Carrying a weak partner

[Mark Padgett]

I'm sure you realize there's no stock answer to your question. Some "weaker" partners can be very resentful of anything you try to do to help. Conversely, some are grateful for any help. I guess you just try to test them out at the beginning of the game the first time they don't perform up to par by diplomatically asking them about a call. Try not to "lecture" them, but try to phrase your help in the form of questions without being confrontational. Nod and say things like "I see" when they answer. Reply with suggestions in a friendly manner. Unless they're a real jerk (which, unfortunately, sometimes is the case) they probably will become more responsive as the game goes on. You know you've gotten through to them when they start to come to you for advice, however, if they tell you they don't want any, just accept that and do the best you can on your own.

Hope that helps at least a little. Just be patient and accept that you can't turn everyone around.

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Just ask Daryl Long how he handles having to carry a weak partner for game after game, year after year.

MTD, Sr.

[JRutledge]

Mark,

I think that was one of the best answers I have ever heard from you. No sarcasm and just plain dope about the topic. I am impressed my man, very impressed.

BITS,

Mark gave the best answer by far (I would not do any justice to add anything).

Peace

[jeffpea]

usually a weaker partner is just trying to "survive" the game by trying to get the calls right. he/she can't focus on all the "other stuff" (i.e. game management). that's where you have to step in and handle most, if not all, of those duties. take the pressure off of him or her by talking to/dealing with players, coaches, problem situations, etc. they are too busy officiating to notice lopsided foul counts, players who are becoming a problem, and controlling the benches.

you can't make every call for them (although you may have to "reach" a little now and then).

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by jeffpea

they are too busy officiating to notice lopsided foul counts

What do you mean by this?

[jeffpea]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

What do you mean by this?

officials who are "in over their heads" have trouble keeping up with the speed of the game....the only thing they can do is to try and focus on the plays happening in front of them; they do no have the ability to pay attention to game management issues...one of them being the foul count (i.e. Visitor Fouls 8 - Home Fouls 1).

[blindzebra]

Originally Posted by jeffpea

usually a weaker partner is just trying to "survive" the game by trying to get the calls right. he/she can't focus on all the "other stuff" (i.e. game management). that's where you have to step in and handle most, if not all, of those duties. take the pressure off of him or her by talking to/dealing with players, coaches, problem situations, etc. they are too busy officiating to notice lopsided foul counts, players who are becoming a problem, and controlling the benches.

you can't make every call for them (although you may have to "reach" a little now and then).

Why should we care about lopsided foul counts?

Our job is calling what's there, not making the fouls even.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by blindzebra

Why should we care about lopsided foul counts?

Our job is calling what's there, not making the fouls even.

You might not ultimately care, but you might want to know what the fuss is about. Also if I have 8 to 1 in fouls, I certainly do not want to miss any fouls against the team that has 8. Having said that the foul count can get to 20 to 1 for all I care. I think good officials are at the very least aware of the disparity. Often times there is a good reason for the foul disparity like one team playing zone and the other team playing a full court press.

Peace

[blindzebra]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

You might not ultimately care, but you might want to know what the fuss is about. Also if I have 8 to 1 in fouls, I certainly do not want to miss any fouls against the team that has 8. Having said that the foul count can get to 20 to 1 for all I care. I think good officials are at the very least aware of the disparity. Often times there is a good reason for the foul disparity like one team playing zone and the other team playing a full court press.

Peace

We don't need to communicate it's 8-1 with our partners, since we'd be hearing call it both ways and hey ref it's 8-1 from the fans and coaches anyway.

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

Mark,

I think that was one of the best answers I have ever heard from you. No sarcasm and just plain dope about the topic. I am impressed my man, very impressed.

BITS,

Mark gave the best answer by far (I would not do any justice to add anything).

Peace

Thanks, Rut. I guess the meds must finally be kicking in.

[blindzebra]

All you can do is do everything the right way, be a great partner, communicate well at every opportunity, and pay close attention to all the game management issues.

When all that fails, extend as much as you can to keep the players safe, and get in, get done, get out.

[truerookie]

I do not like the term weak partner. It seems harsh. I view those individuals whom may not have fully developed their officiating as a working progress. We all were once viewed into this WEAK PARTNER manner when we first started.

[rainmaker]

Originally Posted by truerookie

I do not like the term weak partner. It seems harsh. I view those individuals whom may not have fully developed their officiating as a working progress. We all were once viewed into this WEAK PARTNER manner when we first started.

Rook-- I respectfully disagree. I would define someone who is just starting out as a "rookie" or a "beginner" or "in over his head". A "weak partner" is someone who probably should be able to handle this game, but just isn't making it, somehow.

There are plenty of those who are working hard and trying to get better, but they're just not there yet. They make plenty of mistakes, but it's a different kind of mistakes from the person who's been reffing for 5 or 6 years and still can't handle a 7th grade girls' game.

The rookie can be instructed and can be managed, he's coachable. The stronger partner can work with him, and help them both work together better. That weak partner is the one who inspired the phrase, "Get in, get done, get out".

Btw, I get the feeling you're a rookie, and not a weaker partner. But of course, I've never worked with you.

[dblref]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

Thanks, Rut. I guess the meds must finally be kicking in.

No, no, no. He was talking about the OTHER Mark.