Bench Decorum

[gw67]

It will be interesting to see how the refs enforce the new "bench decorum" rules. Keeping the coaches in the box should be easy to enforce. The only current coaches in the ACC that push this based on my experience are Greenburg and Hewitt although I may not be paying close attention. The area that may be tough to enforce will be the use of foul language. Reading lips, it appears that most of the ACC coaches, including Coach K, use the F-word and others when shouting at the refs. This use of foul language should be stopped and I expect a few T's will get most to clean up their act. If the NCAA wants to eliminate all bad language on the bench, even when directed inward at the team, then a number of coaches with Gary Williams leading the pack, will be watching games on TV.

gw67

[whereinthehellami]

I think Coach K is one of the best/worst (depending on how you look at it) at working the refs with intimidating stares and harsh words. The thought of ringing up Coach Williams (either one), K, and Knight because of a lack of bench decorum seems ludicrous. The ref that rings up one of those Coaches with the game on the line for a lack of bench decorum needs to be examined by a physician for elephantitus of the you know whats.

[hondoheel]

There is one coach nationally that caused this rule to be implemented.

[Bluedawg]

I think Coach K is one of the best/worst (depending on how you look at it) at working the refs with intimidating stares and harsh words. The thought of ringing up Coach Williams (either one), K, and Knight because of a lack of bench decorum seems ludicrous. The ref that rings up one of those Coaches with the game on the line for a lack of bench decorum needs to be examined by a physician for elephantitus of the you know whats.

But coaches who use the F-word, or any other vulgar words, when shouting at the refs, players, fans etc should be rung up. Professionalism and decorum really is not too much to ask, is it?

[elvis14]

But coaches who use the F-word, or any other vulgar words, when shouting at the refs, players, fans etc should be rung up. Professionalism and decorum really is not too much to ask, is it?

F-that! Say whatever you need to say to get your point across if it gives Duke an advantage. Although I will say that coaches shouldn't curse at the fans. But the refs, open season baby...F-bombs away!

[Ignatius07]

Coach K will need to take caution - he fairly frequently leaves the coach's box (though he doesn't go as far as some coaches), and we all know he likes to use vulgar language with refs.

[VAGentleman05]

I'm glad you all recognize K's propensity for a little R-rated language...I'm always stunned when I talk to Duke fans who claim that he's as innocent as a schoolgirl on the bench.

More to the point, Leitao is going to have to appoint a "get-back" coach as well, as he tends to leave the box and drop some bombs himself.

[dukeENG2003]

I see the point in trying to curb vulgar language to fans, opponenets, and to refs, but why should you be restricted in what you say to your own players? K curses when talking to his players on occasion, but its always for a reason (usually, cuz someone really F'd up).

[6th Man]

I think Johnny D better be ready...2 T's I believe is an automatic ejection. Coach K ought to be good for at least 5 ejections if this rule is indeed enforced. I'm not K hating, but this rule really sucks for him!

[chrishoke]

I love the new rule. All of college sports could use more decorum and sportsmanship, me included.

[Bluedawg]

F-that! Say whatever you need to say to get your point across if it gives Duke an advantage. Although I will say that coaches shouldn't curse at the fans. But the refs, open season baby...F-bombs away!

A little professionalism never hurt anybody.

[Classof06]

F-that! Say whatever you need to say to get your point across if it gives Duke an advantage. Although I will say that coaches shouldn't curse at the fans. But the refs, open season baby...F-bombs away!

I agree. I'm not saying everyone should be dropping F-Bombs, but basketball is an emotional game, man. They would never think about implementing these rules in college football. Sometimes you need to use colorful language to get your point across. Those who are quick to dismiss it should take a look at how your favorite college coach handles his team. Anyone who's ever sat in close proximity to Duke's bench in Cameron can fill you in. The players' parents sit right there, too. They don't seem to object and neither do I...

[DevilCastDownfromDurham]

There is one coach nationally that caused this rule to be implemented.

Aww, cut O'l Roy some slack, not everybody gives a sh!t about cursing on live television.

[Fish80]

No worries, K will adapt. He will figure a way to work within the confines of the rule. A decade ago this rule would have been more of a problem for him, not so today. If you watched him with the senior national team, you saw a much calmer demeaner. Clearly that behavior is in his arsenal.

I agree with the thought that Gary will have the most trouble with this rule. He may not make it through a single ACC game this season!

[chrishoke]

"No worries, K will adapt."

Exactly.

[whereinthehellami]

If I'm Coach K, at this point in my career, these are the little things that really start to grate on me and take the fun out of the game. Coach K isn't going to Coach forever and probably only for as long as he still gets enjoyment out of it.

I'm not against this rule but I think the NCAA has some bigger issues that they can spend their time on and should spend their time on. The coach's box part is easily enforced but the verbal part is very subjective.

[feldspar]

I see the point in trying to curb vulgar language to fans, opponenets, and to refs, but why should you be restricted in what you say to your own players? K curses when talking to his players on occasion, but its always for a reason (usually, cuz someone really F'd up).

Simple.

Sportsmanship, as defined by the NCAA, does not include profanity. Doesn't matter who it's directed towards.

Kudos to the NCAA Officiating Committee for finally taking a stand on this, although IMO it should have been done a long, long time ago.

From what I hear, the commissioners have been told to enforce this rule VERY strictly (the NCAA wants to be clear that the directive is not to be a mere token), so get prepared for some T's early as the coaches (K included, of course) test it out a bit.

[feldspar]

I'm not against this rule but I think the NCAA has some bigger issues that they can spend their time on and should spend their time on. The coach's box part is easily enforced but the verbal part is very subjective.

I disagree.

Sportsmanship should always be at the top of the list for things the NCAA should be concerned about.

[jimsumner]

FWIW, K was quite supportive of this initiative in his media conference Friday. Whether he can maintain that equilibrium in the heat of competition is another question. But I wouldn't underestimate the man's ability to stay within whatever guidelines the officials are enforcing.

[Cameron]

F*&% this piece of #*&* rule. That is all I have to say about that.