Moving Up / Working with Same Partner

[PeteBooth]

If the members do not mind I would like to get away from the rules / mechanics type threads for a moment, especially after my last debacle. I have 2 topics in mind and rather than make 2 threads I decided to make 1. If others want they can expand or make a new thread from the below topics.

1. Moving-Up
I would like to thank the members of this and other Boards for what I feel contributed to my upgrade in "status". In HS I have been upgraded from a level 3 official to a level 2.

The NY association I belong to has 4 numeric codes for grading officials with level 4 being the entry level grade. Level 1 is the highest.

While I appreciate the updrade, I will now venture into "uknown waters". By "uknown waters" I mean different players and coaches.

While we all want to move up, there is a certain level of comfort in umpiring games in which we know the players and the coaches. We know who has a "quick fuse", what we can expect from each coach etc. The coaches / players know what to expect from you and you in turn know what to expect from them.

Therefore, I seek advice on what I can expect as I encounter different coaches / players. Will these new coaches try and "test me" as a Quarterback in Football would test a rookie cornerback?

Also, I will be working with some "old Vets" who are set in their ways. The one good thing about working at the level 3 / 4 grade is that the "new guys" are not afraid to try some new things (other than the norm) which have been mentioned in past threads on this Forum. However, I will now be working with umpires who have some 20 - 25 years experience. Again advice on this issue would be appreicated.

Number 2. Working with the same partner.

In HS I realize this is a hard task for an assignor because each one of us has our own work schedules, but I personally like working with someone whom I am familiar with especially in a crucial game. Also, as mentioned above, I also like working with someone who is not afraid to try new
mechanics other than what has been the norm for years.

What's your views on working with a familiar partner?


Pete Booth