Communication with Coaches
This week we're trying to improve the referee/coach dynamic
Competitive sports require a strong emotional commitment from everyone: Players, fans, coaches. Even referees.
And at times when that energy spills over, a decision must be made: Do you walk away? Do you reason? Do you further assert?
Every referee has dealt with a coach that will simply not let a disagreement go. Or a long-tenured coach whose respect seems impossible to garner. Occasionally even a coach that allows or enables poor behavior from their players.
Most of the people involved in these tense situations are fundamentally good. But conflicting views and goals get in the way.
If only officials could get inside a coach’s head.
That’s what we’re attempting to do this Thursday in our session, Communication with Coaches. We’ve invited Micah Shrewsberry (Notre Dame), Vanessa Blair-Lewis (George Mason) and former NBA player Chucky Brown (St. Augustine’s University) to share their perspective. Our primary goal is to better understand how they see the referee/coach dynamic and glean tips to navigate specific situations. Along the way, we’ll take your questions and make it an interactive experience.
That’s not all in the coming weeks. We’re excited about our upcoming Gearing Up for the Season with Smitty Apparel (free event, with special discounts for those who attend) and our Basketball Referee Foundations course. Scroll down for more details.
In advance of this week’s session, below is an edited excerpt from our recent podcast episode From Point Guard to Guardian of the Game. In it, former NBA player and referee Haywoode Workman recalls two interesting coach interactions.
Go Forth and RUN THE GAME,
-Sony Tiwari, Co-Founder and CEO-
Haywoode: NBA officials get paid to call the gray. Anybody can call the black and white. It's kind of why referees wear gray shirts, because you get paid to make a decision about the gray. It’s just the call and that's the call that needs to be made for the game. Because in the manual the game comes first, and then your partners because that's your team. There's three teams out there and we as referees all try to be on the same page and be a good team to both of the other teams. I'll give you this story. Indiana's playing Miami and (assistant coach) Juwan Howard comes up to me and goes, “How you reffing this game? You used to play for them.” And I go, “Well, do you take it easy on Washington when they gave you that $100 million? Do you coach any less harder against them?” He's like, “All right, I ain't messing with you.”
Kane: That's great. Perfect. So good.
Haywoode: If you're honest with them, they'll accept it. But if you BS them, they're not gonna accept your calls.
Kane: Yeah, you really hit it on the nail on the head there, with the honesty. I mean, to me, that's what worked the best. The best communication was when I missed a play and I went back, and I would never really admit to anything until I saw it because 90% of the time you were right on the play. But that 10% of the time when you go back and you did see that, yeah, you got pushed or yeah, you got hit on the elbow… I will definitely make a point to come back and say, “Hey, you were right.”
Haywoode: So I'm in San Antonio and I miss a foul. I forget Ginóbili is left-handed and he gets hit on the elbow. And I'm too far behind him on his right shoulder. Can't see it. But Popovich is standing three feet, five feet in front of me, he's got the best view and he's on my butt. So going to halftime, I look at it, come out and tell Ginóbili, “Hey, I missed it. You're right. I was too far behind. I needed to move.” So later in the timeout, I go say something to Pop because I didn't have time to say it at halftime. So out of the huddle I go, “If I ever got a play right, would you tell me?” He goes, “Hell no, I wouldn't tell you that, no!” But that's a part of the game. I mean, he was joking, but you know how he feels. He's going to take advantage of it. He's going to cheer, he's going to root for his team. He's all for his team to try to get any advantage he can get. And you can't take too much of it personally because you're supposed to do your job. But I tried to make it fun for me.
Communication with Coaches
Highly accomplished coaches share tips for referees to improve their interactions during the game
For a referee, gaining the respect of coaches is critical to game management. But it is sometimes difficult to navigate the relationship in heated moments of the game. In this session, a panel of highly accomplished coaches reveal their experiences and perspective with referees. They will share insight on the referee/coach dynamic between and how their mind works, to explore what works and what doesn't. Those who attend will come away with an increased understanding of how to communicate with coaches and practical tips to apply in their next game.
ABOUT OUR GUESTS
Micah Shrewsberry is an American basketball coach and former college basketball player who is the head coach for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish of the Atlantic Coast Conference. Throughout his career, he’s coached in six NCAA Tournaments, two NCAA Final Fours, five NBA Playoffs and two NBA Conference Finals – in addition to coaching all-NBA honorees Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Vanessa Blair-Lewis has spent over 2 decades as a professional basketball player and now head coach at George Mason University. She played two years of professional basketball in Sweden before a knee injury cut her playing career short. A 20+ year coaching veteran, Blair-Lewis previously led Bethune-Cookman for 13-years including its first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance in 2019.
Clarence "Chucky" Brown Jr. is an American men's college basketball coach at St. Augstine's University and former professional basketball player. His basketball highlights include an NBA title with the Houston Rockets in the 1994-95 season. He also won a championship in the Chinese Basketball Association, becoming one of two players to win NBA and CBA titles the same year.
Gearing Up for the Season with Smitty Apparel
NBA referee and Product Development Manager at Smitty Apparel gives guidance on gear for the upcoming reason
Getting the proper gear is important for every referee. But with so many options, it can be difficult to sort through all the noise and choose wisely. In this session, NBA referee and Product Development Manager at Smitty Apparel JB DeRosa provides tips on what to look for when shopping new referee gear. We'll break down materials, fit and pricing, plus a bonus unveiling of Smitty's new performance sneaker. Attendees will come away from this session feeling prepared for the upcoming season, and with a special discount on new gear.
ABOUT OUR GUEST
JB DeRosa has officiated 250+ regular-season games and multiple playoff games in 5 seasons as an NBA staff official. Prior to that, he spent five years as an NBA G League referee, working the Finals in 2016 and 2017. DeRosa also serves as Product Development Manager at Smitty Apparel, a passion project he shares with his father, retired NBA referee Joe De Rosa. Smitty is one of the recognized leaders in apparel for sports officials, trusted by referees and umpires across the world.
Basketball Referee Foundations (6-week course)
Led by NBA referees James Williams and Kane Fitzgerald, join this crash course for beginners and refresher for early career officials. Advanced referees interested in teaching or mentoring are invited to attend as well. The class will meet for six weeks starting October 12.
CLASS SCHEDULE (all times 3pm EST)
10/12: Positioning & Rotations
10/19: Fouls
10/26: Violations
11/2: Game Management
11/9: Play Calling & Decision Making
11/16: Communication
Students may view a recording for up to 2 classes if unable to attend live. Complete the final exam for your RefMasters Level I Basketball Certification.