Do you call a coach "Coach"?

Just got into an argument with a media pal of mine.

He argues that he calls coaches "coach" because it's a sign of respect and they deserve it. I haven't called a coach "Coach" since I was in college. I argue that if you call someone "coach" you are setting yourself up as if you are in a subordinate position to him. Maybe it's silly, but I feel like calling the coach by his name makes you equals, which is the basis of a solid working relationship. He's got a job to do and you've got a job to do and each of you should look out for yourselves.

I think you show respect to a coach by how you treat him, not by bowing down before him and kissing his butt. I understand that calling him "coach" doesn't quite equate to kissing his butt, but it's a subtle way of establishing -- in his mind anyway -- that he's above you on the pecking order.

Thoughts?

 

How much trouble can you get into using the words sir, ma'am, and coach?

How much trouble can you get into if you do not use them?

I would say, a high school coach in front of his or her players should always be coach.

 

Eh ... I've wondered about it a few times and, typically, I try not to call coaches "coach," but sometimes -- when it's the first or second time I'm dealing with them and I can't remember their name, I'll resort to "coach."

A lot of kids I know, at least in my area, don't call their coaches "coach" though, so it sounds silly if I do and they don't.

 

I'll post this here before shockey comes on and obliterates me...I don't get how "coach" is a term of respect or putting someone above you on the scale.

There's nothing "respectful" about coach. It's a job title. Same as if he called me "reporter" or something. Doesn't put me above him either.

I used it if I didn't know the guy that well. If a prep team I was covering was on the road, the other coach was "coach" because I'd feel odd if someone I didn't know and had never met called me by my first name. Weird.

Coach is a catchall word. It's not respect. It's a damn word.

 

I've called a coach "coach." I don't think it's that big a deal. Hopefully, my writing and reporting gave me the respect I deserved. (Maybe none!) But I can see why some reporters don't want to do it.

 

If he's not your coach, as in he's not teaching you the game or giving you a scholarship, then don't refer to him as such.

 

Do it. Don't do it. Whatever. Not a big issue either way. It does come in handy if you blank on their name, though

 

never do this

ever

people have names for a reason

 

I think either way is good.

 

I call coaches "coach" and I call everyone else "sportsfan."

I am just bad with names.

 

Exactly. A good reason to use the word. If you're not sure, "coach" works just fine.

Sometimes, I use it out of respect - those who have been respectful to me, without pretense, will get every benefit of the doubt. Some aren't very respectful and I adjust accordingly. Others don't mind first names ... it comes with familiarity of your beat and job.

 

i only call someone coach when i feel as though they deserve a really solid verbal fellating.

people in the business call me tom. i refer to them as mike, bill or sue.