NJB: Proper conduct is mandatory

Howzit everybody. This is an e-mail that came from the league director, Matt Tsukazaki, on Thursday. I didn't check the e-mail until today, but it's always basic and proper to respect everybody. If we do that, we'll be just fine. But give it a read. Matt sent this to ALL TEAMS. Everyone, including parents and friends, are expected to show that respect.

Dear Coaches:  Recently there has been an increase in the comments coming from the coaches, assistant coaches and parents at games concerning the officiating.  As we proceed through the playoffs I am sure the excitement will build and we may forget that we are trying to teach these young boys how to compete and stay focused. They learn from you and will feed off you.  And they hear you yelling at referees “what are you looking at,” “why don’t you make a call,” how can you miss that call,” “that was a lousy call,” “that was a bad call,”  as well as the “what the F___ are you doing.”  So they develop no respect for the officials, forget to play the game, and also start mouthing off to referees.  This is not productive – it is destructive.  If you feel some calls are being missed, call a time out and talk – don’t yell - to the referee.  

This is a warning to all coaches.  The referees will start calling technical fouls on the coaches for improper comments in games.  Two technical fouls will result in a one game suspension of the coach.  Only head coaches may talk to the referees.  This is a national federation basketball rule.  Assistant coaches are not permitted to talk to referees during the game.

Coaches are instructed to talk to your parents.  The referees will call technicals on the bench based on comments by parents, and that technical is assigned to the head coach to count toward his or her technical fouls.

Let’s try to finish the season on a positive note.  Good luck to each of you.  Matt

Now, that being said, I want to let you guys know that if there is any problem or disagreement with a referee, COME TO ME and let me know. Let me handle communication with our referees, just like the policy says. If you do talk with refs, treat them like an uncle. Smile. You'll get your point across better. Otherwise, say nothing at all and keep the body language neutral. Body language is 90% of communication, so be smart.

Any questions, feel free to talk with me.

Now, about today's games ... I'm very proud of everybody for playing hard and playing unselfishly. Our 17U worked a great defensive game against Kapolei for an 81-47 win. Our 15U was undermanned once again, but came up strong down the stretch against the Blue Devils, 46-40.

About the technical foul ...

I'm feeling a little embarrassed, ashamed but still pissed. After 30 years of coaching (off and on), my first technical today. If referees can't protect our guys from getting elbowed in the head in mid-flight while the other fouler yells like he's in the NBA — and they won't reprimand him for a flagrant play — I have to stand up for my guys. I'm standing up for you. But next time, it'll be in a more effective way, one that doesn't cost us points or get me suspended.

Coach Paul