Over the years we have discovered that collegiate coaches come in many shapes and sizes--and also in many different personality types. We have all encountered a hyperactive type A coach who simply can't sit still. That makes this scenario even more interesting...
SCENARIO
In a Division I doubles match, Team A has served a first serve fault. Just as they are bouncing the ball to serve their second serve, the coach from Team B runs across the court to meet with his players on the adjacent court and disrupts play in doing so. The official was roving two courts and was not in observation of this incident.
What do you do?
1. Caution the coach not to do it again.
2. Give Team B a first serve.
3. Give the coach a coach's warning for disrupting play.
4. Award the point to Team B because of interference by the coach of Team A.
5. Do nothing and hope he learns to be still.
Be sure to send us your thoughts and comments on this one.
NOTE: There was not a ruling made in this specific instance because Team A came to the official (who was observing another court) to tell him about the incident after the point had been completed. The coach however was asked if he had done this and he vehemently denied it. The coach of Team A said he did and was indignant that the official would not take her word for it.
LESSON TO BE LEARNED: All officials should develop eyes in the back of their head so they can see two courts at the same time and never, ever, take anyone's word for something that happened on the court unless you personally witness it.
2 comments:
Oh come on Randy, you know you should have started his scenario out with the fact that the umpire was not in direct observation of the court. As nothing was seen, there is little that could be done except to remind both coaches about the evils of interfering with play. And then develop that second set of eyes in the back of your head. Additionally, a reminder to the home coach about the need for officials for all courts to prevent future occurrences of this nature might be in order. Unless of course the accused offender was the home coach....
Thanks for that note. I have amended the scenario.
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