I know this one can be a touchy subject, but does anyone have advice on how to approach the referees when they are missing fouls left and right? This is 5th/6th grade boys, playing CYO Intermediate 2 level. We were in a tournament over the weekend and I thought a football game broke out in one of our games.

My center was complaining about his ribs hurting because he was getting forearm shivers every time he tried to set up in the low post. My point guard got elbow in the temple on a drive. And one of their players would bring both arms up from stomach to head high when he was setting a pick--like he was blocking in football. And NONE of these were called fouls.

At halftime I calmly told one of the refs about it and got the "we'll keep our eyes on it". Still no calls, until about the last 2 minutes of the game. Then the other team acts like they can't believe he is actually calling a foul on them.

I don't want to be a whining coach, and I believe in letting them play, but when someone is going to get hurt from the physical play I want it called.

Any suggestions?

Luckily we didn't have those 2 refs the rest of the tournament!!!

Doug,

I think you handled this well... I'm not so sure I would have been that calm.
There were times during games that I would make a comment about something that was happening, but usually you will do much better with your approach. I coached boys varsity so I knew my refs and what I could and could not say to them.

It sounds like this type of play is being taught... how many 5th graders play that physical... its just not in them YET. Is this a league you are playing in? Have you seen this team play any other games and play this way?

While you don't want a "whistle" game.. you do not want any kids getting hurt, on either team. Next time this happens you might say something like... "its your responsibility to make sure that no one gets hurt out here, it will be on YOU if they do." Hopefully this will NOT happen again.
Good luck and keep teaching your kids the proper way to play.

You might make a comment to the tournament director.

Ken

I know it was being taught. After the "war" game, we had an hour until our next game. While I was standing around, I overheard the other team's coach telling the parents of the boy that was hammering our center, "that is how you have to play when you are matched up against someone bigger than you. You have to use your elbows and knees." I was too dumbfounded to confront him.

I didn't bother saying anything to the tournament director for one reason--the team in question was the host of the tournament! And luckily we don't play in the same league as them, so I shouldn't face this team again.

The other interesting thing about that game was how slow the clock ran in the last 1:30 of the game when they were down by 4. Guess that is what home court advantage is all about!

If that was me, AFTER the tourney I would tell the tournament director that you will NOT be coming back. Explain why!

I had to do that myself... we drove along way, a great tourney which we did well in... but the refs were bush league.. obvioulsy they didn't like the team from the North.... I told them it was a great tourney except for the officiating, even though we came in 3rd and they did everything to get us out early... including playing the #1 & #3 seed.... and turing off the heat in our locker room while turning the fan up high wasn't too classy either.

I would let him know exactly how you feel... and remind them... these are 5th grade kids... 1o-11 year old kids. Treat them well... it could be one of your kids getting hurt if some kid gets angry and retalitates.

Good luck.

Ken

You could try the Bobby Knight approach and send a chair flying accross the court.

Here is the drill:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvRO2GE4x4M

You might want to try something more suttle. :) Good luck.