You Can't Always Get What You Want

Wanted: An official who is knowledgeable, in good physical shape, experienced, can handle pressure, and is a team player.

Any official would be thrilled to work with other officials who possess those qualifications. Reality, however, often dictates otherwise. Sometimes we find ourselves paired with officials we'd prefer were working field A when we are on field B.

Sometimes it's out of our hands. Certain online assigning services force you to accept contests before you know who your partners are, or you are the only one available and the assigner needs you desperately. That's when you need to show a little decorum.

Upon learning you're paired with an official with whom you have a difference in personalities or philosophies, you need to enter the contest with a clean slate. Perhaps the conflict was a one time thing. With luck the other official may have received new training and is much improved. It benefits the entire association if all members work with and know one another- particularly on the lower levels. Those sub-varsity games might be the only chance for new officials to work with veterans.

What else can you do to make the most of a potentially bad situation ?

Keep an open mind.Just as it is important for officials and players/coaches to have a rapport, it's crucial for officials to work well together, too. Everyone prefers to work with certain people - that's human nature. But it benefits no one if you walk into a contest thinking, "Geez, I have to work with so and so...This is going to be a disaster".

if you're a veteran and see tha you'll have an inexperienced official with you, be ready to help him or her. Make them feel at ease and provide a confidence boost. Remember, you were a young official once. Think back to what veteran said or did that helped you and try that with your less experienced partner.

Set an example. There's no excuse for giving less than 100 percent just because you're not thrilled with your partner. If the other official kicks a call or performs a mechanic incorrectly, maintain good body language. Don't let the coaches, players or fans see you roll your eyes, drop your shoulders or shake your head.

Coaches who are more familiar withyou or those who recognize that your partnerisn't as skilled or confident will sometimes attempt tohave you overrule another official. Politely, but firmly decline those requests. By overruling, you can ruin any confidence your partner has, or obliterate the other officials credibility.

Don't lose your professionalism. We've all worked games in which too many or not enough infractions were called. Don't consciously try to make up for your partner's lack of calls by making phantom calls, or ignore fouls or violations because your partner is making what you perceive to be too many calls. If your partner makes an obvious error in judgement, don't make a make-up call to compensate. Call what you see and see what you call.