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In order to be sharp and "ready to officiate" from the start, develop a pre-game routine. By creating a set pattern of habits (actions or self-talk affirmations), your body and mind are put into an "auto-pilot" mode that then is prepared for what happens next (the beginning of the game).
For instance, during the National Anthem I ALWAYS do the same thing: stand at attention, pick out a star on the flag to concentrate on, repeat silently during the fist half of the anthem - "you are the best official on the floor, your calls are correct, you are a Division 1 official", and hum the instrumental baseline for the second half of the anthem.
As a result, I am mentally prepared, focused, and alert to begin actively officiating from the very beginning of the game.
imho, It is MUCH EASIER to be "on your game" from the beginning, than it is to "pick yourself up" after a lackluster start
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