It seems that our previous post about Coach Matt Knoll's suspension over an incident at UT has generated the most interest ever--and by far, the most comments. The one thing that has impressed me the most is the overall quality of the comments. Most people are really quite knowledgeable of the rules and observant of events around them and those are things that go into making a good official.
After something like this occurs I always think the best thing is not to try to penalize and/or assess blame but to learn from the experience. Here are a few things I think we may have learned:
1. A coach's behavior is to be above reproach regardless of the actions of the players, other coaches, and crowd. The saddest part is that we all know coaches who aren't exemplary but at least they are few and far between. The great majority of them are above reproach.
2. A player's behavior should be exemplary and should quickly be penalized when it is not. Ignoring bad behavior is never going to solve the problem and usually makes the player bolder in their violations.
3. A chair official needs to be continually observant of everything that happens on their match and in the crowd surrounding their match. As humans, we will always miss some things but we are paid to see things and we need to do our best to do so.
4. A chair official should always deal with an issue when it happens. Most of what happened at UT could have been avoided had a code violation penalty been assessed immediately for both the Baylor coach and UT player.
5. When an infraction occurs it should be dealt with immediately and codes should be imposed on either that court or the highest court playing. There is a reason that rule is in effect and it should be followed.
6. Politics can and do play a huge role in administrative decisions. When an infraction is not dealt with on the court by the chair official and referee then it leaves the penalties up to administrators who were not at the match and that makes it really difficult for everyone concerned.
7. The Big 12 is a political entity. What more needs to be said?
8. The Big 12 should take great pains in selecting specific officials to work specific events. Even the appearance of bias should be avoided.
9. The Big 12 officials are some of the best but also include some new officials as well as seasoned officials so not everything that is done is going to make everyone happy. Remember we are all human and we all make mistakes.
10. Many of us would like to change decisions we have made in the heat of the moment. When you have 2-4 players, two coaches, and a howling crowd screaming at you you have to make an instant decision that is right and correct. Sometimes we excel and sometimes we would rather have done it another way--but the main thing is to know the rules and then do your best to apply them fairly and correctly.
11. It seems that are a lot of UT, Baylor, and assorted other fans out there--and they sure love their tennis! And so it should be... But remember to share a little of that love and forgiveness with the coaches, players, and officials because they're the ones doing all the work.
12. Even though some would like to think so, the sun does not rise and set with one certain and to remain nameless official...
2 comments:
One thing I have learned is that we need to be MUCH tougher on foul language, and that the "talking to himself" policy is not effective and not appropriate at the college level. If we started coding when we hear the fbomb or whatever, it'd come to a halt pretty quickly. It would also set a better example for younger kids coming up. It's a sorry state of affairs when that word is so commonplace, that people hardly realize they are saying it.
I was at the match, and observed the entire event. The chair was under a lot of pressure, and was drawn into the event as it unfolded. As all of us as the chair do, we try not to be part of the match, but are drawn in by behavior of the players on the court. The players are emotional and focused in their play, and we make instant decisions, whether or not to code, or to let it ride. After a few "let it ride", we find ourselves in an uncontrollable position, and panic! This is when we halt the match, code the appropriate player, or players, and take back control.
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