Why the "Good Cop, Bad Cop" Officiating Philosophy Doesn’t Always Work in High School Basketball

As a high school basketball official, I’ve seen my fair share of different officiating philosophies. Some work well, others... not so much. One approach that never quite sits right with me is the so-called "Good Cop, Bad Cop" strategy. You’ve probably seen it in action—a two-person or three-person officiating crew where one ref plays the "nice guy," keeping the peace with coaches and players, while the other is the enforcer, quick with the whistle and laying down the law. On paper, it might seem like a clever dynamic, but in reality, it creates more problems than solutions.

The Problem with Inconsistency

One of the biggest flaws in the "Good Cop, Bad Cop" approach is the inconsistency it breeds. Basketball, at its core, is a game of rhythm and flow, and officiating should reflect that. When one official is letting minor infractions slide to maintain rapport with coaches while the other is rigidly enforcing every rule, it confuses players and coaches alike.

Players adjust to how a game is being called. If they see one official allowing a little more physicality while another calls everything tightly, they don’t know how to play. This leads to frustration, unnecessary fouls, and ultimately, a game that feels disjointed. Coaches, on the other hand, will quickly identify who they can work and who they need to challenge, leading to more confrontation than cooperation.

It Undermines Crew Unity

A successful officiating crew is built on trust and cohesion. When you step onto the court with your partners, you should all be on the same page—enforcing the rules fairly and consistently. The "Good Cop, Bad Cop" method creates an unnecessary division within the crew. If one official is constantly playing the diplomat while another is the disciplinarian, it can lead to resentment, miscommunication, and, ultimately, a breakdown in teamwork.

More importantly, it erodes credibility. If a crew isn’t unified, it becomes evident to the players and coaches, and once that happens, the game can quickly spiral out of control. A strong officiating team needs to present a united front, where every official calls the game with fairness, professionalism, and consistency.

The Reality: You're Both "Good Cops

Instead of splitting roles, the best officiating crews operate with a mindset where every official is a "good cop" in the sense of being professional, approachable, and fair. That doesn’t mean letting things slide or trying to be everyone’s friend—it means communicating effectively, making the right calls, and treating players and coaches with respect.

There’s a misconception that being a "good cop" means being lenient. That’s not the case. The best officials strike a balance: they enforce the rules but do so with composure and clarity. They take the time to explain calls when appropriate, listen to coaches without being influenced, and carry themselves in a way that earns respect without demanding it.

The Importance of a Consistent Voice

Coaches and players appreciate consistency. If they know what to expect from an officiating crew, they can adjust accordingly. This is why pre-game communication is so critical. Before the game, my crew and I discuss our expectations—what we’re looking for in terms of legal guarding position, how we’ll handle hand-checking, and what kind of communication we expect from coaches.

When we establish consistency early and maintain it throughout the game, we eliminate the need for a "Good Cop, Bad Cop" dynamic. Every call, every interaction should be built on a foundation of fairness and clarity. When officials call the game the same way from start to finish and across the entire crew, the game flows better, and there’s far less confusion or hostility.

Managing Game Flow the Right Way

Now, some may argue that certain games require a bit of "give and take" between officials to manage emotions and prevent escalation. While there’s truth in that—game management is an essential skill for any official—it doesn’t mean abandoning consistency or creating artificial roles. Instead, game management should be about recognizing moments when communication can de-escalate a situation, using a calm presence to settle players or coaches down, and applying the rules with the right balance of authority and empathy.

For example, if a coach is upset about a call, rather than playing "bad cop" and shutting them down immediately, an official can acknowledge their frustration and give them a brief but firm response. “Coach, I hear you, but that’s what we saw.” No need for an argument, no need to over-explain—just a direct, professional response. If every official in the crew follows this principle, there’s no need for one official to play "good cop" while another plays "bad cop."

It’s About Respect, Not Authority

One of the biggest misconceptions in officiating is that control comes from authority alone. In reality, the best officials control a game through respect—not fear. If an official earns respect by being fair, consistent, and professional, they won’t need to rely on intimidation or harsh enforcement tactics. Similarly, if an official is approachable and communicative, they won’t need to rely on another partner to be the "tough one."

The best officiating crews understand this dynamic. They work together, communicate effectively, and maintain a presence that commands respect naturally. This doesn’t mean being a pushover or avoiding tough calls—it means handling those calls with confidence and consistency, without resorting to theatrics or manufactured roles.

When Officiating Out of Your Area

This philosophy becomes even more critical when officiating outside your usual region. As a South area official, when I travel to the North, even though I’ve watched film on many referees, I haven’t been part of their pre-game chats about officiating philosophies. This is even more relevant during the postseason, when traveling across regions means working with different officials regularly.

The key in these situations is to keep things simple and concise. Avoid risky or unconventional calls—stick to the fundamentals and prioritize consistency. The biggest issue I’ve encountered is that some college referees struggle to adjust to high school rules, mechanics, and, most importantly, crew dynamics. While it’s great to have experienced officials from all levels, ego and bravado can sometimes negatively impact the officiating experience.

That’s why I teach all my officials to keep it simple and never overcomplicate the game. This approach is especially vital when officiating out of your usual area or when working with a crew that lacks experience or is driven by ego. Keeping things straightforward ensures the game flows properly and prevents unnecessary conflicts.

Conclusion: A Better Way Forward

The "Good Cop, Bad Cop" officiating philosophy may have been around for a long time, but it doesn’t belong in modern high school basketball. It creates inconsistency, undermines crew unity, and does little to earn the respect of players and coaches. Instead, officials should strive for a unified approach—one where every member of the crew is fair, professional, and consistent from start to finish.

Basketball officiating isn’t about playing roles; it’s about ensuring the game is called the right way. If every official buys into that philosophy, we eliminate the need for artificial dynamics, and the game benefits as a result. So the next time you step on the court, leave the "Good Cop, Bad Cop" routine behind and focus on what really matters—calling the game the right way.