How should a newbie handle this?

[mbyron]

Part of learning to officiate is learning to deal with various kinds of partners. You learn a lot about a person when he or she makes a mistake, or when you do.

When approaching a partner about a perceived error, try to treat your partner as you'd like to be treated. Generally people are threatened less by questions rather than accusations. You're more likely to get a non-defensive hearing by pulling your partner aside and asking "Hey, are you sure the ball comes in at the division line? I thought for an intentional foul it came in at the spot nearest the foul," rather than shouting across the court, "Hey! Not there! That's totally wrong!"

What your partner does next will tell you about his or her character. Some will puff up and tell you to piss off and mind your own business; some will honestly think you're wrong but listen to you. You have to work as a team to try to get it right. Usually the more veteran official will prevail -- that's OK, and no system is perfectly reliable. Make your case and look it up when you get home. Don't claim more knowledge than you actually have.

And if a coach complains, your team is on the same page no matter whose page that is: "Coach, we talked about it and this is what we decided. We're all working hard to improve."