Consistency and Intimidation

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by freethrow413

OK this is my first thread and I hope I have some responses. There are games I officiate that seem to go as smoothly as possible. I'm in position, making correct calls; everything is easy and flowing. Then there are games when I can't seem to get in the right position or I get caught doing bad habits .(watching the ball, losing concentration. etc.) These are the games when I hear the coaches and crowd complaints more. This causes me to be inconsistent with my play calling. Most games I can recover and regain the focus I need but there are some games when I can't get back in the groove. I'm a very experienced official who is striving to find ways to improve on this problem. Your help is appreciated!

Whenever I have a sequence where a coach starts complaining, or few calls go against one team, I self-talk. It's human nature to want to appease or be the "good guy". But I get in position and self-talk: "referee this play based on what you see, don't worry about the coach."

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by BadNewsRef

I self-talk.

I sing "Don't Mess With Bill" to myself. Seriously. It works. As long as your name is Bill. If it isn't, then it's just silly.