ALL SPORTS
EDITOR: JEFFREY STERN
jstern@referee.com
FOR ALL SPORTS, ALL LEVELS
Umpire Eric Nilson, Kirkland, Wash., treats both coaches with the same level of courtesy and professionalism at the pregame meeting. In that way, neither coach will have a reason to feel the opponent is somehow favored.
MEET OF THE MATTER By the Referee editors
P
at the referee arrives at Hometeam High School for a basketball game. With Chris, the inexperienced partner, in tow, Pat approaches Hometeam Head Coach Johnson. “Hi, Coach Johnson,” says Pat, giving the coach a vigorous handshake and a slap on the shoulder. “Pat! Great to see you!” replies Coach Johnson, returning the shoulder slap. “How’s the team look this year, Coach?” Pat asks. “Not bad. Not
bad,” Coach Johnson replies. “Hey, Pat, I don’t know if you’ve heard anything about it, but see number 30 warming up over there?” Coach Johnson points to a visiting team player. “Big trouble. Dirty player. Got a bad reputation. Mouths off all the time to the referees and they let it go because of all the college scouts showing up every night.” “Oh, thanks for letting me know,” Pat says. Their conversation continues for several more minutes. Never does Pat introduce Chris, the inexperienced partner, who has
been a spectator to the conversation. Another interested spectator to the reunion is visiting team Coach Smith. When Pat approaches him, there’s no familiarity. Pat only exchanges a brief greeting, gains the required information and offers a quick, “Good luck,” while walking away, again leaving partner Chris in a lurch. Coach Smith is not happy. The game hasn’t even started and Pat and Chris are already in for a long night. Take care of business. So what did Pat do wrong? Pat was congenial and approachable with both coaches.
DALE GARVEY
Be Cordial but Professional During Pregame Visits
74 | REFEREE May 2021
May_21.indb 74
3/18/2021 9:07:02 AM
