[stripes]

Originally posted by devdog69
Very good comments made by all. I only have one thing to say about "stripes" comment. You said you had good partners that helped you out so you could learn while doing, and also said you hate it when you get an inexperienced partner. Shouldn't you "give back" to them what you got from others. Really, no matter how long you wait, and it differs by person and by area, there will still be some "on the job" training that has to be done. JMHO.

Fair enough question. Hate it is probably too strong a term. I think that my partners would agree that I try to "give back." I also believe that I am a good partner. I am just a little frustrated this time of the year. My partners lately all seem to fit the "new varsity official" catagory. It seems like every night I am the one who takes care of all of the crap that happens. I guess I am longing for the partner who can hold up his half of the bargain.

It is true that there is always OTJ training that cannot be gained any other way. Sometimes we have to fall on our faces to learn and we need good partners to pick us up and dust us off. I hope (and try hard) to be the partner who does this.