OK - enough nonsense. Since the board is slow this summer, let's get into some philosophy.

List the three most important attributes you want in a partner. I'll start.

1) good rules knowledge
2) good communication skills
3) keeps importance of game in perspective by demonstrating occasional humor

I'm serious about the last one. There's nothing worse than working with someone who thinks a kids basketball game is the most serious event on the face of the earth.

1. Good rules knowledge and application.
2. Communicates well (with partners, players and coaches)
3. Works hard.
4. No matter what level the game is, I agree with Mark's #3. You gotta have fun!

1) I would change that to good game knowledge. It's important to know the rules, but I think it's better to the game overall. Perhaps someone who has been a former player or (gasp!) coach who has a working knowledge of the game can better apply the rules as they are intended.

2) Absolutely. Your partner may make all the right calls, but if they don't know how to communicate them, it will be a long game.

3) Would be nice, but I have known people who aren't good at humor, and when they try to be funny it comes out feeling forced and wrong. I would think it's better to be relaxed and comfortable; not appearing too uptight and nervous. If you have a partner that has a sense of humor, also knowing when to use it can be just as important. Just remember to have fun!

As long as they can call a good game, I can work with almost anyone.

I prefer, however, to work with someone who is willing to discuss things with me before, during, and after the game. Maybe because I am new at this and I need/appreciate the help, or maybe just because it is more enjoyable to work with someone that shows interest in what is going on.

To list three I'd say:

1) Competent
2) Communicative (on the court)
3) Personable (off the court)

Nah. This happens only once each game. FYI - I don't allow overtimes.

BTW - you're not going to make too many friends here with that tag line.

I'm kind of surprised that you're bringing this topic up again, Mark. Didn't you just recently tell us what attributes you were looking for in a perfect partner? :confused:

http://www.elyse.ca/Cinema%20Secrets...eree%20394.gif

Shortly to be gone again.

1) good rules application
2) good hustle and attitude
3) good communication
Z

Love those mechanics.

1) Professional (shows up on time, knows and uses the proper mechanics and the rules, isn't lazy, trying to improve every game)

2) Supportive

3) Communicative

Is fishnets number 4?

Since, I am a rookie here is my two euros'

1. Communicates eye contact; ball location; mechanics

2. Loud whistle sometimes my hearing is bad

3. Refreshment after the game Sodas' of course :)

1)Decisive
2)Consistant
3)Will whack a coach if they cross the line


And of course you have to have fun :cool:

The best partners I've had a chance to work with; some international-level officials, generally had the following attributes:

1. Communication Skills
2. A feel for how to apply the rules
3. Quiet but firm confidence (although occasionally loud)

With one partner in particular, everybody - players, coaches, table personnel, fans - love to see him walk in the gym for their game.

D@mn. I'm gone for a short time and I miss more fun.

1. Court Presence
2. Appearance
3. People skills

Peace

1. Someone who's willing to work with me. Nothing worse than a partner who's "too good" for me, or above me.

2. Solid rules knowledge.

3. Great dead ball officiating.

She can practice blowing my whistle ;)

1. Pleated & beltless pants
2. No patent leather shoes
3. No fishnets
:D

1. Communication
1. Communication
1. Communication (with me verbally, with me silently, with the table, with the fans, with the players, with the coaches, you get the point).

4. Someone who "has my back" - not that they have rabbit ears, but that they won't hang me out to dry with a coach, and will T someone up for something against me that I don't see or can't call.
5. Rules knowledge. This probably comes from 4 years of working intramurals - partners had a good feel for the game, but our rules sessions only covered part of the book. I could easily see this changing to decisiveness over the next year or so.

1. Good rules knowledge and how and when to apply it.

2. Good court presence and personality.

3. No showboating, grandstanding, or "one-upping" their partners.

While this can be the case, it can just as often be a curse. I've seen many former players/coaches that <em>think</em> they know the game call every myth in the book making the game harder for those that really know the game. Some don't ever study the rules. They assume that they don't need to since they were a good player/coach.

I agree wholeheartedly. I guess I wasn't clear in that you need to also know the rules; it's hard to have one without the other. Just having been a part of the game results in what you mentioned. Just knowing the rules without knowing the game results in an official making 20 3-sec. calls in a game. I've had people ask me to officiate volleyball and soccer, but one of the main reasons I don't is because I don't really know those games. Yes, I can study the rules, and I can go watch several games, but I still would not have that "feel" for the game like I do in basketball and baseball/softball.