Calling Like Your Partner

[stan-MI]

Switching on all fouls per the manual is the best way to balance out the calls, when you have a partner that calls a game tighter or looser than you. I don't regularly work with the same partner or crew. Sometimes during a break, I might tell my crew, "We've got to tighten up a little" or "I've let a little too much contact go." On the floor, I try not to tell my partner directly that he's screwing up the game. By blaming myself, or taking joint responsibility, I hope to send a message. In the lockerroom, at halftime or after the game, I'm more direct.

I've never had a partner tell me to lighten up on my whistle. I have had them tell me to go out and get certain calls. That's fine. I take no offense. But the "veteran JV" official usually is a hopeless case.