‘Give us a quick answer’: NBL coaches have their say on how the officiating can improve

After a rough period of officiating that’s seen growing frustrations and sanctions handed out, NBL coaches have had their say on what they’d like to see change.

NBL referees continue to be in the hottest of hot seats and now coaches have had their say on what needs to happen to improve what is becoming an increasingly strained co-existence.

In a rough period for officiating, where a number of coaches — most notably Illawarra’s Justin Tatum, who copped a $3000 fine for calling the referees “incompetent” — have aired grievances, Crosscourt reached out to several club figureheads in a bid to understand growing frustration with the league’s whistleblowers.

While most declined to comment, despite the condition of anonymity, those who did respond held varying opinions but were keen to propose constructive ways to lift standards and strengthen relationships.

There are varying opinions among the NBL coaches on the standards of refereeing. Picture: Graham Denholm/Getty Images.

There was, however, a prevailing view that in-game communication needed to improve.

One admitted coaches were not innocent “we need to be better at how we ask questions” but refs needed to be more open to “problem solve” with coaches and “listen and give a quick answer so we can move on.”

NBL chief executive David Stevenson praised both referees and coaches for their ability to navigate the high-pressure environment they operate in but acknowledged both sides can always do better.

“We feel good about where the referees are at but we’re always striving to get better,” Stevenson said.

“We’re always supportive of them and it’s a really high-pressure environment and the reality is they’re not perfect.

“They’re not going to get 100 per cent, every call right, in the same way a player doesn’t make 100 per cent of his shots.

Some coaches still feel interpretations are inconsinstent. Picture: Simon Sturzaker/Getty Images

“What we always want to make sure of is healthy dialogue between the referees and coaches, players and clubs

“I think the vast majority of the coaches and clubs engage in a respectful way and that helps referees get better, it helps the coaches get better.

“We recognise that we don’t get every call right and we own that in the reviews we do with the clubs.

Coaches were divided on how fouls are assessed. The 10 NBL coaches had a pre-season discussion with league officials around what constitutes contact.

One coach felt it had become clearer in NBL25 and the game was officiated more like FIBA, which suits the NBL’s physicality.

“They’re allowing more contact on dribble penetration, as long as you don’t use your hands,” he said.

“I think the refs have made a huge change, so now I can tell my players when there is a drive to the basket to put your chest up and show your hands.

“There is some disappointment when you might put your hands on a rival and they’ll call it, while the other team is setting picks that will rip your face off, but, for the large part, it’s better.”

Head Coach of the Illawarra Hawks Justin Tatum was sanctioned for calling referees ‘incompetent.’ Picture: Emily Barker/Getty Images

But some still feel interpretation is inconsistent, which interferes with style of play.

“(Is it) FIBA Olympic-style physical or do we want it blown tighter and have greater protection of scorers?” one asked.

One called on the NBL to be more proactive and address coaches’ questions in the 24 hours following a game.

Presently, reviews of all games are conducted after the round is completed, but this coach wants the opportunity to discuss key calls the next day.

Stevenson said difficulties around that scenario arose with scheduling — a Saturday night game might not finish until after 11pm AEDT and Sunday’s games are usually fixtured for 2.30pm, leaving little time for review.

Originally published as ‘Give us a quick answer’: NBL coaches have their say on how the officiating can improve