Based on feedback from our observer as well as my own observations, we need to do a better job of dealing with coaches and the coaching box. In some observed games coaches from both teams were constantly on the court both during time when the clock was running and well as when the clock was stopped. This needs to be addressed.
Coaches should only be on the court during timeouts, intermissions between quarters and to help prevent and/or break up a confrontation on the court. During timeouts and intermissions the coaches should be within the timeout area. No coach should be up at the table even during these times. At any other time a coach should only be on the court if beckoned by an official.
It does not matter if they are “only coaching.” Head coaches are limited to using the coaching box. That is what the coaching box is for. Let’s all get on the same page and get this problem put to bed before the new year starts.
As an official, you have tools you can use to see that the rules regarding where head coaches can be are followed.
If the coach is “only coaching” and is out of the coaching box, the first time this occurs you may direct him/her back to the box politely. This should only happen once.
The next time this happens, please use the formal warning procedure and have the warning recorded in the scorebook.
If the coach is out of the box after this, a technical foul should be ruled. This results in the loss of the use of the coaching box by that team for the remainder of the game.
Of course, if the coach comes onto the court to contest a ruling that you have made, an immediate technical foul is appropriate.
Tip of the Week
Be aware of what is going on in your games.
