Smitty Time!

[Tom H.]

Originally Posted by jicecone

Early in my career I would shy away from partners that I felt were not up to par, good, horrible or just plain sucked and also ask not to be paired up in later games.

As I became more experienced I looked at it as an oppurtunity to pass on what I have learned and even took the time after games to back up what I was saying, with rules interpretations and others books that I always carried in the car.

I actually witnessed many officials improving because someone took time to help them. There is just so much to learn and some think it happens over the night, but it takes time. During that time, making mistakes was part of the lessons.

So, it is easy to find fault with what your partners do or do not do but, you are a team out there during the good and BAD times. Anyone can take credit for only the good things the team does but helping the team to improve is also a responsibilty each one of us have. Wether our partner is a rising star or a Smitty that has been around for ever. Old dogs CAN learn new trickes, I have seen it happen.

I would call my assignor and let them know about Smitty or Johnnie but, I would ask him to schedule some other games with him so I could followup with a lesson. Maybe a game less intense if applicable but I would always followup.

I realize some do not want to take on that role as a teacher, but it always worked for me and I think it's a responsibilty that more experienced officials should take on, to pass on to those that will fill our shoes.

I agree with many of the points that you have made. I too remember those who took the time to give a few pointers and advice (even a couple of times only via email). Of course, I was always (or at least tried to be) open to what I was receiving and truely had a great desire to improve (THAT has not changed).
Now that I have a few more games / clinics behind me, I too try to help my partner get better. I only have one rule: that partner MUST be receptive to what I 'have' for him. If I hear any kind of comment or statement that indicates an unwillingness to even listen to what I may have, I stop, shake his hand and leave.

An example would be when my HS game did not happen because one team did not show up, I decided to stop by a game on my way home (good school/program) and see who was working. The two guys working that day were only 2nd or 3rd year members of the Unit. When the BU noticed me watching, came over between innings he asked " you got anything for me" so I figured he would be receptive. I asked him if the BR had touched first base on that single to the out field. "I don't know" was the response. "That's your touch" I said. His response: "I don't think so!" "that is the PU....he doesn't have any thing else to do" (on the play he did not pivot and never took his eyes off the ball).
On that note I was gone. Don't think he has yet to get a play-off game or even a Varsity game.