Appropriateness

[grunewar]

Originally Posted by mbyron

If I didn't know the officials, I would introduce myself and start the conversation by asking about their officiating background, how much they have worked, where they took classes, what their goals are, etc.

Work your way around to asking what they saw on the relevant play. Ask what rule they are applying. Ask if you can make a suggestion, and if the answer is yes explain the relevant rule. You have no right to correct them, and should do so only with permission.

In my experience, people are most willing to tolerate correction when they feel that you're on their side and interested in helping them develop, as opposed to just being a jerk, or showing off your rules knowledge, or are otherwise there for your own benefit rather than theirs.

I have used a similar approach too, although I don't delve too much into their background.

I introduce myself and tell them I'm an official from x association and usually start in by telling them about some calls I liked or witnessed where I thought they did a good job - ya know kind of develop that "bye in" that you're friendly and not there to be an a$$. Depending on how it goes, I have on occasions asked them what they saw on a certain play.

Seldom, if ever, unelss asked, would I offer a critique, a thought, or a rules interpretation.

Depending on the person/crew, some open up and are friendly, others are stand-off-ish. It all depends......

My advice - be careful, friendly, diplomatic, know your place and when to walk away. Not everyone is up for it. I mean how would you feel?

I know how I would feel as I am always looking to learn and improve .....I also know how some of my partners would feel.