How do you let a referee know that he needs to improve or retire. I've worked several games with a fella who has in excess of 30 years of NFHS experience. Great ref...great judgement...decent mechanics....decent shape. I respect the hell out of him and I've learned a lot from him. He just doesn't understand three-man mechanics. We've gotten in many adverse situations where all three officials were out of position due directly to his inability to remember to rotate. I've tried good natured humor and some light yet serious discussion. I will not go to our assignor...I consider taking that kind of step to be.....disloyal...underhanded.

Input is appreciated.

Rotating
 

One technique that has worked for me when the lead won't rotate is to have the "C" force the rotation by sliding back into the trail position. As the C, if you want a rotation and aren't getting it, it is probably because you need to get a better angle on the play by moving into the trail position.

In my pregame with my partners, we go over how to recognize when a C is forcing a rotation and make sure that everyone else reacts accordingly. Usually if this occurs once during a game, the lead will recognize this situation next time down the court and rotate on their own.

If you are dealing with someone that is stubborn and just doesn't want to cooperate, then you have other problems. But remember, you are only as good as your crew and you are just as responsible for making sure that the crew has a good game as anybody else. If you really have a problem you should talk to the assignor.

Yeah, you and your other partner, who presumably does understand 3 whistle, need to adjust. At least until your vet can start to come up to speed. If he's as good as you say he is it should be worth it.

Have you tried using a magnetic pre-game board, and then tried whipping it out at 1/2-time ?

WHAT?!?! Why in the world would you. . . oh. OH!! The board! Ok, yeah, that'd be ok.

Chuck

Sorry, an old Blazing Saddles joke, when the new sheriff "whips out" a copy of his speech. Couldn't help myself :D

Chuck,
For that you deserve a "laurel.... and hearty handshake.":D

...But watch what yer grabbin'...!

Agree!
http://213.239.157.21/smilies/laurelandhardy.gif