[Adam]

Originally Posted by refesq11

It's definitely something that, IMO, should be pre-gamed, and is where I work. If it's not, and you get a situation like the OP where the partner had to come over and actually switch w/ the calling official after more words were exchanged, I can see this happening.

U1: Hey, Joe, go ahead over to C.
R: Thanks, Mike.
HC: Well, geez! What? Big shot walking away can't handle any heat so you come over here? He's too much of a sissy to take some more words?

My point is, if it's not pre-gamed (or, better yet, an approved mechanic in your area like it is in mine), switching like this maybe can be seen as nothing else than "saving" your partner, and it may escalate the situation more.

If he stops here, I might politely inform him we're simply trying to protect him (the coach). If he continues to the last part, he'll be done for the night.

You're right, ideally, this switch is initiated prior to the coach getting a chance to vent.