Awful Partner

[RookieDude]

Originally Posted by Back In The Saddle

no matter how much pain he causes, remember you are better off with him than without him.

Hmmmm...maybe it's my arrogance...but, this is the only point, out of your illustrious list...that I have to disagree with.

Bits...you know you could do a better game by yourself, than with the partners described in the OP.

[TimTaylor]

BITS,

I like the list - good suggestions. Only thing I would add is don't overload them with too much information all at once - focus on one or two things. When they're new and struggling, it's very easy for them to go into information overload just trying to keep up with the simple basics we all take for granted - be prepared to spoon feed it as needed.

[Back In The Saddle]

Originally Posted by TimTaylor

BITS,

I like the list - good suggestions. Only thing I would add is don't overload them with too much information all at once - focus on one or two things. When they're new and struggling, it's very easy for them to go into information overload just trying to keep up with the simple basics we all take for granted - be prepared to spoon feed it as needed.

You are absolutely right. "As needed" is a very good way to approach it. With one partner, just "confining" him to his area might be enough simplifying to get him on his feet. With another, getting him to blow his whistle on most OOB or obvious fouls might be the most you should ask for. I have had both of those partners, and survived.

I'm not sure if you were referring to this, but even with the most inexperienced partner, I would not scrimp on the pre-game. Certainly he won't remember to do most of what's talked about, but I want him to know what "we" are doing so he has enough information to follow my lead (e.g., I'm coming toward him before the first free throw because we're switching, I'm standing at mid court with my hand up because I'm bringing in subs, etc.)

[TimTaylor]

Originally Posted by Back In The Saddle

.....I'm not sure if you were referring to this, but even with the most inexperienced partner, I would not scrimp on the pre-game. Certainly he won't remember to do most of what's talked about, but I want him to know what "we" are doing so he has enough information to follow my lead (e.g., I'm coming toward him before the first free throw because we're switching, I'm standing at mid court with my hand up because I'm bringing in subs, etc.)

Agreed. The pre-game is not a place to scrimp. If anything, it can help give you a feel for your partner's experience and comfort level, and what you might want to focus on. It's also a great time to get the communication process started. When I'm working with someone that I know is new or doesn't have a lot of experience, I make it a point to have a brief, casual "getting to know each other" conversation before launching into the pregame, and may modify it accordingly.

[Back In The Saddle]

Originally Posted by RookieDude

Hmmmm...maybe it's my arrogance...but, this is the only point, out of your illustrious list...that I have to disagree with.

Bits...you know you could do a better game by yourself, than with the partners described in the OP.

Perhaps you could. The very few solo games I've worked have not been very good experiences. Honestly, working solo is a skill that I do not want to get good at.

[Upward ref]

Originally Posted by Back In The Saddle

Perhaps you could. The very few solo games I've worked have not been very good experiences. Honestly, working solo is a skill that I do not want to get good at.

With 3 games under my belt, I had to call a mens rec league game by myself last Friday. They were all middle age, Ex William and Mary alumni . They did a lot of hollering who's ball it should be etc, and I let some mild cursing slide ( not at me ) but it wasn't a total disaster , just a partial !
Our assignor certainly makes allowances for what he calls "greenhorns" but absolutely wont tolerate unprofessional conduct or dress. We've had good training and mentoring I believe . My girls JV partner tonight just assigned himself to be my mentor effective immediately ! It also helped that he knew some of the fans that were giving me the business!

[Terrance "TJ"]

My first game last year I had the fans all up in a frenzy. But I had a partner that was patient (most guys in our association are good guys and would've been the same). He would talk with me during time-outs, dead balls, between quarters. I know he saw the slight panic from time to time. I also was lucky that the school's AD was an official. So the coaches knew I was "a little wet behind the ears". Once the coaches (never the fans....fans don't ever let up, rookie or 20-30 yrs. vet.) saw that I was being receptive to my partner, talking/discussing and taking small direction from the AD when he could slip in it there, they backed off.
All I would ask(ed) {on the DL..herniated disc } of someone calling with me is to realize I'm trying my hardest, talk with me...not to me, and be receptive of something I might need to ask/clarify.
Now the appearance is just not ok, even in my book. I knew I would need to put out money, and thats what I did. If you look good doing it, you won't stick out as much (hopefully).

[badgerfan]

Interesting thread--very good points by everyone here. I am a 5th year official with a lot of experience in Middle School games.

This week I was assigned a Boys MS game with a partner who is an excellent Boys HS Varsity player (may be going to the next level). Because he had practice prior to the game, he arrived several minutes before tip-off. I was unaware, until his arrival, that it was his first game----had limited pre-game with him. His appearance was OK, but had the signs of 1st time---weak whistle, zero mechanics, etc. Fortunately, the game was a blow-out.

I will be working a Boys MS game with him again this week---may have limited pre-game because of his practice schedule. However, this game will be very competitive between rival Private Schools. Fortunately, I have worked many games with these schools & have "respect" of the coaches---probably why the assigner matched us up.

"Back In The Saddle", you provided many useful points---Thanks for your input.