Partner Help

[mbyron]

For a jumpy new official, remember that on the floor distraction is part of the problem. If an experienced partner is coming to him with 9 things to work on during every dead ball, that's only going to make things worse.

BBR's suggestions are good for homework. On the floor, try to identify 2 or 3 things for him to work on right now, this game, and don't mention the rest. If every partner he has for the season does that, he'll be a lot better after just one season.

With a jumpy rookie, you will have to watch the entire floor. But slow your whistle way down: give him an extra second or two to catch what's in his area. For the sake of the game, though, if he doesn't get it, then you should. Make sure that he knows you're trying to help him by doing this. Doing so will also help keep the coaches off his back (they don't care who makes the call, as long as someone does).

When he gets a borderline or better call right, make sure he knows it. Positive reinforcement is great for confidence building. Make a big deal of his correct calls, and ignore incorrect ones on the floor unless they're too bad to let stand (in which case, give him what you've got and ask him if he'd like to change the call -- but let him do that).

Remember that experienced officials make mistakes too. Treat him with respect, and make sure that the coaches do as well. He might not be cut out for officiating, but you can't know that in advance.