Carrying a weak partner

[truerookie]

Rainmaker, I respectfully, respectfully do not wholeheartly agree with you. I am not trying to defend anyone I'm just stating that the term "weak partner" is too harsh of a term. In our own personal opinions, anyone could be classified as a "weak partner if they do not meet our expectations as officials. This is my point.

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".

I understand from your aformentioned statement that consistency is optimum when working with someone who needs more seasoning as an official. However, what about those officials whom been calling five or six years and all it's been is Rec Ball. How do we categorize them?

a) rookie
b) beginner
c) in over their head
d) weak partner

Finally, I like the parting shot you took. You have in your own personal opinion just categorize me as a rookie. Why do we have to put people in categories we do not know personally?

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

[Scrapper1]

Originally Posted by truerookie

Finally, I like the parting shot you took. You have in your own personal opinion just categorize me as a rookie. Why do we have to put people in categories we do not know personally?

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

I don't think it was a shot. I think it was intended to be a compliment. You may be a new guy (rookie), but you want to get better, you're willing to discuss and learn and you're on your way to being a good official. You're NOT a 7th year guy who's still only doing rec leagues (weaker partner).

[truerookie]

Originally Posted by Scrapper1

I don't think it was a shot. I think it was intended to be a compliment. You may be a new guy (rookie), but you want to get better, you're willing to discuss and learn and you're on your way to being a good official. You're NOT a 7th year guy who's still only doing rec leagues (weaker partner).

Scrapper, initially, I did not see it as a compliment. I viewed it as a shot based on the content of the thread. However, now you have pointed it out. I can err on the compliment side aspect.

[rainmaker]

Originally Posted by truerookie

Scrapper, initially, I did not see it as a compliment. I viewed it as a shot based on the content of the thread. However, now you have pointed it out. I can err on the compliment side aspect.

Right. I was calling you what you call yourself, a rookie. And doing it in a good way. You are NOT a weak partner, even if you're in over your head, sometimes.

In answer to your question about what to call someone who's done several years of rec only, I'd say it depends largely on their attitude. When they first come into "official" ball, are they willing to take the next step? Do they listen to suggestions and try to get better? Then they're rookies-who-are-working-hard. Or taking-the-next-step. Or if they get into a tough game, but give it their best, they're in over their head, but working hard and learning fast. Otherwise, they're just "weak partners".

[truerookie]

Rainmaker, everything is cool. It has been about four years since I researched and found this site. At the time, I thought it would be interesting to identify myself as a rookie to the people on this site. Informing them, I am/was new to the avocation. I have grown tremendously as an official from those on this site. Even the ones who may have stated, I should take my officials shirt and work at Champ's shoe store. They know who they are!!

It is my belief that in some capacity we all can be viewed as a weak partner to others. I believe it is safe to say we all have weaknesses. Thus, labelling someone else as a weak partner in my opinion is inappropriate. I know I have weaknesses I'm human.

[blindzebra]

Originally Posted by truerookie

Rainmaker, everything is cool. It has been about four years since I researched and found this site. At the time, I thought it would be interesting to identify myself as a rookie to the people on this site. Informing them, I am/was new to the avocation. I have grown tremendously as an official from those on this site. Even the ones who may have stated, I should take my officials shirt and work at Champ's shoe store. They know who they are!!

It is my belief that in some capacity we all can be viewed as a weak partner to others. I believe it is safe to say we all have weaknesses. Thus, labelling someone else as a weak partner in my opinion is inappropriate. I know I have weaknesses I'm human.

So what would be a better term for that partner that is making your life a living hell? IMO, "weak" is being nice.

Now we can try to break down why they are "weak" and that can lead to different descriptions:

1. New...now this is where we all were at one point and while it isn't always fun, very few of us hate working these games if the new official is trying to get better.

2. The rec ref...these guys hate real reffing because of the politics, IOW, their way didn't cut it so real reffing is beneath them. They won't use the proper mechanics, they are 5 years behind in rule changes, and you won't have much of a chance to make them better...or your day easier.

3. The cash cow ref...these are the guys with the $10 dollar, light weight, collared ref shirts...usually untucked...metal, pea whistle, no mechanics, have never seen a rule book much less read one. IOW, our worst nightmare.

Now, it's possible to have overlap as well. The #1 fast on the way to #2 or #3. Usually, it's the combo of #2 and #3 that is the worst.

[truerookie]

Originally Posted by blindzebra

So what would be a better term for that partner that is making your life a living hell? IMO, "weak" is being nice.

Now we can try to break down why they are "weak" and that can lead to different descriptions:

1. New...now this is where we all were at one point and while it isn't always fun, very few of us hate working these games if the new official is trying to get better.

2. The rec ref...these guys hate real reffing because of the politics, IOW, their way didn't cut it so real reffing is beneath them. They won't use the proper mechanics, they are 5 years behind in rule changes, and you won't have much of a chance to make them better...or your day easier.

3. The cash cow ref...these are the guys with the $10 dollar, light weight, collared ref shirts...usually untucked...metal, pea whistle, no mechanics, have never seen a rule book much less read one. IOW, our worst nightmare.

Now, it's possible to have overlap as well. The #1 fast on the way to #2 or #3. Usually, it's the combo of #2 and #3 that is the worst.

Blindzebra, you have raised some valid points. You also imposed a question upon me which I will answer.

Your question: So what would be a better term for that partner that is making your life a living hell? CLUELESS!

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally Posted by blindzebra

So what would be a better term for that partner that is making your life a living hell?

Old School.