When to give it up...

[rainmaker]

Originally Posted by Chess Ref

I'm at the point where my schedule is all over the place . For example last night I do a Boys Jv followed by the Girls Varsity. It was strange for me to have to make a shift that quick.

Feel like giving me ,,say 3 things ,that would help me make the transition a little smoother ?

Last year my schedule was all over the place. One four day period I had boys varsity, girls JV (small school), girls varsity (high level) and 6th grade boys. What helped me the most was to do more pre-game and post-game mental exercise than usual. Concentrate on adjusting A/D toggle switches, rules variables, physical reactions and expectations of outcomes. And keep reminding yourself that variety is the spice of life!

[TD21]

I don't know that there are any concrete things someone can give you to help you adjust. Its different for everyone. Some people are better at going from a girl's HS game one night to a men's college game the next. Others have a really hard time with it. If you are still going to do both, then you have to find what gets you prepared before each game. Some focus on the rules differences others on the style of play. I work a variety of different levels and genders and I think the biggest difference is the speed of the game. There is no way to adjust to that. The only way to get use to it is by doing that level a lot. So if you work a lot of girls HS, for example, and only one or two men's college, those men's college games are going to seem very fast, in comparison of what you are use to. Can it be done? Sure it can. Like I said, for some it is easier than others. So if you are one that it comes easy for you have nothing to worry about, just know the differences. If your one who the change doesn't come easy for, you either have to find a way to make the transition easier or make some changes in your schedule.

[rainmaker]

Originally Posted by rainmaker

Last year my schedule was all over the place. One four day period I had boys varsity, girls JV (small school), girls varsity (high level) and 6th grade boys. What helped me the most was to do more pre-game and post-game mental exercise than usual. Concentrate on adjusting A/D toggle switches, rules variables, physical reactions and expectations of outcomes. And keep reminding yourself that variety is the spice of life!

And don't toss every night. That's way, way too much adjustment for one weekend.

[jdw3018]

I only want to add onto the post to say how interesting it is that there seems to be so many places where this choice is available. I'm now officiating in the second state I've lived, and both states have the same setup for regular season varsity games - officials do either a V or JV G/B doubleheader. In Kansas, many times I'd have three games - JV B or G, followed by the V G/B doubleheader.

So, almost every time I go out it's to do two games (every once in a while there will only be one), and almost every time it's a girls game then a boys game. Guess it keeps me on my toes!!