Pre-game habits, rituals, etc.
 

Up late packing for a trip and got to thinking...I have some rituals/habits that I go through before every HS game I do, and I'm sure some others do too. What does everyone out there have to do before a game? Do you have to get dressed one side before the other, listen to music, etc? Thought this might be a fun little topic to get going.

There are three things I have to do before a game.

-While driving to the game, I have a certain playlist on my iPod that I listen to. For some reason, music helps me start to get focused.

-After getting into the locker room, I always stretch first. I have to start stretching my torso first, then my legs.

-Right before my partner and I take the floor, I always do a little bit of shadowboxing in the corner. It helps get my heart pumping and ready to go.

Maybe I'm just crazy for doing all this. Feel free to make fun of me as you see fit :)

Pre-Game Ritual
 

My favorite pre-game ritual is to get to the dressing room early and shave. Goofy, but somehow it impresses a mindset that has yielded good results.

If at all possibly I try to get a shower and shave in right before I leave for the game. Don't know why, but it helps me feel fresh and ready.

I've also got a warm up/stretching routine that I use that has really helped me physically. Each year it seems more and more important, too!

Hey Everybody, Our Referee Tonight Is Rocky ...
 

If the coaches, or players, see you doing this, it will certainly give them pause before giving you a hard time.

Shave And A Haircut, Two Bits ...
 

Thanks for posting this. By the odd looks I get from my partners, I thought that I was the only official who does this . I get a pretty heavy five o'clock shadow, and use an electric razor in the morning, which doesn't cut as close as a blade, so my pregame shave just makes me feel better. A little splash of good old fashioned Mennen Skin Bracer and I'm ready to take on the world.

If I have a game that involves a coach that likes to get up close and personal, I like to have a pregame meal (definitely Italian, :D) that is loaded with garlic and onions, :D, and then I do not brush my teeth or use any mouthwash before the game, :D.

But, seriously, I like to get to the game site early so that I can get ready for the game in leisurely manner.

MTD, Sr.

Yes. I do the outside first. :rolleyes:

I must admit, shadowboxing does sound cool. It really sends a message.

[QUOTE=Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.;545736]If I have a game that involves a coach that likes to get up close and personal, I like to have a pregame meal (definitely Italian, :D) that is loaded with garlic and onions, :D, and then I do not brush my teet or use any mouthwash before the game, :D.

I don't brush that part of my body prior to a game either, but if it instills a renewed focus on the game at hand, maybe I should try.

USDA Regulations ...
 

My cousin is a dairy farmer. According to USDA regulations, he has to do this, and has no choice in the matter.

Did you hear about the cow that tried to jump over the barbed wire fence and was udderly destroyed?

(Thanks Freddy and DonInKansas)

You should stop doing it before you go on the court and do it during the introductions of the starting players. It will show everyone you mean business.

Red Bull and three Aleves.

:)

I usually arrive early.

Get dressed except my shoes.

Look over pregame notes.

Look over notes in my journal.

Pre-game with partner(s)

Stretch

Tell a joke and smile just before we enter the court

Like "how many assistant coaches does it take to change a light bulb?"

Uhm, why do you ref without shoes? Is this a regional thing?