Referee issue and MY dilemma

I have a group of 1st graders playing Basketball for the first time. Most of the League has similar, if not the same, experience levels. We have 8 game season, with 6 games completed.

For probably the first 3 games, the referees kept the games under control, calling fouls as one would expect, letting a few things go, etc. Also, for the first 3 games, the players were also feeling their way thru the season - it is 1st grade.

Now comes my issue – Over the last 3 games, the fouling has become horrendous. Players are reaching, grabbing, slapping, etc. Not aggressive defense (that is different)!!

I have taught my team to play good, hands up, move with the ball, non-reaching defense. Yes, there are times when we commit fouls too. But, the one thing that remains obvious, the other teams have trouble getting off shots because My team’s hands are up, moving with the player, and it is difficult for them to shoot. Don’t get me wrong, the other teams 'attempt' to shoot and we let them, it is just our footwork is good and our hands up defense is good. We alter a lot of shots but do not hack the player.

My issue remains that over the last 3 games, unless we have break away, my players are having trouble getting a shot off due to the other teams grabbing, slapping, etc. Yes, I realize basketball is a physical sport and there will be that. But, when at the end of almost every quarter, My team is complaining that they are getting scratched and elbowed and slapped, that is an issue.

The Big Problem – The referees almost do not call anything unless there is a shot attempted. The Refs do not call a foul unless there has been a complete mugging to the floor on defense. The last game this weekend was really excessive. In the last game, I watched as the other team threw elbows and slapped my playeres even on offense.

So as you can see, while my team is successful, I have become frustrated. I wonder ...What are the other coaches teaching their players? Do the Refs not realize they are not setting a good example?

Sorry, I had to vent somewhere …But I am also seeking opinions and thoughts.

While we are a 1st grade team and the Refs let somethings go, it has become worse over the last few games.

Been in your spot many times over the years. Short and sweet, you need to get with the league director, this starts at the top. I watched things change in our younger (even now 5th/6th grade) leagues because of conversations with our league director. A lot of times they never show up to games and are completely unaware of what's going on.

Come from a standpoint that you're looking for the refs to help teach the kids about good fundamentals, safety, and development of bad habits. Ask the league director to have your refs talk with all the kids before the game regarding reaching in, slapping, etc. If the game is getting out of control, refs should stop game and remind kids again. You're looking for the refs to emphasize solid fundamentals on defense.

If the refs do talk with the kids and start teaching in games be sure to thank the league director for the support. Remember to thank the refs after the game for teaching the kids good habits.

Sounds basic and simple, but it works. My refs are talking to the kids before our games in the current season. All it took was one phone call, but I know this league director.

Great Suggestion.. I have an e-mail draffted to the League Coordinator but was not sure it would help.

To add to your point - Funny thing is...the refs talk the Coaches meet before the game about how the game will be called. At each game, I tell the refs they should be talking to the kids. Glad I am not crazy.

Excellent points...and good feedback

Word of caution: just don't come off like you're complaining. From your original post I can tell you realize your kids are fouling too, so it wouldn't be an issue. Whenever I've needed to talk with the league directors, I make sure they know my motivation is to teach our kids good fundamental basketball and it has nothing to do with the W's or L's.

mj,

Some of the best refs on our varsity high school games kind of coach as the game is going in... "get out of the lane - keep your hands off etc. " Preventive referring I guess that is called... I know I liked it... kept the game moving along... none of us want it to be a trip to the free throw line. AND it could very well be that way IF the refs and the coaches don't teach the game the right way.

At your level it has to be tough... they can be all over the place if they aren't taught proper fundamentals. At EVERY level the kids will play as physical as the refs will allow. Its up to THEM to control the game from the first minute.... IF you allow the cheap calls early they will push the limit.... EVERY level will do that.

I know you don't want a WHISTLE game but it might end up that way now that they have let it get out of control. It sounds like you are doing a great job teaching a tough age group... I don't think I could do that.

The league administrator needs to meet with all the coaches and refs to get the game back under control and have it played the way it is meant to be. These are young kids and they need to be taught the correct way and then let them have some fun.

I've heard Varsity coaches say... " We are going to play very physical - the refs don't half the fouls and we will run 10 players at them." We just told our kids to be strong with the bal and be ready for a physical game.

Good Point also...let me clarify...I am not seeking a game w/ a numbe of stops due to Whistles. Not at all. It is the fact, the game as gotten out of hand. When I see 6-7 yo girls throwing elbows for position, slapping hands down (and I hear the slap from the bench as much as the other coach), and my players are have scratches on their arms...something is not at all right.

I have no issues with a physcial game and letting a few things go. But when there is obvious fouls - ie a drive thru the late my player is jump stopping to take a shot, and her arm is pulled down by 2 players not grabbing the ball and no foul? Hummm...

That is a little excessive...I can tell my kiddos we are playing a physcial game but the Refs have to step in at some point.

Thats where the administrator needs to get involved... he needs to tell the refs to control the game and call the obvious fouls.... thats the bottom line.

The key here is we're talking 1st graders. You definitely don't want a "whistle game", you're just looking for the refs to let everyone know up front what's up on fouls and have them stop the game when it's getting out of control to remind everyone.

Usually it's just a few teams that have the whack & hack mentality. Coach tells the kids to be agressive and get the ball, so 1st graders are going to do that.

It's a simple solution, but the key is having refs willing to teach/ref at that age.

Coach: I'm going to go out on a limb here and speculate that at the age level your kids are playing, the refs would not be experienced. That they may be young high school players or college players looking to make a few bucks for the weekend. If that is the case, the previous advice you have received from the coaches on here is very sound. However, if they are experienced and highly certified, then its not the league administrators you need to be talking to rather its the head of officials.

I have refereed college basketball and semi-pro here in Hong Kong. Doing this gives me an appreciation for what a referee faces during games and keeps me under control when I'm coaching. Even at the semi pro level, I do as coach Sar states, I talk continually. I give advice and never try to make things personal. I will never heed a coach who is continually complaining but I will always listen to bonifide suggestion from a coach or player if its offered respectfully.
Hope this helps Coach Mac

Coach: one final point, the best referees I have ever had in games are those that you hardly notice. The game runs smoothly and its all about the players not the referees. Coach Mac