Level of Officiating

[bbcof83]

As a younger official I do find myself struggling with this issue from time to time. In my under-varsity games I have no problem calling my game and, if needed, I don't hesitate to step up, "be the man" for that game, and take control no matter the experience of my partner. I haven't yet put my finger on why I can't do this at the varsity level yet. Probably just inexperience...

I think mbyron is right that sometimes "officiating down to your partner's level" is driven by a drive for crew consistency. I know this is wrong but in my head I'm thinking: "I'm not about to start calling everything to compensate for him/her. And if s/he let a lot of contact go at that end, I better let it go at this end. Right?" That's what goes through my head at the time. In actuality, I'm lowering myself to my partner's level. How do we combat this erred thinking?

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by bbcof83

I know this is wrong but in my head I'm thinking: "I'm not about to start calling everything to compensate for him/her. And if s/he let a lot of contact go at that end, I better let it go at this end. Right?" That's what goes through my head at the time. In actuality, I'm lowering myself to my partner's level. How do we combat this erred thinking?

Stay focused and call your game. Don't worry about "this end, that end," because if you're switching correctly (or initiate some extra switches) it will even out.

If a coach complains, just say, "Coach we're all doing our best out here." Leave it at that.