Awful Partner

[MelbRef]

Originally Posted by JFlores

Did you take the opportunity to talk to them after the game was over?? Some guys are looking for input.

This being my fourth year, I always dont mind a little criticism, I have also worked with guys that needed a little talking to as well and I dont mind sharing my limited knowledge.

Absolutely, most of us are OK with constructive criticism. We also had:
Pre-game prep.
Halftime corrections (survival mode).
Post game discussion.

Tried to be respectful and helpful. Suggested a couple things that they can work on. IMO you can control how you are dressed (no excuse for that). The second guy was flustered and defensive, even though I was very diplomatic. I also think there is no excuse for not knowing the very basic rules such as bonus/double-bonus foul rules (my wife knows this stuff).

[Indianaref]

Originally Posted by MelbRef

Absolutely, most of us are OK with constructive criticism. We also had:
Pre-game prep.
Halftime corrections (survival mode).
Post game discussion.

Tried to be respectful and helpful. Suggested a couple things that they can work on. IMO you can control how you are dressed (no excuse for that). The second guy was flustered and defensive, even though I was very diplomatic. I also think there is no excuse for not knowing the very basic rules such as bonus/double-bonus foul rules (my wife knows this stuff).

Good deal.

[bainsey]

Solid advice all around here.

Still Melb, I have to ask. What kind of training does your association have for first-year officials? (We go through a lot.)

[Andy]

I don't see anywhere in the OP where it said either of these guys were first-years. Big difference between rookies and just plain weak partners.

I have been the assignor and worked more games than I can remember with weak partners. As the assignor, I would more often than not bite the bullet and work with the "warm bodies". Some of these guys thought they were competent officials and did not want to hear anything about how to work the game. Some were older guys that were of the "I've been doing it this way for 30 years and I'm not changing now!" camp.

My way of handling it was to do my job, call my area, and not try to compensate for my partner. If I needed to deal with a coach, I did, but I'm not taking care of something my partner should handle.

I don't think there is any right or best way to handle this situation, just do what you can.

[APG]

Originally Posted by Andy

I don't see anywhere in the OP where it said either of these guys were first-years.

Originally Posted by MelbRef

This has never happened before (good association) but just had two consecutive nights with 1st/2nd years that seemed to have no knowledge of mechanics, rules, and court positioning.

[MelbRef]

Originally Posted by Andy

My way of handling it was to do my job, call my area, and not try to compensate for my partner. If I needed to deal with a coach, I did, but I'm not taking care of something my partner should handle.

This addresses the fundamental options:

1) do the above
2) take over the game, expand your primary, call felonies all over the floor. Save the day.

My mentor suggested the latter.

[JFlores]

Originally Posted by MelbRef

This addresses the fundamental options:

1) do the above
2) take over the game, expand your primary, call felonies all over the floor. Save the day.

My mentor suggested the latter.

Bolded for truth, sometimes you have to over compensate to keep the coach and crowd in control. Thats when you start hearing the "Call it both ways, Ref" from both fans and coaches. Can take a turn for the worse real quick.

I agree with you though, if there is one thing you can help, would most def be the appearance. Showing up looking like a train wreck is not acceptable.

[MelbRef]

Originally Posted by bainsey

Still Melb, I have to ask. What kind of training does your association have for first-year officials? (We go through a lot.)

Inconsistent: 2 yrs ago=none, 1 yr ago=very good, this year= below average. This year was not mandatory, so it's not clear these guys attended.

Clearly better rookie training is required.

Honestly, most of the training is real games under fire with more experienced officials.