I'm about to take on my first VAR game...

[Luv4Asian8]

...and am a little nervous. Even though I now have a season under my [flex]belt, it was a season of middle school through JV. I have a mindset of approaching this game like any other, even though it's Varsity and the Championship tournament.

Any tips to help calm these butterflies?

Thanks

[blindzebra]

It is another game, the difference is the players are better. Once you get used to the change in ability of the players, it becomes easier.

In fact, varsity games are easier than lower games, once you get used to the speed. The kids know what they are doing and fewer weird things happen.

[Tim Roden]

The only thing hard about varsity is handling the coaches. You have to be a bit more flexible in handling them. Don't let their screaming about a play get to you. You let it get to you and your game will go south fast. Stay focused and stay positive. The crowd won't be a factor. It is harder to officiate a game with 10 people watching than with 1000. No one person can anoy you then. Enjoy.

[Mark Padgett]

To paraphrase Woody Allen - "Varsity games are just like any other games - except different".

Hope that helps.

[JRutledge]

You will be nervous. You will mess up. And if you want to continue to do them, you will get over it.

This is just a first step in a long journey. Enjoy the ride.

Peace

[rainmaker]

Go early and watch a little of the game before yours.
Spend a few minutes talking to yourself about being sharp and on the ball.
Be sure your partner knows it's your first varsity game, and that you feel very confident and have a good anticipation.
Go out and hear the music.
Most of all have fun!

[Dan_ref]

Juulie and Jeff gave great advice.

You'll be nervous. You'll likely screw up. It's OK. Don't worry about dueling with the coaches if they want to test you. It's OK to not blow your whistle. If you have a good partner he'll lower his trigger and T anything that moves. Try to get there first, relax, follow your partner's lead.

Have fun!

[zebraman]

You're there because someone thought you could handle it. Smile once in a while... enjoy it. It's the reward of working hard at your craft.

Z

[Rickref]

I was told at a camp to break the game down in 4 minute sections and concentrate hard for each section.

[Hawks Coach]

Originally posted by Rickref
I was told at a camp to break the game down in 4 minute sections and concentrate hard for each section.

This is good advice for all participants

[TPS2859]

You will have two other refs with you, get to know them the best you can before the game. They wont let you down, meaning they will keep you from going down in flames. So enjoy the ride and dont let your butterflies jinx the moment!

[rainmaker]

So, Luv4Asian8, was it yesterday? How'd it go? Did you get any sleep afterward?

[TPS2859]

And if it was yesterday did you replay it all night long in you head?

[zebraman]

Originally posted by Rickref
I was told at a camp to break the game down in 4 minute sections and concentrate hard for each section.

I suppose that is meaningful to some, but sayings like that always make me laugh. Why not break it down into 16 two minute sections. Why not break it down into 32 one minute sections. Or maybe, just concentrate for one big 32 minute section.

Yeah, I know.. I'm being sarcastic and the point is to maintain focus, but some of these "ref sayings" are pretty inane when you really think about them.

One time an official told me that the middle of the third quarter was the most important part of the game for us to set the tone. I'm still trying to figure that one out. Maybe I'm just too dense.

Z

[Rickref]

I'm not smart enough to figure out the 3rd quarter thing either. But the four minute deal comes from the D1 guys, TV timeouts.