As I was recently working an ITA match and had made a ruling against a certain team (it was for a let since the receiver had his hand up before the server served), both players from the serving team stood screaming and arguing. After a more than normal time for arguing, I instructed the players to play. After they refused and continued arguing and verbally abusing my personal character, birthright, and actual existence upon the planet earth, I coded them for unsportsmanlike behavior.
Their coach then ran to the court and vehemently objected. When I explained to him the series of events he said, "We have the right to argue as long as we want. You officials are not perfect and if we believe in our case, we can argue forever."
I lovingly assured him that you can always present your case--but you have no inherent right to argue nor to argue without end... He didn't buy my concept but soon realized that at some point the official has to make a decision--and then its time to play.
Such is the wonderful life of an ITA official in Texas...
16 comments:
That hasn't happened to me a lot in the past for I usually do what's proper and appropriate. having said that, sometimes some players (and coaches) believe they can gain an upper hand by berating officials in the hope that a call may eventually go their way. In those instances, I let the players / coaches vent and then after no new data flow comes across my ears, I try to shut them down. If they continue, I instruct them to play. If they continue to banter, then I either issue a code violation, unsportsmanlike conduct to the player or coaches code of conduct warning to the coach. That usually stops the discussion.
There was in interesting incident which transpired at the Texas - Virginia match this weekend. The chair umpire in doubles had an issue with the Virginia players. After the match, the official standing on the far sideline was seen walking up to the coach and explaining how they would have handled the situation differently. Are you kidding me - that type of action should NEVER EVER occur. Once the match is over, you need to get the hell off the court and go back to the officials room, especially if you essentially had nothing to do with the match.
Just my two cents worth...
South Carolina isn't much better if at all!
I would probably let said meddling official spend the rest of the match sorting balls and/or getting water for the recognized chair officials.
I let them vent for a minute or two. If they say nothing that changes my mind, I usually say in a nice even but strong tone; "The call's been made. It isn't going to change, Play." Click my stopwatch. But you need to listen to what they say and let them get it out, so they don't explode on the next close one, but not long enough to get really worked up.
Tennis is a mind game. I believe they sometimes through a fit to get their player charged up not just to get in the official's mind. Like a basketball coach will take a technical foul to get his team fired up.
I believe in letting them present their case--but not yelling and degrading. After about a minute or so of presenting, its time to move on...
ITA GURU... Virginia vs Texas must of been intense anyway! Sounds like an official was trying to make him/herself look good in the coaches eyes. TOO BAD!
I was disappointed to hear that one of our University of Texas ITA officials wasn't supportive of his/her fellow colleagues at the UT/Virginia dual. Even if we disagree amongst ourselves, we should always act as a cohesive team. Undermining another official is NEVER a good thing. When you throw one of us under the bus you've thrown us ALL there too. The ITA Guru is most definitely correct...this should NEVER EVER occur.
I say screw the Chair official - if I can be the better official i will do it anyway i can!!! besides it sounds like wright was in the chair and WRONG was on the long line! AND - you know waht - the coach will hire me back if I KISS UP!
I agree with RM
Near my home town of Tulsa, the home Referee won't let the opposing coaches even utter a peep before he issues a point penalty followed immediately by default of the coaches' player. BTW, that isn't even an ITA rule, but apparently it IS a TULSA rule.
Go Figure!
I was watching the UT - Virginia match and the chair umpires in all three doubles matches were outstanding. I did see that out-of-state official smoozing with the Virginia coach after the doubles. She is the same official that has worked some Baylor matches as well. There is something about her that I don't care for.
I will agree with the ITA GURU - but, what if the coach comes to you and ask? What if the chair did not call on you for a ruling? What if the ball was opposite of what the chair saw? Do you lie? What is the best response?
6:24 Where did you go to school????? Proof read. Never send or post something when you are angry. BTW doing the job to the best of one's ability is all the "Kissing Up" any coach should expect.
6:11 The chair is in control of the match and has the final say on all line calls. How many times have you seen the pro chairs over-rule a line call (Australian Open, now there were some bad line calls)? You tell the coach "The chair is in charge of the court" no further comment should be made.
I believe in listening to players and coaches disagreements if done in a respectful manner. If at any point it gets personal, of course a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct should be assessed. Even without personal comments or attacks, if it goes on too long, time penalties must be assessed. The coach should be written up if he suggests he can argue without end!
It's ridiculous for a coach to suggest he or his team can argue incessantly. I would simply issue time warnings and penalties until his team starts playing again, in addition to any issued for unsportsmanlike comments or profanity.
Post a Comment