NCAA Cracking Down On Basketball Coaches Using Foul Language

Brey Agrees With NCAA's Plans To Crackdown On Coaches' Foul Language

A point of emphasis for college referees this year "will be cleaning up bad language” from college basketball coaches, according to Jeff Rabjohns of the INDIANAPOLIS STAR. Coaches no longer will receive warnings for foul language, as the first use of a profanity will earn a technical foul and a second use will result in an ejection. The crackdown on language “is part of a broader directive to police sideline behavior in general.” Purdue men’s basketball coach Matt Painter said, “I’m not saying I don’t swear at all, but it’s not like you have to do it.” Notre Dame men’s basketball coach Mike Brey said, “We’re supposed to be educators. I think we need to keep that in mind with language, body language, staying in the darn coaching box and staying off the darn floor. I think it’s all good stuff. There are a lot of people within earshot of the bench.” Rabjohns notes the emphasis on profanities follows “what the NCAA sees as success in two other sportsmanship areas.” Recent penalties stemming from a crackdown on fighting and taunting “have resulted in fewer incidents of both” (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 10/22). ACC Officiating Coordinator John Clougherty said, “With every situation, with every rule, there’s spirit and intent, and also common sense has to prevail.” However, some coaches are concerned the NCAA “will award postseason officiating opportunities based on how those rules are applied” (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 10/22).