[scott1231]

"How" we say something is just as, if not more, important as "what" we are trying to say.

If I have a "bad" partner (constantly out of position, uniform probs, poor timing, red*a*s*s* looking for problems, no communication, etc ...) yes, I will bring it up in my own way.

I usually don't have conversations with my partner during the game, unless it's crucial. It's not rude, just being professional about it ... and that's part of my pre-game. "If we need to talk about something in between innings, give me the sign. Otherwise, we'll hook up after the game."

After the game, I'll never just offer my opinion about what they need to work on. That is not my place. If they ask, but are the type of person who just wants to look and sound like they're receptive, then I just blow it off and make a mental note to watch to see if they've made any changes if I'm ever assigned with this person again.

I also have a good working relationship with our board, who makes recommendations to the assignor. I'll let them know, because apparently they respect my opinion. Earlier in my career, I just kept it to myself. As I have worked my way "up," and have earned their respect, they've come to me for my opinion on a few others.

If it's an umpire that I think is not ready for upper-level games, I'll always give a Bad News Sandwich (here's what they did well, here's what they need to work on, here's what I think will happen if they work on these things ... bad news in between good news).