[DownTownTonyBrown]

Obviously if it is a smooth running game with veteran officials that work together often then the R's duties are no more than what Mick has suggested... act the part of the leader and toss the jump ball.

In a highly contested game or a game with a veteran R and a somewhat Rookie U, the role of the R is significantly different. He must do more than act the part of the leader... he must lead. He does this by having an in depth pregame with you, discussing idiosyncracies of the teams/coaches, what to expect, how the officiating team of you and him should respond, proper mechanics, where your attention should be focused, particular plays/acts that you should watch for, giving praise during your game to boost your confidence, etc.

This is how the R accomodates your abilities and hopefully raises you to a higher performance level. The R's goal should not only be to provide a well officiated game to the teams but also to help you have the best game you've ever had... to stick up for, help, reinforce, and guide you to that higher level.

Each game and each partner is different and you may not always get this from the R. Perhaps you will have to provide this kind of encouragement to your partners.