[Back In The Saddle]

Originally posted by ChuckElias

Here's a twist on your sitch. I have a game coming up with a coach that gave me nothing but crap when I was a new ref and didn't know how to handle it. He was a prototypical howler monkey, made things personal, yelled "I know the assignor, blah, blah, blah." The whole nine yards.

Here's the twist -- He's gonna be my partner.

I honestly have no idea how I'll deal with him or if I will deal with him at all. Suggestions welcome.

Well, you begin with an appropriate pre-game (meaning you hide one of his socks while he's dressing). Then move to the coaches/captains meeting where you set the proper expectations by mentioning to both coaches that your partner is new and eager, but not to bright and would they not give him too much crap at first. Keep in mind that the first couple of minutes set the tone for the game, so call a couple right in front of him, and whistle his line once or twice. When a player complains about one of his calls, be sure to hustle on in and tell the player that you'll straighten him out at the half. Once the game starts going to hell, and everybody is mad at him, fake an injury and let him finish it alone. Sit in the stands and write an evaluation to be given to the assigner. Don't forget to mention that he's not in proper uniform because he's missing a sock.

Well, maybe not, but it's sure fun to think about