Lousy Partner, Lousy Me

[IowaMike]

I think everyone has experienced this. I am in my 3rd year and have worked with some bad partners. It makes me realize how much fun it is to work with a good partner. I worked with a guy last year in two freshman girls games on consecutive Saturday mornings that were the worst games of my life. Nice guy, experienced varsity softball umpire, the worst basketball official I have ever seen. He liked to do things like, call a foul and not report it; give the ball the the shooter for free throws when players were still moving into the lane, in the wrong spots etc. Actually handed the ball to a player from the wrong team to shoot the opponents free throw at one point. I eventually felt obligated to keep track of what he was doing as well as my own responsibilities. Coaches were *****ing to me about him the entire game but never said much of anything to him. I told a few assignors to never put me with him again. These games in addition to a few others led me to seek out a partner for this season, which is common in this area as you move up. I am probably working over half of my games with him this year. I don't think I have figured out any way to make games with bad partners better. It just makes me appreciate the good partners more.