He wasn't out, I tell you!

If you don't argue, the skipper can't. Out he storms, his mouth working so hard you'd think he was running for Congress: "My xxx, Carl, that's a xxxxing bad call. Geesh, what were you thinking? My runner beat that throw by half a step. Geesh!"

Stand there with your hands clasped behind your back and, as Joe sang in "Old Man River," you don't say nutin' at all. Meanwhile, your partner should shoo all the players away from the scene.

Eventually, Coach Nasty will "hear" that he's the only one talking. He'll sputter to a stop and look at you expectantly. Ask him once if he wants to know what you saw. Tell him briefly, then turn and walk away. Never argue with a coach. Never talk to a coach except to explain once what you saw. Trust me, it works every time. Oh, if he follows, send him packing. But only amateur coaches ever follow.

Continued...