Where do I get these ideas? I get many from pouring over customer’s videotapes. Here is one I saw in about four different tapes, four different levels of play, men and women.
The self-reffing opponent is a breed of player who is very frustrating. This player always has their off racquet hand up on any winning pass that they cannot get to. They often hold up when there is nothing to hold up for. They always think they get every ball but their opponent can not. In tight matches they aim for their opponent and hit them on purpose and then turn around and beg for an avoidable on their opponent.
A weak referee is putty in this player’s sandbox. That opponent is playing and reffing at the same time and the Mr or Ms Weak Ref is enjoying their camaraderie and calling the game with the help of their new friend, your opponent. Often this player is a top seed and thus, the ref is like Sally Fields in that movie, “They like me, they really really like me!” That ends with a scenario of two against one!
When I quiz my players on this do you know what I hear? I will never play like that or I am better than that. Whoa, wait a minute here-what is fair is fair. Stop being a victim is what i say. Here are some pro-active things you can do.
1. If you know you may get a weak ref, go to the tournament director and try to get a strong ref. I know you might make a scene but you paid to enter a tournament and you deserve a fair match!
2. Before the match, go to the ref on the side and explain how your opponent’s off arm needed surgery because they hold it up so much or how they often hit people on purpose or whatever quirk your opponent has.
3. Play the ball not the ref. or the self reffing opponent.
4. If you want to go for the sportsmanship award, and overturn calls, be my guest, but do not expect anything in return unless your opponent is way ahead in points and wants to do a crowd pleaser move! (this type of player is famous for that also)