Reffing with the experienced guy who calls nothing?

[Dan_ref]

Originally posted by Pirate
O.K., so far I've got "call your own game" to "let the players adjust" to cover as much as you can in the pre-game.

The pre-game is a great suggestion in theory, but I think all of us know that once the ball goes up, my partner is still gonna let the forearm in the back go while I may ring him up. I have never had that much luck "deciding how the game will be called" in the pre-game.

As for "let the players adjust," I think Dan hit it right on the head. So, unless I get any more responses, I'll stick with the "call my own game" theory. It's really what I had planned on doing in the first place, but I was wondering if any of you had something more specific you would say or communicate to your partner in this difficult situation? Thanks.

Here's some other advise. Since this is your first
varsity game (or maybe just your biggest) and your partner
is a "big dog" maybe you should try to let him set the pace
and tone of the game. Yeah, call your game, but if you're
on your 3rd whistle in the first 2 minutes and he still
has nothing then you might need to let some things go.
Also consider that at this level the play is faster and
more physical and the players are more athletic. I'm sure
you know to hold the whistle and let the play develop.
Keep this in mind going in. Have fun & let us know how it
goes!