Lake Conference Teams Receive Warning

This week the Lake Conference basketball teams received a warning for the excessive behaviors that officials have had to deal with in basketball games this year. Here is the email that went out to schools and coaches this week:

Good evening,

I have touched base with a few of the Lake Conference Athletic Directors, coaches, and officials over the weekend. The consensus has been to address the excessive amount of criticizing of official's calls (or non-calls) and clarifying expectations moving forward for Lake Conference basketball student-athletes and coaches.

The expectation moving forward is that any unsporting behavior by players and coaches will be addressed immediately. The general observation is that certain inappropriate behaviors have occurred during games, which should have been dealt with, and officials have let things slide. Our officials have been patient and want to listen, allowing for clarifying questions, but the line has been crossed on too many occasions.

Moving forward the following will be points of emphasis for all officials working MOA assignments:

1. Head coaches will need to stay in the coach's box and assistant coaches stay seated during play on the court.

2. Communication will occur only between officials and head coaches. Assistant coaches need to focus on coaching their players. Assistant coaches being critical of officials will also be a point of emphasis and addressed minimally with a warning in the book. If the behavior is excessive or a warning has already been given, a Technical Foul will be assessed on all other instances regardless of the time and score.

3. If any inappropriate comments come from one bench to another player or opposing bench, this will be addressed appropriately with a Technical Foul.

4. Coaches and players need to understand that right now everyone has been warned. There may be quick Technical Fouls issued. I support this message and so do Lake Conference Activities Administrators.

This message will be delivered to officials and officials that are not following through on these expectations are subject to games being removed from their schedule.

Your positive leadership matters in the growth of your players and teams. Good luck the rest of the season and thank you for your cooperation in providing a competitive and safe environment at these basketball games.

(Name removed)

Minneapolis Officials Association