Switches

Originally Posted by Kansas Ref

it is very important, in fact crucial, that you Switch after fouls are called, especially shooting fouls. It helps to maintain balance, objectivity, and credence towards players and coaches. One of the most frequent complaints of coaches and fans is "call it both ways", if a different ref calls the same violations then that satisfies their critique. Not that they will agree, but it lends a huge amount of objectivity. Plus I like to get away from the lead or trail position, take a mental break. Had a partner who eschewed switching, we conflicted a lot.

During some summer rec ball games partners will wave me back when I go to switch, and tell me not to switch at all. We 'switch' at halftime when the teams switch and we stay on the same end. Yes I know that's bad. Once I was doing this and a fan yelled at me in the first half: "call it both ways!" I replied "I will, in the second half."