Mentoring a New Official

[Mark Padgett]

OK guys, which way do you think you should act in this situation? Your newbie partner makes a call and a coach jumps all over him for it. Should you:

a) get in between them and deal with the coach
or
b) let your newbie partner deal with it

While it may seem obvious to do (a), I've heard from some guys that doing (b) is better because that way the newbie will learn how things really work at games and that you can then discuss it with him or her later. IOW, the more real their experience is, the more it will truly prepare them for officiating in the future.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

OK guys, which way do you think you should act in this situation? Your newbie partner makes a call and a coach jumps all over him for it. Should you:

a) get in between them and deal with the coach
or
b) let your newbie partner deal with it

Why does it have to be one or the other?

How about (b) for a while, then (a) if needed (it lasts too long, newbie doesn't look like he's dealing with it, etc.)

[Adam]

I wouldn't say "a" is obvious at all. Don't give the noob enough time to drown, but let him swim for a bit and see how he does. It provides a great teaching moment later.

And if he doesn't need it, then you've just undermined his credibility for no reason.

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

Why does it have to be one or the other?

How about (b) for a while, then (a) if needed (it lasts too long, newbie doesn't look like he's dealing with it, etc.)

Excellent post, I like that way of thinking!

Have your partners back but allow them a chance to get their own front.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

OK guys, which way do you think you should act in this situation? Your newbie partner makes a call and a coach jumps all over him for it. Should you:

a) get in between them and deal with the coach
or
b) let your newbie partner deal with it

While it may seem obvious to do (a), I've heard from some guys that doing (b) is better because that way the newbie will learn how things really work at games and that you can then discuss it with him or her later. IOW, the more real their experience is, the more it will truly prepare them for officiating in the future.

I think it depends on the officials involved. Many times I feel a young official needs to learn on their own how to deal with a coach. My job if I am the veteran to make sure things do not get too far, but not my responsibility to handle it for them. If the officials gives a T, I will try to get them out of there so they do not give the second one (not because they do not deserve it, but I would like to give the second one so the coach cannot claim this official had it out for them).

Peace

[brainbrian]

Thank you all for the posts. I'm looking forward to being a mentor to someone.

[zm1283]

Tell him to slow down when reporting at the table. That was one thing that took me a while to learn.

[RCBSports]

Well, let me give you my point of view from being a new official working with others.

When I first, first started out, the older officials would make me do the pregame with the referees, toss the ball, the whole ten yards. Which helped; it helped me learn to step up and be a leader.

Encourage them to participate. They would often talk about getting together to discuss a tough call, such an intentional or an odd play with a weird ruling.

Let the new official know that they shouldn't be afraid to speak up if they know something.

When I first, first started, I often asked the officials what is one thing I need to work on, and let me know at the half. Then during the second half, I would work on correcting it; I would then do the same after the game...I would ask what is something else I need to work on. I would then write it down and try to work on it the following game. From there, my game would improve.

Make them feel like they are wanted. I have too been on the flip side where officials would criticize left and right and make me feel like crap.

So yea, friendly advise, making them like family goes a long way.

Just my two cents.

-Lucas