In putting together a presentation about officiating, one of the topics will be: "What makes for a good partner?" What do you think? What do you like from your partner? All ideas, advice, suggestions welcome!!

My thoughts.
 

1. Show up on time.

2. Be willing to have a lengthy pre-game.

3. Communicate on the floor when necessary.

4. Put your ego aside and work as a teammate, not as an individual.

5. Pay attention to what is going on. Basically do not fall asleep on the court.

6. Do what you actually discussed during the pregame.

7. Communicate what happen in the first half and what the teams are doing or trying to do. Do not just BS during the halftime about how good the cheerleaders looked.

8. Do not be in a hurry to put the ball in play.

9. Do not sell out your partner to the coaches. Your partner(s) is the only friend you have

10. Hustle, hustle, and more hustle. Then hustle some more.

These were just off the top of my head but I hope that helps.

I agree with what Rut said. His points 3, 4 & 8 probably cover one of my pet peeves - a partner putting the ball in play without making eye contact with me to see if I'm ready, which includes me being in position and making sure there are the correct number of players after substitutions.

I usually don't appreciate partners who put down other officials to me. Although if it's coaches they're talking about - cool!

I also object to partners who have just eaten bean burritos before the game - or worse, at halftime!

Rut --

I don't always agree with you about everything, but I think this is just about the best summary I've ever heard on this topic. Let's call it the Ten Commandments for Officials!!

Off the top of my head.
 

Well if you agreed with me all the time I would really be shocked no matter who you were. ;)

But having said that, these were just off the top of my head. These are just things that if every one of my partners would do and I do, we would have very little problems. I am sure I can come up with a couple more during the camp season. I have not been doing that much basketball lately, so I am sure more things will come to mind.

Peace.

Re: My thoughts.
 

I really like this list! I would change #3 to say
"Communicate on the floor *always*". I would also
add an 11th commandment:

11. Love what you're doing! Once you stop enjoying your
time on the floor (which includes the players & coaches)
it is time to quit.

I agree, this list is great. I'm printing it out and putting it on my bulletin board (with Dan's addition). I'd like to add another one.

a) See and Call the same game
the coaches want and more importantly, the players NEED, consistency. if we expect them to adjust to the game we're calling, they need to know the parameters.

thanks,
jake

CONSISTENCY IS THE KEY

The players feel bad when calls and no-calls seem different at each end. Not that it is done on purpose. Most refs are giving 110 percent.

A good partner.....reads this forum!!!!!!!!

AK ref SE

I like Rut's list. 1 thing I would add at the beginning is to start your communication with him/her 3 to 4 days in advance with a phone call. Just call and verify when and where the game is and what time you can be and should expect him to be at the site. Sometimes you can arrange traveling together.