Preparing for partners who are new

[zeedonk]

I'd appreciate hearing what you vets out there do to prepare for working with 1st year officials. This was me last year and now I have several scimmages and a few games with brand new- maybe 1st time on the floor officials.

I was fortunate to have partners who made me feel as relaxed and comfortable as possible. Never a cross word, always an explanation about a rule, mechanic or a situation. I would like to be able to do the same for this year's new class.

Any particular checklist of things to go over that are over and above the regular pregame conference? Have you ever informed a coach that "hey, my partner today is doing his first game/in his first year" type of stuff? How do you respond to a coach who is asking you about partner's positioning, blown call etc? I will always stick up for my partner, however, what happens when there is an obvious blown call (one is fine, a series is different) and the coaches are on you about him/her?

Thanks for your thoughts
Z