How to do your best with new/sub-par officials?

[just another ref]

The following line often goes through my head during a game, particularly when I have a partner who does not call much: "If he can't call that a foul from there, there's no way I can call it a foul from here." IOW, don't try to compensate for what you perceive to be a marginal partner by making marginal calls yourself.

Find a compliment anywhere that you can. Often if your partner is really that weak, the coaches and fans won't even bother complaining to him, but instead will direct it all to you. "C'mon, ref, you're gonna have to help us with that one."
etc. etc.