For example, referees may be instructed to be strict in relation to player and coach behaviour, which may result in them calling technical fouls quicker than the teams may expect.

Accordingly, coaches should “scout” the tendencies of referees, taking notice of trends in how the game is being called. For example, are they strict or lenient in relation to “hand checking”, movement by screeners or contact with cutters off the ball. In addition to games that they watch or play, coaches can speak with other coaches about the tendencies of referees.

A better source of information though is the referees themselves and coaches should in particular use the “pre-game” meeting with referees to discuss any particular emphasis that they might have.

In a league season, the coach may be able to invite referees to a practice session (particularly in the pre-season) to referee a scrimmage, which again gives players and coaches the opportunity to observe how the referees are calling the game.

Finally, the coach can speak to whomever is in charge of the referees to discuss any trends in how the game is being officiated.