Ball Watcher

[Hartsy]

Last night I had a partner who was new to me. I've never worked with him, nor seen him work any games. In fact, had never met him. Given this, it didn't bother me too much that before the first of our 2 games we taked mostly about how long we've officiated, and some about our jobs, etc.

That was a mistake. We needed a good pregame, but I'm not so sure that would have helped. I should have known it was trouble when one of the first game related questions he asked was if I had ever ejected anyone.

Anyhow, it was his ball watching that really got to me. He whistled calls that were squarely in my primary, and where I had a clear view. No trainwrecks or contact that I missed, he called violations, only one of which I was even close to calling myself, and more than once called my OOB line.

At one break I gave him a strong hint that when coaches ask me about my partners call/no call, I usually tell them "I didn't see it. I WAS LOOKING WHERE I'M SUPPOSED TO LOOK." That didn't work.

It became a get in, get done, and get out situation for me.

My partner was pleasant enough as a person, and almost as experienced as me, 3 seasons to my 4. I wonder if I should have said more, or just remember that if I work with him again I need to bring it up.