Communication with Table

[tomegun]

+1 on the table personnel getting paid in Southern Nevada. They are also part of our association, attend meetings and receive instruction.

[TimTaylor]

I always take the time pregame to introduce myself to each of the table crew by name and shake their hand and welcome them as part of the officiating crew - maybe joke that it means during the game they can cheer for anyone they want...as long as they're wearing black & white striped shirts.

Then I'll usually say something like "I know you've all probably done this many times, but I'd like to briefly go over some basics to make sure we're all on the same page and communicating the way we're supposed to." Reviewing the new mechanic, as mentioned by BayStateRef, could be a good way to segue into the subject of the warning horn. I keep it brief and to the point, then ask if they have any questions. Unless something strange comes up, the whole process takes less than a minute.

For the record, most of the table crews I've worked with have been great. Sure there's the occasional prima donna, but fortunately they're few and far between.

[Rufus]

I've worked as the R for sub-varsity only but always make a point of introducing myself and explaining to them the timing on horns. Just this past weekend we discussed the 20 seconds for players who fouled out and he diligently gave a horn at 15 seconds left and when it was done.

The point about checking to be sure they have a timing device is a good one too. This weekend the clock operator didn't have a watch but he pulled out his phone that had a stopwatch app.

I'll also go check the official book at the end of every period to make sure the books agree with each other as well as with the scoreboard. That's a great time to crack a joke with them (something like, after completing the review, "Thanks, and you guys are doing great, I don't care what my partner says about you"). Obviously you need to be judicial in using humor but I've found it a good way to make the table feel like part of the team.

Anything that can build rapport with the table crew is good in my opinion and will pay dividends during the game.

[Mark Padgett]

Of course, none of the table personnel for the kids rec leagues I work get paid. I like to approach them just prior to the game and ask them if they've done this before. About half the time, the answer is no. I then say, "You are familiar with the metric system, aren't you?" Usually I get a smile/chuckle but every once in a while one of them will say, "Are you serious?", especially if it's a younger kid.

Also, if they do a good job, I have two comments:

1) "You're doing such a good job I'll see to it you get paid double!"
2) "You're doing a great job. Can you stay and work the rest of the games?"

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by tomegun

+1 on the table personnel getting paid in Southern Nevada. They are also part of our association, attend meetings and receive instruction.

You better delete this post before chseagle sees it.

[chseagle]

Originally Posted by grunewar

This is just a set-up thread for the Eagle isn't it?

Originally Posted by BillyMac

You better delete this post before chseagle sees it.

Actually all I have to say about this from the perspective of table personnel is to pregame with them your expectations and remind them of any regulations that directly affect their duties/responsibilities.

As to being part of the same association as the floor officials, I wish we did do that here but it just is not going to happen, so I'll just continue following the recommendations in the back of the officials manual.