The Watcher
Years ago
Junior Coaches and Parent Behaviour
On Sat morning out to watch my niece play her weekly basketball, I can see why referees are so hard to come by. I was watching a game before the one I was there to see, and it would have been div 3-4 maybe, as the standard was not that flash. However I thought the two very young ref's did let a bit of the stuff go, like travels/carry's/double etc, but probably was even for both sides. If they hadn't the game would not have gone anywhere. One coach for a certain club was carrying on like an absolute chop. Yelling out, throwing his hands around, which in turn the allowed for the specatators of this team to then get vocal and question every call made. The other team were great and their spectators didn't batter an eyelid when an incorrect decision was made.
Surely for these low divisions it is the ideal chance for ref's to start out and/or gain some skills, without coaches carrying on!! Coaches must realise that their behaviour can in-turn flow on to parents who may not have a real understanding of the game, and causes them to moan.
Having been associated with a district club for 25 yeras now, since under 12's, and playing in div 1 throughout juniors, I guess I never really saw this sort of stuff, as most parents probably had an understanding of the game.
The offending coach of this team, looked like he had at least played one game of 'F' grade social before, and probably is a king amongst the young girls he coaches. I just hope when my kids are old enough to play I don't encounter these type of 'monkeys' on opposing teams.
It only encourges players on the court and the like to question what is already a hard job in refereeing. I was told to not question an ump's decision throughout my younger days, and my parents threat of not playing the following week was enough for me to stop, and think twice about it. Maybe some coaches need to do the same to some parents or indeed look at themselves.
This probably happens every week, but I have not seen a junior game in many years, and I am sure there are many ex state league/aba players like myself who would feel the same if they went back to watch juniors from time to time.
Basically leave the ref's alone, and watch the game with respect to all involved, especially when you are a coach who should have some idea of the game.
Cheers.................
