Basketball Parents Please Read

The following notice is being sent to all schools in our division from the Chief Referee, Carlo Marotta:

As we approach the last month of this season I wanted to reach out to you all regarding officials’ expectations of our coaches and our fans.  We have had a few more issues with coaches and fans this season than in previous years.  My hope is that this message will help to reduce the frequency of these events. If you feel that this should be forwarded to your principals to help spread this message then please do so.  Based on the observations and feedback that I have received from my officials. I have a few brief comments that I would like you to share with all of your coaches at every level.

 

Head Coaches:  Let’s make sure that we are having healthy conversations with officials regarding plays.  Make sure that your players and assistants are conducting themselves in a proper manner.  Should play become intense:  take measures to calm emotions, remove players or call timeouts to help settle down players.  

 

Asst Coaches:  We follow the National Federation of State High School Association (NFHS) rules.  Asst coaches should be seated during play and should not be questioning officials or directing comments to them.  I have asked our officials to strictly enforce this.  Some officials may give a courtesy warning.  Others may issue a technical foul at first occurrence.  If an assistant coach is given a technical foul then the head coach must remain seated for the duration of the game.

 

Fans:   

We have so many wonderful parents that support players, coaches and officials but there are some exceptions.   We have issued many warnings to parents this year.  We take the time to read the opening prayer but the message seems to be lost with some.  In addition to critiquing the officiating of the games it seems that fans are taking on double duty and acting as coaches as well.  Is this not confusing to players?  Frustrating to coaches?

Here is an article that appeared in the January 18th edition of the New Britain Herald.  Its interesting to read of a growing problem – not just in Connecticut but nationally as well.