas that he would give them $5,000 or a trip to Cancun if they either "rang him up" or "ran him," meaning hit Miller with a technical or toss him out of the game. Rush then reiterated during a Friday morning meeting, according to one referee in attendance, that officials should take similar action against Miller if he did anything on Friday in the Pac-12 semifinals against UCLA.
"He was emphatic about not dealing with him (Mi
When Refs and Coaches Clash: A Deep Dive into Tensions on the Sidelines
Sports arenas are typically filled with intense emotions, both on the field and on the sidelines. Coaches passionately strategize, players give their all, and fans engage in enthusiastic support. Amidst this mix, clashes between coaches and referees are not uncommon, and they often lead to dramatic moments that fuel discussions and debates. In this article, we delve into the dynamic world of referees going after coaches, examining the causes, consequences, and the broader impact these interactions have on the sports landscape.
The High-Stakes Arena
Sports competitions are more than just games; they are high-stakes battles that demand split-second decisions. Coaches, driven by their desire to secure victory for their teams, are at the forefront of this intensity. On the other side stand the referees, tasked with ensuring fair play and upholding the rules of the game. This inherent tension forms the backdrop against which conflicts between coaches and referees can unfold.
Causes of Clashes
There are various reasons why referees might confront coaches during a game. Misunderstandings over rule interpretations, disagreements on calls, and the natural frustration stemming from the pressure of the competition can all contribute to heated exchanges. Coaches, heavily invested in the outcome, might vocally express their discontent with decisions they perceive as unjust. Referees, in turn, uphold their authority by addressing coaches' protests, sometimes leading to confrontations that play out in front of players, fans, and television cameras.
The Impact on the Game
The interactions between referees and coaches, particularly when they escalate into confrontations, can have significant effects on the game. These effects can manifest in both tangible and intangible ways. Tangibly, penalty calls or technical fouls issued against coaches can result in free throws or advantageous field positions for the opposing team. These outcomes directly influence the game's flow and momentum.
Intangibly, clashes can lead to distractions that hinder a team's focus and cohesion. When coaches become embroiled in disputes with referees, players may perceive this as a lack of control or unity among the coaching staff. This perception can disrupt the team's performance, leading to a loss of focus, poor decision-making, or a decrease in morale.
The Spectacle and Entertainment Value
While clashes between referees and coaches can disrupt the game's flow, they also add an element of spectacle that captivates audiences. The intense emotions, animated gestures, and heated exchanges create dramatic moments that become talking points for fans, media, and pundits. In an era where sports are not only about the competition but also about entertainment, these clashes contribute to the narrative that keeps fans engaged.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Can coaches appeal decisions made by referees?
Yes, coaches can appeal decisions made by referees. However, the appeal process varies depending on the sport and league rules. In some cases, coaches can request reviews of specific calls using instant replay technology. In other cases, coaches may communicate their concerns to officials, but the final decision remains with the on-field referees.
2. Are there consequences for coaches who confront referees during a game?
Yes, there can be consequences for coaches who confront referees during a game. Depending on the sport's rules and the severity of the confrontation, coaches can receive technical fouls, yellow or red cards, or even be ejected from the game. These penalties can result in free throws, penalties, or unfavorable positioning for the opposing team.
3. How do sports leagues address clashes between coaches and referees?
Sports leagues typically have protocols in place to address clashes between coaches and referees. These protocols may involve post-game reviews of incidents, potential fines or suspensions for coaches, and evaluations of referee performance. Leagues often prioritize maintaining professionalism and respect on the sidelines to ensure the integrity of the game.
4. Are there instances where referees and coaches have positive interactions?
Yes, there are instances where referees and coaches have positive interactions. Many coaches maintain respectful relationships with referees, understanding the challenges of the job. Referees, in turn, appreciate coaches who communicate their concerns in a constructive manner. Positive interactions contribute to a smoother game flow and a more collaborative atmosphere.
5. How do clashes between coaches and referees impact the perception of the sport?
Clashes between coaches and referees can impact the perception of the sport in several ways. On one hand, they can add an element of drama and excitement that appeals to fans. On the other hand, excessive confrontations can create an impression of disorder and lack of control. Leagues often aim to strike a balance between passionate engagement and maintaining the sport's professionalism.
Conclusion
In the high-stakes world of sports, clashes between coaches and referees are a testament to the intensity and passion that drive competition. These clashes reveal the complex interplay between the desire for victory, the enforcement of rules, and the dynamics of authority on the sidelines. While confrontations can disrupt the game's flow and affect outcomes, they also contribute to the spectacle that keeps fans engaged. Striking the right balance between passionate engagement and maintaining sportsmanship is a challenge that leagues, coaches, and referees continue to navigate, ensuring that the drama on the sidelines remains an integral part of the sports narrative.
ller)," the ref told CBSSports.com. "He made that perfectly clear."
Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott issued a statement to CBSSports.com:
"Based on the review, we have concluded that while Rush made inappropriate comments that he now regrets during internal meetings that referenced rewards, he made the comments in jest and the officials in the room realized they were not serious offers," Scott told CBSSports.com. "Following our review, we have discussed the matter with Rush, taken steps to ensure it does not happen again, and communicated our findings to all of our officials."
Referee Michael Irving -- who sources confirmed was in the room with Rush on Friday -- hit Miller with a controversial technical with 4:37 left in the Pac-12 semifinals against UCLA. The Bruins wound up winning the game, 66-64. Miller was upset about a double-dribble call on Arizona point guard Mark Lyons, arguing that a UCLA player had gotten his hand on the ball before Lyons picked it up.
Miller later claimed he did not direct any profanities at Irving or any of the other officials at the time. The technical was his first of the season.
“The reason I got the technical foul is because I said, ‘He touched the ball. He touched the ball. He touched the ball. He touched the ball. He touched the ball,'" Miller said immediately after the loss. Miller was reprimanded by the Pac-12 and fined $25,000 by the league for confronting a game official after the game had concluded, as well as for acting inappropriately toward a Pac-12 staffer in the hallway of the arena.
"They don't talk to me," he said of the officials. "If I cuss and I'm out of control and I've been warned, shame on me. When I say, 'He touched the ball, he touched the ball' because I thought the two of them could have maybe gotten together and explained that, in fact, he did touch the ball."
The source said the technical foul call was out of character for Irving.
"That's not Michael (Irving)'s mentality as a ref," said the source, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of losing assignments within the Pac-12. "He's a really good ref and manages situations without using technicals. It was absolutely because of what was said in the meeting. There's no doubt in my mind. It's a bad position to be put in."
"As a basketball referee, it's a horrible position to be put in by your supervisor," he continued. "If you don't do anything, you probably won't get any good games down the road -- or you may not get any games at all. That leaves us in a tough spot."
Arizona athletic director Greg Byrne issued this statement Monday night:
"On Sunday, March 17, we first learned of the allegation of the events that occurred during the Conference Tournament. Due to the serious implications, we immediately shared our concerns with Commissioner Scott and the Conference office. We know that an investigation was held and any further issue is a matter for the Pac-12 office."
Rush was a longtime NBA official who was also the NBA's director of officiating from 1998-2003. He replaced Bill McCabe as the Pac-12's supervisor of officials in 2012, after McCabe retired.
"He's a bully," the referee said of Rush. "He just bullies everyone. That was his whole tenor of the meeting on Friday. We're all afraid of him. He's the most respected basketball officiating person on the West Coast and he's been given all the juice."
Ed Rush did not wish to comment further, telling CBSSports.com, "Larry's made a statement. I'm in concert with what he said. We're going to move on from there."
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