bad night

[Mark Padgett]

Earlier this season, I worked with the top evaluator for the main officials association in our large metro area. He is a 30+ year vet. Even though I am in my 22nd season, I knew he was going to "take the lead". So, before the game, I took a preemptive strike. I told him I really appreciated the opportunity to work with him and that, even though this wasn't technically an official eval situation, I would greatly appreciate any advice he could give me.

This played right into his ego and the rest of the night he was extremely helpful (he thought) and actually took the role of "protecting" me from criticism (like I really need help).

It worked out fine.